The cafe has well and truly caught on to the curtain craze Ideal home Desk and beyond. An adorable way to add privacy to your home, adding cafe curtains provides the ultimate window treatment. We especially love them as an easy, practical and affordable way to lean into the bistro trend for the kitchen.
In 2026, Kitchen trends It’s all about creating comfortable, inviting spaces that feel like your favorite restaurant or cafe in the comfort of your own home. Small touches are the ultimate way to achieve this – from the cafe curtains For banquet seating and work LightingLayering these bistro-inspired touches will make your kitchen table a place guests will want to linger.
While it is completely achievable to DIY cafe curtains yourself (I recently made this cafe curtain for my kitchen and it cost less than £35), understandably, you’ll probably want to buy ready-made. Opting for made-to-measure cafe curtains can add up quickly, so I’ve found three affordable high street retailers that sell cafe curtains off the rack, saving you time, money and hassle.
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1. Anthropology
(Image credit: Anthropology)
It was somewhat surprising when I was browsing Anthropology and stumbled into the cafe curtain. It’s potentially confirmation that the trend has made it into the mainstream, but one that’s more than welcome.
These cafe curtains have been given the Anthropologie treatment – updated with fun trims, playful color palettes and interesting fabrics. While cafe curtains are typically made in cream, semi-sheer linen materials, the choice of anthropomorphic patterned materials gives a contemporary twist to the traditional design.
Anthropology
Cotton Woven Striped Cafe Curtain, Set of 2
Blue is a big interior trend this year – I love how the blue stripe in this curtain reflects the sunny skies outside.
Anthropology
Lena Sheer Woven Cafe Curtains, Set of 2
Tie-top curtains add a touch of whimsy to your window coverings and allow the pole to remain visible.
Anthropology
Printed Cotton Tie-Top Floral Cafe Curtains, Set of 2
If you have a neutral interior, these block print cafe curtains will complement the space perfectly.
2. Dunelm
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Dunelm One of the top places to buy affordable cafe curtains, and you can even buy fabric by the meter to make your own. They have a range of window cafe curtains and undercounter curtains, great for hiding appliances or open kitchen storage – I’m refreshing the page waiting for Linford Strip undercounter curtains To get back in stock to hide my washing machine.
The advantage of Dunelm is that it’s very affordable, so if you’re willing to do a bit of DIY to trim the curtains to the right length, you can buy some budget-friendly options.
Dunelm
Bees Cafe Type Unlined Slot Top Single Curtain
This bee-themed curtain is adorable and will add a playful touch to a country kitchen.
Dunelm
Ariel Lightweight Cafe Curtain Fabric by the Meter
For a traditional café curtain look, choose this sheer fabric that can be bought by the metre.
Dunelm
Frilled slot top unlined undercounter curtain
These undercounter cafe curtains will hide too messy or unsightly appliances.
3. Amazon
Amazon Where I immediately went to buy a cafe curtain pole and Wundaweb so I could hem my own curtains, but I didn’t realize what widths of ready made cafe curtains they had available.
Unlike the Dunelm and Anthropologie choices, many of Amazon’s options come in different lengths, so you can choose the option that best fits your window. Priced at around £20, you can also get your complete set-up for around £35 – the same amount I paid for it DIY. In hindsight, I would probably go this route.
I paired this with a sleek brass cafe curtain pole that has a small recess and sits subtly against the window frame.
Amazon
Topic Green Striped Linen Blend Kitchen Curtains
I love the playful tie-tops of this linen look curtain.
Amazon
Topic Linen Look Kitchen Curtains
This more subtle striped material will look perfect in a country kitchen.
Amazon
Topic Taupe Striped Kitchen Curtains
This taupe striped curtain will complement many color schemes.
Do not forget about fixing
Whether you’re making your own curtains or opting for a ready-made option, these extras will help you get the job done.
MforStyle
Mforstyle Light Extendable Cafe Rod Mini Curtain Pole
After trawling the web for cafe curtain poles, this was the perfect slimline option that was also very affordable.
Amazon
Wonderweb Woundweb Extra Strong Ham
WundaWeb is an absolute closet staple for me – it made this project so quick and easy.
Dunelm
Extendable net curtain and voile tension rod
If you have a deeper window frame, extendable poles are the ultimate no-screw solution that will be very easy to put up.
Since I made my own cafe curtain, my kitchen and living space feel more comfortable and inviting. It softens the overall look which is often needed in a cooking space – for an affordable home decor hack, I couldn’t recommend it more.
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