We have Cafe Curtains in two of our windows at the Georgian Flat. They are easy to make. I found working out what was needed, and researching where to buy everything from was the hardest part! I used different poles and clips for the two windows, all the sources and links are below.
The components that you need for cafe curtains are:
A Cafe Curtain Pole or it’s sometimes referred to as a Cafe Curtain Rod
Cafe Curtain Clips or Rings
Or a Telescopic Curtain Pole which does not need clips or rings
The actual Cafe Curtain Linens themselves which is the curtain part that you hang
kitchen cafe curtains
The Cafe Curtains in the kitchen at The Georgian Flat softens the rather grey Northerly light in there. It is a Georgian 6 paned sash window. I positioned the pole about an inch above the window rail (the middle horizontal bar where the sash lock is!)
I bought the 12mm deVOL Aged Brass Café Curtain Rail which comes in 4 lengths: 600mm, 1000mm, 2000mm and 3000mm. The fixing brackets and Cafe Curtain Clips are included.
I bought the 1000mm which comes with 3 brackets to mount it to the window and 12 Cafe Curtain Clips. It does need cutting to size, I got my builder to do this.
I love this deVOL Aged Brass Café Curtain Rail. It has an aged brass living finish and is beautifully hand-made as are the gorgeous brass Cafe Curtain Clips. The clips hold only the lightest of curtains. This pole won’t work if you want to use a curtain that’s lined or a thicker material.
The Cafe Curtain itself is this washed linen curtain from Zara Home. I used the 140cm x 270cm size. The width of the fabric is about one and a half times the width of my window. I sewed the hem with a Cream Thread that matches the existing stitching but you could use wonder hem.
budget options
I’ve struggled to find a budget brass 12mm rail. An alternative would be this one which is 16mm to 19mm depending on the length you buy (it’s telescopic). I have used this before, it doesn’t look quite as authentically aged but it’s still lovely when the curtain’s on.
For a budget-friendly option, you could use these lookalike brass end brackets with the lovely rounded cap-ends.
I am a huge fan of Rub ‘n buff pastes. I find the ‘Antique Gold’ a really good old brass colour if you need to dull down the brightness of a gold pole or the polished brass brackets. It’s easy to apply and give a very good effect.
The deVol Cafe Curtain Clips are handmade and unique. I did find these lovely alternatives, (after much digging!) They are made of shiny brass but could easily be ‘dulled’ with the Rub ‘n buff (see above!).
bedroom cafe curtains
The back bedroom at The Georgian Flat has two windows next to each other. The view from there is of the service yard. There are some lovely plants out there, but also the bins and the fire escape. Cafe curtains are a great solution as they still let in plenty of light but provide privacy and disguise. I hung them quite high, probably three inches above the middle of the sash window.
I used this curtain pole in the 60cm-110cm length. It comes in lots of sizes and finishes. I used the antique bronze which looks like aged brass. It is telescopic and easy to put up – no drilling!!
I love the striped blue and white curtains. They add just the right amount of pattern to this room and of course look fresh and coastal. I have used these curtains in a few projects now. They are unlined but quite a thick cotton and very easy to cut down and hem.
bathroom cafe curtains
The window in the Georgian Flat’s bathroom is larger and so I used a 19mm made-to-order brass rail from Jim Lawrence. This Cafe Curtain Rail is a lovely aged brass and you can specify the exact length that you need – no cutting required! This rail does not come with window brackets or Cafe Curtain Clips which are sold separately on their website.
You may need to use curtain rail brackets that you screw to the window reveals rather than brackets that screw to the window frame. This is what I had to do. These Brass End Brackets did the job perfectly and the aged brass finish matched the rail well.
I used the same Zara Home Washed Linen Curtain which has a pre-sewn channel that you can slide the pole through which raises the curtain up so you lose the gap between the top of the curtain and the pole. However, I do love the look of curtain rings with clips and used these here.
I sewed the hem on mine but you could use wonder hem if you prefer. I used a Cream Thread that matches the existing stitching called Vanilla Cream.
assembling the bathroom cafe curtain
black cafe curtain poles
Black rails can look as lovely in a more modern property as a cottage.
I have used these telescopic poles (you can thread the header of the curtain through, not need to use curtain rings or clips) which are available in matt black.
Alternatively, use this matt black 16mm-19mm pole with these matt black end brackets and these matt black curtain rings. If you are using a lighter fabric you can use these black curtain rings with clips.
stay at the georgian flat in Cornwall!
The Georgian Flat is one of our Holiday Cottages in Cornwall.
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