Cafe, or tier, curtains are designed to hang from the middle of the window to the bottom of the window sill. They provide privacy while letting in light through the top portion of the window. Like most other curtains and drapes, cafe curtains are typically installed with two panels per window. The panels can completely cover the bottom half of the window, or be drawn to the side when more light is desired. Cafe curtains are usually made of unlined, lightweight fabric, and are often sheer or lace. Traditionally, they are most commonly white, but today there are many other color and pattern options available. Historically, cafe curtains are meant for kitchens and dining areas, but they have many applications in modern homes. They tend to soften spaces and can pull a whole room together by complementing the colors of the floors, walls, and rugs. This style of window covering is great for bathrooms since they provide the privacy required without completely blocking out light. Tier panels are not typically used in bedrooms since they don’t cover the entire window, but for those who like to wake up with the sun, they work well. Today, many people work from home and therefore have home offices. Cafe curtains can make the perfect window coverings for these spaces. They allow in natural light while still providing privacy from your neighbors and passersby so you can focus on work. For living spaces, cafe curtains are perfect for windows behind furniture, like couches or decorative tables, since they don’t have to be opened and closed daily. Ultimately, tiers can be used anywhere where you want both privacy and light flow at the same time. Cafe curtains can be hung with decorative cafe rods, traditional curtain rods, or spring tension rods. There isn’t necessarily an “ideal rod” for tier curtains. Generally they will look great on any of the three types listed above, it all just depends on the look you’re going for and the level of convenience you want. Spring tension rods are easily installed without any additional hardware, whereas other types of rods must be mounted to the window frame or wall. Mounted rods will generally be more secure and spring tension rods can be easily moved or swapped out. People often picture cafe curtains having an outdated look, but with the large variety of styles available today, this is far from the truth. They can easily fit into any type of home. For a modern look choose a simple, solid colored tier curtain without any ruffles or lace embellishments, like the Simplicity Hemstitch Cotton Tier Curtain. Hanging your cafe curtains on a decorative rod with clip rings can also make this style feel more modern. For a boho look, check out our Medallion Macrame Tier Curtains, which also are available with a matching valance. For those going for the classic farmhouse look, opt for white curtains with lace or embroidered accents like the Caylee Applique Lace Tier Curtains, or go for a plaid design, like the Checkmate Yarn-Dyed Tier Curtains. In our Cafe and Tier Curtain section you will also find great options for a cabin or nautical look, along with many others. Cafe curtains are often available with matching top treatments. Top treatments can simply add style to your windows or they can serve a functional purpose. Try getting matching cafe curtains and valances or create your own set that has complementary colors and patterns. Valences are often available as part of bedding sets that include bedspreads, and throw pillows. For example, our Louisa Clay Botanical Cotton Quilt Set includes a matching valance that would tie the whole room together. Pair this valance with a solid cream or beige cafe curtain to create a truly cohesive space. When installing window treatments, cafe or tier curtains are a great option to consider. They balance privacy and light flow unlike any other type of curtain. As we have demonstrated, they are versatile in both style and placement in the home. If you have any further questions about cafe curtains and if they are a good option for your project, please contact us.