French cafe curtains are the new kitchen must-have we're all lusting over this summer

While we wish we could spend every morning with an Americano at Café de Flore, we've just found the next best thing. Yes, French cafe curtains are having a moment, but we expect this trend will last longer than a moment – throughout the summer – and beyond. Because why would the sweet aesthetic of Saint-Germain ever go out of style? 

As we indulge in the ambiance of French cafe curtains, we caught up with designers who shared their tips on how to bring this continental craze into the forefront of our modern homes – and it seems they love the craze as much as we do. 

Why are French cafe curtains trending?  

(Image credit: Versailles French Yellow Grey Curtain by saffronmarigold on Etsy)

The ever-popular escapism trend has, perhaps understandably, swept through our homes throughout the previous year, and this kitchen craze is following suit. According to Sabina Miller, Head Buyer at Heal's, escapism is built upon traditional designs and materials that pay homage to faraway lands – and France is at the top of our wishlist. 

'Transforming a zone of your house with nomadic collections and unique designs from around the world will add a touch of interest to your home as you look forward to future adventures,' Sabina adds. So, the desire to mirror Paris's 6th arrondissement suddenly makes even more sense.  

How to style French cafe curtains in our kitchens 

(Image credit: deVOL)

Injecting this quintessential look in a contemporary home can be tricky, but deVOL's Creative Director, Helen Parker, shares how to make the process more seamless. She recommends pairing the material with a brassy-toned curtain pole that will ensure the window looks authentic and thoroughly stylish.

'Create an intimate corner, drape vintage lace in your window or simply add a touch of Parisian café culture to your home with our gloriously simple aged brass café curtain poles,' she begins. 

'The café curtain is not only the prettiest of window coverings, but it is actually a very useful and authentic method of sectioning off a room, hiding a view, or creating privacy. Find a window, find a delicate piece of sheer wispy fabric and attach one of our brass poles to create a vignette of beauty.'

(Image credit: Linen Cafe Curtains by whitelinenfarmhouse on Etsy)

See: French designers share how to create Parisian ambiance in your kitchen – wherever you are

'You simply need a panel of fabric the size of the window, no double lengths and sums to do as in curtain making; this is instant satisfaction,' Helen adds. 

Plus, deVOL is not exclusive in their adoration for this oh-so-chic window dressing – or their styling tips – as Etsy's Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, explains. 

'Chic yet low maintenance, French cafe curtains are the latest addition to the cottagecore trend and add detail and texture to any room while adding a touch of privacy.'

(Image credit: deVOL)

See: This French townhouse in an artists' village combines an earthy palette with a vintage vibe

Dayna countries: 'Capture farmhouse vibes by using vintage gingham cafe curtains, or go for a more contemporary look with neutral linens.' 

We're going to spend a lot more time in our kitchens, or at least we will until we can book a one-way ticket to Charles de Gaulle.