I hung a new kitchen cafe curtain last week and I absolutely love it. This is our first summer in the house after the renovation, so I’m finally swapping in the seasonal details I imagined last year while the kitchen was being rebuilt—small changes that make the space feel refreshed.
The new cafe curtain is light and airy. Its soft ticking stripe and summer-ready palette instantly brighten the room and lend a fresh, relaxed vibe.
How I Hung My Kitchen Cafe Curtain Rod
Hanging a cafe curtain is simple when you use a tension rod. For most standard windows and lightweight fabrics, a tension rod is quick, secure, and requires no drilling. It’s a great option if you don’t want to alter your woodwork or cabinetry.
If you prefer more movement, use ring clips so the panel can slide open and closed easily. The rings also let you hang other types of fabric—like a large dish towel—without threading the rod through a pocket. Alternatively, skip the rings and slide the rod through a curtain pocket for an even more minimal look.
To swap curtains seasonally, attach your new fabric to the ring clips and you’re done—an effortless update that changes the whole mood of the kitchen.
Several people have asked for kitchen, dining room, and island dimensions on social media. If you’d like a detailed layout and measurements, let me know and I’ll put that together.
Our English-inspired coastal kitchen came together exactly as we hoped. Every inch was planned to be both beautiful and functional. I especially love the little stool nook—it’s charming and practical, and my husband uses it every day.
My next summer home project
While big renovations are rewarding, I find the smaller, cozy updates the most satisfying. I have a fun project planned this month that will have a bigger visual impact than a curtain but is far less involved than another renovation. It’s a small investment and something we’ll enjoy all summer and for years to come.
And don’t worry—our backyard progress report is coming soon, too.
Seasonal Home Rhythms
This summer, in our HomeBody Gathering Place community, we’ve been discussing seasonal home rhythms—simple practices that help you care for your home in a gentle, sustainable way. I find thinking in terms of rhythms instead of rigid routines to be freeing and practical. It has changed how I maintain our home and is something I love sharing with others.
If you enjoy homey projects and seasonal refreshes, a community or resource focused on those rhythms can be a helpful guide.
My Kitchen Sources
Striped cafe curtain
Tension rod
Gold cafe curtain rings
Bamboo shades
Pendant light (also available in another finish) and a similar brass pendant option
Blue and white rug
Paint color: Classic Light Buff, Sherwin Williams
More kitchen sources and a full tour available on the site.