Cafe Curtains of the 1950s

Use one tier of 1950s cafe curtains for a modern spin.

Cafe curtains, also known as tier curtains, were popular in the 1950s when the family center was the kitchen, in general, and the breakfast nook, in particular. Cafe curtains were also known as tier curtains because they had two levels of curtains on rods per window. Imagine a quaint cafe off the beaten path at which you've enjoyed a great breakfast, and chances are, there were 1950s-inspired cafe curtains at your table side. Currently, 1950s cafe curtains can be found and are desired in many contemporary kitchen settings.

Vertical Tiers

The kitchen was the heart of the 1950s home, and cafe curtains were one of its signatures. Cafe curtains are also known as tier curtains because they are traditionally mounted in two lengths per window: The longer, bottom length provides eye-level privacy usually over the kitchen sink window and breakfast nook, while the shorter length runs along the top of the window pane for further privacy and adjustable sunlight control. The contemporary design cousin of the usually shorter, top tier of the 1950s cafe curtain is the valance, which is also seen in current living and dining rooms.

Horizontal Panels

Signature 1950s cafe curtains are also known for their horizontal panels. Generally two-tier, each tier of the 1950s cafe curtain had at least two panels which could also be opened or closed for privacy and sunlight. Just as in 1950, today, depending on where a kitchen sink or breakfast nook faces, cafe curtains can be adjusted at each tier by shifting the horizontal panels of each tier along its given curtain rod.

Colors and Fabrics

The cafe curtains of the 1950s combined the function of privacy and lighting with decorative color. Signature 1950s kitchen colors were either patriotic carryovers of the 1940s war decade of red, white and blue; a mimic of the diner or soda shop colors of vibrant red, black and white checks; a modern spin of these palettes in turquoise and flamingo pink; or a complete departure in pastels. No matter the chosen color palette, white and sheer often predominated in cafe curtains with hues of color in the trim.

Contemporary Usage

The 1950s cafe curtains have new design life in the 21st century as kitchens beckon the 1950s retro style. Currently in demand for their color and fabric variations, as well as functional versatility, 1950s cafe curtains can be designed into any room of a contemporary house. Consider using only the bottom tier in a bathroom for privacy or the top tier in a home office or foyer for sunlight. Of course, you can always go retro with the traditional two-tier cafe curtain style to use in your contemporary kitchen and/or breakfast nook.

References

• Smith+Noble: Cafe Curtains
• Southern Living: Simply Dressed Cafe Curtains