The Simple Painting Tip That Adds Interest To A Cafe Curtain Window Treatment

Creating contrast is one of the key elements of interior design, not just to provide visual interest but also to add depth and dimension to a room. If you have cafe curtains in your home, you may be looking for a way to add contrast for more interest. While cafe curtains add style and charm to a space and are a fantastic option for those who love light, they are also a traditional window dressing that can sometimes be perceived as old fashioned. A simple tip to modernize your cafe curtains and help them stand out is to paint the window frame a contrasting color to create a statement feature.

For instance, a painted black window frame paired with a white cafe curtain offers a dramatic visual contrast, as opposed to leaving the window frame neutral or unpainted. It also helps to elongate the overall size of your window. If the curtain is the same color as the window frame, it can act as a visual cut off, making the window feel smaller than it actually is. Creating an obvious color contrast will have the opposite effect, making the window feel bigger. 

When painting your window trim, preparation is key. Be sure to fully cover the window by sticking down newspaper and masking tape to protect it. Use a precision paintbrush to carefully paint your trim with interior paint in your desired contrasting shade.

However, a black and white color pairing may be too stark or neutral for you and your interior style. If this is the case, consider painting your window frame a different shade that feels cohesive with the rest of your space and that stands out from your cafe curtains. Find your perfect color palette by consulting the color wheel to determine what the complementary color is. For example, if your cafe curtains are pink, then choose the color green to paint your window frames. The key is that opposites attract, and you can apply this trick to whatever color your curtains are.

Another way you can personalize your window treatment is by changing the rod that your cafe curtains are hung on. A plain white rod with no detailing isn't very aspirational, but a chrome or brass rod with embossing will transform the entire look of your window. Furthermore, you can customize the windows themselves to add interest. Patterned window film can add privacy to your home and is simple to install but can make a big difference, transforming a traditional style window treatment into one that feels modern and on trend.