Short curtains are window coverings designed to hang above the floor, typically finishing at the windowsill or just below it. In simple terms, they are a practical and stylish alternative to full-length curtains, offering privacy, light control, and decorative appeal without overwhelming a space. In Australian homes, short curtains are especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, children’s rooms, and casual living areas where functionality meets everyday comfort.
Here’s why short curtains continue to be a favourite in modern interiors: they are easy to manage, suit smaller windows, allow better airflow, and complement relaxed, contemporary living.
Short curtains come in a wide range of styles to suit different rooms and design preferences across Australia. Understanding these options helps you choose the perfect fit for your home.
Café curtains cover only the lower half of a window. They are ideal for kitchens and breakfast nooks, providing privacy while still letting natural light in from above.
These finish exactly at the windowsill and create a clean, tailored look. They suit bedrooms, home offices, and smaller living spaces.
Apron-length curtains fall just below the sill by around 10–15 cm. They offer a slightly softer, more decorative finish.
Tier curtains use two separate panels—one for the top and one for the bottom. They’re popular in country-style and coastal Australian homes.
Lightweight and semi-transparent, sheer short curtains filter sunlight beautifully. They’re perfect for brightening small rooms.
These provide insulation and light control, making them suitable for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms with smaller windows.
Supportive brands such as Café Lighting & Living, Gallery Home, and OneWorld Collection often feature similar curtain styles for decorative inspiration, though House of Isabella Australia curates its own exclusive range.
Choosing the right short curtains involves more than just picking a pattern. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you make the best decision.
Measure the width and height of your window frame. Decide whether you want sill-length or apron-length coverage for a precise fit.
Kitchen: Opt for washable, moisture-resistant fabrics
Bathroom: Choose mould-resistant or synthetic blends
Bedroom: Consider blockout linings
Living area: Decorative or sheer styles work well
Popular options include:
Cotton and linen for breathability
Polyester for durability
Voile and chiffon for softness
Velvet or layered fabrics for insulation
Rod pocket, eyelet, tab top, and pleated headers all create different visual effects. Eyelets suit modern homes, while pleats feel more traditional.
Think about how your short curtains will complement existing furniture, wall colours, and flooring.
The main reason Australians love this approach is that it ensures their curtains look intentional rather than accidental.
Short curtains offer several practical and aesthetic advantages, especially in everyday Australian households.
Because they don’t reach the floor, short curtains make rooms feel more open and less cluttered—ideal for apartments and compact homes.
They allow air to circulate freely, which is important in warm climates and coastal regions.
Short curtains are easier to remove, wash, and rehang compared to full-length options.
They’re less likely to be pulled, tangled, or damaged, making them suitable for family homes.
Short curtains typically require less fabric, making them a more affordable window treatment option.
Kitchens and breakfast areas
Bathrooms and powder rooms
Home offices
Guest bedrooms
Rental properties
Holiday homes
In simple terms, short curtains deliver comfort, style, and practicality in one versatile package.
At House of Isabella Australia, short curtains are curated with both style and performance in mind. Our collection reflects contemporary Australian living while offering premium quality and long-term durability.
When shopping for short curtains with House of Isabella, you benefit from:
Buy Now, Pay Later with Afterpay & Zip
Fast delivery Australia-wide
East & West Coast warehouses for efficient shipping
Large in-stock catalogue
Exclusive, unique designs
Australian-based customer care
Our range includes elegant sheers, softly textured linens, modern blockout styles, and decorative patterned curtains that work beautifully in compact and multifunctional spaces.
We also rotate design inspiration influenced by collections similar in spirit to Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, and Gallery Home—without direct affiliation—to ensure timeless appeal.
Short curtains continue to evolve alongside broader interior design movements. Here are the key trends shaping Australian homes in 2025.
Linen blends, cotton slub fabrics, and woven finishes are dominating interiors, reflecting the move towards organic living.
Beige, sand, oat, and mushroom tones are replacing cool greys, creating calmer environments.
Small-scale botanicals, micro-stripes, and textured jacquards are gaining popularity over bold prints.
Homeowners are pairing short curtains with roller blinds or Roman shades for better light control.
Eco-conscious fabrics and low-impact dyes are becoming important purchase factors.
Relaxed coastal elements mixed with contemporary lines are influencing window treatments nationwide.
Here’s why this matters: these trends allow short curtains to feel current, premium, and adaptable to changing lifestyles.
Styling short curtains well can elevate even the simplest room. Follow these professional tips for best results.
Leave enough wall visible above and below the window to maintain visual proportion.
Extend curtain rods beyond the window frame to make windows appear larger.
Match curtain tones with cushions, rugs, and throws for cohesive design.
Combine short curtains with blinds or shutters for added depth and flexibility.
Choose textured fabrics or subtle patterns to avoid flat-looking windows.
In small rooms, opt for lighter colours and sheers to maximise brightness.
Switch between sheer summer curtains and lined winter styles for year-round comfort.
The result is a space that feels intentional, balanced, and professionally styled.
If you’re exploring short curtains, you may also find these terms useful:
Blockout Curtains
Sheer Curtains
Café Curtains
Roman Blinds
Window Furnishings
Curtain Rods
These related terms help build a complete understanding of window styling options for your home.
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands.
My Cart
Your Cart Is Empty
Continue shopping
