What is a Lace Curtain?

Lace is a fabric made from threadwork which is braided, knotted, looped, tied, and otherwise woven to create intricate patterns. These patterns are made from tiny holes within the woven fabric, giving off a delicate, airy appearance. A lace curtain is a panel or other form of window treatment made from this woven fabric.

Hanging a lace curtain in the window of a home or office is an easy and inexpensive way to beautify the window, provide privacy, and soften the lighting in a room. A lace curtain is appealing to the eye of the dweller inside the room, as well as passersby.

In the distant past, having a lace curtain was an unknown concept, as all lace was hand woven up through the 18th century. Lace, instead, was used to trim clothing, curtains, and other household items, but only in the homes of the affluent and the wealthy. In 1804, Jacquard invented the mechanical loom which opened up many new possibilities in the world of lace, and the idea of the lace curtain was born.

Choosing a lace curtain for a window is easy, as there are many different types available to the consumer, with many colors from which to choose. Yet, traditional lace is found only in white and ivory. The rule of thumb for choosing one of these two colors is that white woodwork requires white lace while beige or ivory woodwork requires ivory lace. When the woodwork is any other color, it is up to the decorator to decide.

A lace curtain can be used in a variety of ways. Many decorators prefer a single lace curtain panel which covers the full length of the window glass and is used as a type of transparent shade. This is usually coupled with a swag, valance, festoon, or other type of curtain set up and over the lace curtain, to give the window more of a frame, as well as add a measure of privacy. Yet, many times, the swag, valance or festoon itself is made of lace, hung with or without the lace panel.

While lace is beautiful and pleasing to the eye, if privacy is an issue, it cannot be used alone. The aforementioned second curtain is an attractive way to cover a lace panel when privacy is necessary. A simple pull-down shade or set of blinds hung behind the lace panel or under the lace swag can be very appealing.

Not only is a lace curtain pretty, it is durable, if made well and cared for properly. Most laces can be machine washed in cold water and hung to dry. For a quick way to smarten and soften a room, a lace curtain will provide beauty and elegance.