Battenburg Curtains    

A particularly interesting style of curtains is the Battenberg curtains that exude a simple kind of sophistication with the delicate design and simple hanging. Generally window treatments can be a welcome change to your home environment and are popular areas to let your creative side run free.  The various styles of window hangings provide ample opportunity to change the whole feel of a room by just changing or adding curtains.

Although you really need to see an example of the battenburg design to understand its overall effect, a description of its look and history will give you a feel for the decorating possibilities with this enchanting style of curtain.  Battenburg lace is manufactured on a large scale in many different products like table clothes, bridal gowns and centrepieces.  It is one of the highly utilized types of lace today, being a tape lace with loops of even width joined by decorative stitching.  It has had other names such as renaissance lace and mezzo punto, but has its battenburg name from being the official lace pattern of the Duke of Battenburg.  Apparently, every English Duke had their own lace pattern back in the late 1800’s, so a new pattern of tape lace was invented to be called the Battenburg Lace.  In the 30’s and 40’s, a common American hobby was making this battenburg lace that was made much easier when machine woven tapes where available, which is how we see the battenburg lace detailed on curtains.

A traditional 5-piece battenburg lace curtain set includes two tiers, two ruffled swags and one ruffled valance to beautifully adorn a kitchen or bathroom window.  The typical open work Battenburg design has a scalloped edge and 100% cotton is used for the material.  A 1 1/2'” rod pocket is appropriate for use with the standard rods, which you can choose to properly accent the appealing look of this graceful curtain style.

The battenburg style of curtain would be especially suitable for a bedroom with its romantic and tranquil look.  You can get any curtain style in the battenburg lace including tiered curtains, swag curtains, kitchen café curtains, panels, valances and even in a shower curtain.  It pretty much only comes in white, sheer or other light colour, which make them most appropriate for mild privacy and elegant decorating.

The overall look of the laced curtains is sure to fit in any décor as you can find curtains that have a large amount of the lacing or with just the lacing in the bottom or borders of the panels.  Although you can find a ruffled style of battenburg curtains, the lace work is so stunning that a flatter style of curtain like a panel or valance shows off this beauty most appropriately.  It is would be complementary to have other sections combined with the flat section, like the 5-piece option described above to add more decoration and interest to your window.

Battenburg curtains are an intriguing addition to your interior decorating and would be a suitable fit for a romantic or simple and elegant window covering.  The detailed workmanship that goes into the design exudes a welcoming and relaxing feel for your home.