How Leanne Ford Transformed a Vintage Lace Into an Effortless Window Treatment

(Image credit: Crate & Barrel)

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Lace Curtains Inspired by Leanne's Graceful Design

Window treatments aren't always at the forefront of a room's design, and yet visually, they can take up just as much space as a rug or an accent chair. They add weight to a room, introduce color or pattern, and can affect the light that comes in. They are an important design decision – and sometimes the decision to forgo a window treatment can be just as impactful.

Designer Leanne Ford is a fan of the bare window. Look through the majority of her projects, and you will notice one common theme: no blinds, no drapes, no shutters – just beautiful, bare windows. However, in her recent Texas farmhouse renovation, something was needed at the windows: something light, something effortless that worked with the minimalist, rustic interiors.

The answer? A simple piece of vintage lace – a window treatment that couldn't be easier to recreate.

Bedroom with wood panelling, large arched window, togo chairs and lace curtain window treatment — Allowing the antique window to shine in all its glory, Leanne and Grace opted for a simple lace panel to emphasise the historic architecture.

'Most of the time, we actually prefer to let windows be windows,' Leanne explains in an interview with Homes & Gardens. 'We usually save curtains for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy really matters – everywhere else, we like to keep things open. We want the light to come in, we want nature to come in, and we truly believe a beautiful window is some of the best art you can have in a room.'

'For this rustic project, we found this incredible salvaged window at East End Salvage and put a lot of care into installing it in this home, so it was never our intention to cover it up – we wanted to complement it instead. And honestly, window treatments can be a big investment, so skipping them when we can lets us put that budget toward other elements that give a space more soul. If someone specifically asks for them, of course we’ll do it – but our instinct is always to start with less and let the view and the light lead.'

Tall arched window with a simple lace curtain draped across string — Simple but effective, some vintage lace and rope were all it took to create a soft window treatment that let the antique window shine.

Striking a balance between rustic and whimsical, Leanne's pared-back creation is effortless. Making use of just one scrap of (preloved) lace fabric, she reimagines it into a simple accessory that covers the window but doesn't disguise its beauty.

The gentle, effortless feel of the design is all made possible with the clever fabric choice. Leanne explains, 'We’re always drawn to things that already have a story. Vintage lace comes with softness, wear, and a little bit of imperfection built in – and that’s what makes it feel so special. New fabrics can sometimes feel too crisp or precious, but lace that’s lived a life diffuses the light in this really beautiful, gentle way. It adds texture without feeling heavy and brings in a sense of romance without trying too hard. For us, it felt like the perfect way to complement the window rather than compete with it.'

'We like to keep everything else really simple and let the lace quietly do its thing. Let it puddle a little, don’t worry about perfect hems, and instead of a classic curtain rod, try hanging it with a simple piece of natural rope. It keeps the whole moment feeling relaxed and unfussy. The goal is for it to feel collected, not decorated – like you found it, loved it, and let it live there.'

Lace Curtains Inspired by Leanne's Graceful Design

While vintage lace is shoppable on shopping sites like eBay (this lace tambour Victorian curtain feels like the perfect choice to honor Leanne's look), you can shop ready-made styles that will create a similarly whimsical look.

Leanne's lace curtain gently graces the window without detracting from its beauty. A simplistic design that softens the space, its whimsy and charm couldn't be more fitting in such a historic setting.