Here's How to Make Lace Decor Look Chic in 2026

three images of lace decor in interiors — (Image credit: From left to right: Leanne Ford Interiors + Grace Mitchell as The Rough Housers. Photography: Sarah Barlow. Styling: Hilary Robertson / Greenrow / Urban Outfitters)

Lace decor has had a bit of a fussy reputation, reserved for very traditional spaces. And while that's maybe not a negative thing, up until now, lace has been seen as a more old-fashioned detail.

But old-fashioned styles are dictating the trends of 2026; we are seeing more 'comeback' looks than totally new ones, and lace is the most recent traditional textile to take to the spotlight. Scroll through any of the new spring collections from H&M to McGee & Co., and you will find this pretty detail. It's on bedding, throw pillows, tablecloths, and more. Plus, it was highlighted as a trend to watch in the Pinterest Trend Report of 2026.

According to interior designer Lauren Saab, this newfound appreciation for lace is all thanks to the return to 'emotional interiors', as she calls it. 'People want spaces that feel comforting, layered, and deeply human, not cold or anonymous,' Lauren explains. 'Lace carries memory. It evokes heirlooms, tradition, and the passage of time, which creates instant depth.' Not only that, but it's a fabric with tactile appeal, which, according to Lauren, reflects the collective appreciation for texture in interior design that's so prevalent right now.

Tall arched window with a simple lace curtain draped across string — Interior designer Leanne Ford cleverly used lace fabric to create a makeshift curtain in the room above. The result is an elegant yet rustic window treatment that creates an effortless atmosphere in the room itself.

We've already seen lace decor details pop up in lots of new collections from our favorite home decor brands, including Anthropologie, which naturally seems like the perfect home for this whimsical trend and has even taken it beyond fabrics and onto crockery and wallpaper.

But why is lace making a return now? According to Lauren, it all comes down to the feeling lace creates. 'Lace conveys instant connection to your space,' the designer tells me. 'Years of edgy lines, minimalistic designs, and over-edited interiors have led to a desire for softness once again.' This softness that Lauren speaks of can easily be found in lace decor.

'Lace filters light, softens structure, and brings back the quiet complexity that makes a space feel personal rather than purely styled,' Lauren continues. 'It also signals craftsmanship, which feels increasingly valuable in a world dominated by mass production.' It's clear that this dainty decor detail is so much more impressive than we've previously given it credit for. Between its muted color, its tactile allure, and even its heritage appeal, lace can shower a space with effortless elegance and unending simplistic beauty.

a rustic bedroom with white painted walls, two windows in the corner, a white bed spread, and a small rug on the floor — Greenrow's Daisy Linen Bedding Set is adorned with decorative lace edges, creating a sense of soft simplicity in the bedroom.

Decorating with lace comes with its fair share of reservations – after all, this fabric is widely associated with traditional decorating ideas, and for some, it can lean too 'old-fashioned'. So, in order to tastefully decorate with lace in 2026, Lauren reminds us to be selective with how we use it.

Certainly, your entire home doesn't need to be drenched with lace decor to tap into this trend. Instead, consider sprinkling lace details here and there. Perhaps you style these Lace Coasters from Gohar World in your living room, or maybe you add this Lace Crochet Pillow from Pottery Barn to your bed. Be intentional.

Lauren also recommends paying attention to the materials you pair with lace decor. 'Pair the delicate nature of lace with heavy materials like wood, stone, or matte metals so it doesn’t feel overly soft or decorative,' she recommends. Not only will these material pairings create textural contrast, but they'll create an attractive visual contrast, too.

Use it with intention, and lace will prove itself as a timeless decorating idea that belongs in interiors in 2026 and beyond.

Shop the Trend

The return of lace decor speaks to the wider design trend of moving away from overly styled and curated interiors to rooms with layers and textures and personality. Your grandma's home might have felt dated at the time, but we promise you look back at it now and there's more than her lace drapes that feel right for 2026. It's all these once 'dated' details that can make your home more unique.

Devin Toolen is a New York-based Style Editor for Homes & Gardens. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree at Villanova University, Devin moved to Paris, France, to obtain her Master’s Degree at Parsons School of Design. Upon returning to the United States, Devin began working in the media industry with Cosmopolitan Magazine, where she wrote trend-driven fashion stories and assisted on set for many photoshoots, and later Livingetc, where she wrote interior design stories and assisted with the magazine’s social media pages. She has an appreciation for every aspect of personal style – from the clothes we wear to the design of our homes. In her spare time, Devin enjoys embroidery and antique shopping in the city.