Lace or thread curtains were a very common import in Sweden from the late 19th century until the Second World War. Many patterns, like this one, were woven in Scotland, where there is still a strong and living tradition of patterned curtains made from real cotton. This curtain is still woven on old looms in one of the few remaining weaving mills. The curtain is made of the finest ivory white cotton and magnificently patterned with roses in vases, garlands, ribbons and borders. A typical sumptuous 19th century pattern, suitable for the finest rooms in the house.

Machine-woven lace curtains were once considered the ultimate luxury (as opposed to simple home-woven ones!) and those who could really afford it would also buy curtains that were far too long and let them hang out on the floor, much like a bridal veil. The most famous home, where this type of hanging still lives on in unbroken tradition, is Karen Blixen’s Rungstedlund, just north of Copenhagen.