No more boring window treatments now that beaded curtains are back! Oh, you may think this is a flashback to the 1960s, but beaded curtains have made a comeback in a whole new way. Groovier than ever designs create exciting plays on light and texture and even work as room dividers.
Where to Use Beads
There are several ways to including beading in your window designs. The entire curtain can be made of beads and hang in colourful strands from the top of the window right down to the floor. This makes a great room divider and can be hung from the top of a doorway. It is ideal for areas you want to define, but not completely close off from one another.
Beads can be strung in such a way to create beautiful mosaics. The finished designs will appear as intricate tapestry, or can be as simple as a monochromatic hanging of different transparencies of glass or plastic beads. Even wooden beads can be used to create a natural looking window treatment.
Beaded curtains can also be used to close off a closet area. This works well in smaller rooms where closet doors may take up too much space when opened and closed.
Using Beads in Curtain Design
Full curtains made of beads are not the only way to incorporate beads into the overall look of the window dressing. Beads can be sewn into fabric to add sparkle and interest. Use contrasting colours, or simply reflect light with a tone on tone bead sewn in random patterns across the fabric.
Beads also make an elegant edging to drapes, sheers or curtains. Imagine a café style curtain in a sunroom or family room with a fringe of beads. The room instantly becomes a casual but stylish place for the whole family.
Adding a fringe of beads along formal drapes creates a more formal and elegant look ideal for the living room. You can even dress up furniture with throw pillows accented with the same beaded edging as the drapes.
Beading Even For Those Who Hate to Sew
For those who find sewing too big a chore, you can purchase ready made drapes or curtains and add your own bead work. Some fringes are designed with a nice heavy backing that can even be hot glued into place. However, keep in mind that sewing will give it a more professional looking finish that will stand up to dry cleaning or laundering much better than craft glues.
Decorating with beads is easy and fun and a quick home improvement fix. It's like a mini-makeover. Adding new window treatments or beads to existing curtains or drapes will give the room a decorator feel at a fraction of the cost.
Using full beaded curtains or drapes is also an excellent face lift for closet doors or room dividers. Swag them back with a decorative rope tie and you'll have sweeping frame full of light and colour as the entry into your most stylish rooms.
