Beaded Curtains and door beads are very cool in certain situations. They seem to be used most by college students in their dorm rooms and those with an eclectic sense of style, especially those looking for a more retro decor.
They were commonly used in the 60's and 70's and still have a strong following today, mostly because of a rise in the popularity of feng-shui decorating. Beaded curtains can be a wide variety of styles and colors. They can come in wood, plastic and bamboo as well as a few other styles. You can even have patterns and images appear with the beading. A lot of people find that making their own beaded curtains is relaxing and fun, some even turn it into a money making business instead of just a hobby. Making your own can be time consuming but you'll also have exactly what you want; assuming you know what you're doing.
Beaded curtains are often used in areas where a full door isn't really necessary but you still want to emphasize a distinctive line between the two rooms. In many movies you'll see them used as bedroom, bathroom and closet doors. You can also use them over windows, and if done correctly it can scatter beautiful colors across your room.
If you're looking for a unique creative touch in your home, you can pick up the basic materials necessary for beaded curtains in most craft stores. Give it a try and see what you're capable of.
Here is a breakdown of the most common types.
Bamboo - one of the most popular materials because its very lightweight. They also add an audible dimension with the swishing sound they produce. They can be colored easily and are often used to create designs within the curtains.
Acrylic - these beads are transparent molded colored plastic that are used to make an unlimited variety of shapes. The variety provides an unlimited range of themes for your curtain style.
Wooden - these beads are also very popular in curtain construction. They are tougher than bamboo and can also be manipulated in all the standard ways; natural, painted, stained, and carved.
PVC - these curtains provide less privacy due to having fewer strands. They are typically hollow shapes.
Glass - more expensive than many other types but being true glass they also add the dimension of sound in addition to visual beauty. Be warned they are more fragile so walking through these curtains often can damage them. They are best when used in low traffic locations and not touched often. Due to their reflective nature they provide the best opportunity for scattering light across a room.
