What is a Beaded Curtain?

Beaded curtains are dividers or curtains that are composed of multiple strings of beads placed in close proximity to create the general look of a drape or curtain. A curtain of this kind is sometimes used to divide a room into two separate areas, or to provide a decorating accent that helps to highlight some feature of the space. Curtain beads can be composed from a wide range of materials, including wood, bamboo, or various types of plastic.

One of the more common examples of a beaded curtain is the beaded door curtain. Sometimes employed as a way to limit the visual access to another room, beaded door curtains have the advantage of allowing verbal communications to continue while providing no barrier to slow down free movement between the connected rooms. For example, a beaded curtain hung in the doorway separating a den from a kitchen makes it possible to continue a conversation with the cook without exposing the condition of the kitchen to anyone sitting in the den. In addition, the curtain allows the cook to emerge with platters of food or drink with ease, without any need to stop and open or close a door.

Another application for the beaded curtain is as an window dressing accent. When draperies are considered too heavy for the general décor, the curtain may provide a the ideal solution. The colors of the beads help to dress the window area while still allowing light to come into the space. When paired with a simple cornice board or perhaps hanging plants to anchor the area, the curtains may serve as a focal point in the room.

Using beaded curtains as room dividers is also a quick and easy means of giving an open space definition for more than one function. A large room, such as those found in loft apartments, can make use of a beaded curtain to establish specific living and dining areas. A beaded curtain may also provide an inexpensive and decorative way to separate the sleeping area from other areas of the loft as well. The curtains can easily be suspended from the rafters using simple “S” hooks and dowels to hold the rows of beads in place.

While the beaded curtain may not be compatible with some types of room décor, there are many instances where the look and function of the curtains is ideal for the space. Because of the wide range of colors and textures available with the beads, it is possible to construct a curtain that is tailored for a specific need.