Where can you use a beaded curtain? Anyplace you can use a regular curtain, I suppose. So, why use a beaded curtain? Well, for one thing, because some of us like beads, and anything plain is better if you add beads. It doesn’t have to be all over, just some bead fringe at the top, where the rod pocket seam provides an excellent guide for sewing the fringe on. Or at the hem line, so the fringe does not hang on the floor and get stepped on.

If bead fringe is too much, try a scattering of beads anywhere on the curtain, to add a touch of sparkle and to make the standard store-bought curtains more your own. The beads can coordinate in color, or contrast a bit so they are more visible. For the really bold, make the beads contrast considerably in color, and with the sparkle, everyone is sure to notice.

I am thinking mostly of light-weight curtains here, or even sheers, but what about heavier materials? Hmmmm. If the materials is a plain weave without any pattern, the curtain can surely benefit from some beads, to give it character. Some people say “No white walls.” I say “No boring beige curtains.” The least you can go is add some spring green or orange beads to the curtains to give them some character. Green or orange not fit into your color scheme? then use a color from that, but use some color to make the curtains look like you wanted them and not that the were left from the last decor.

Collect beaded curtains? Sure, because once you have added beads, they are more your own, and I, for one, would be less excited to part with them. Getting new curtains for one room? Move the beaded curtains to another room to give it a face-lift. Add some beads to the new curtains, and there you go. Now you have two, and that constitutes a collection. Wasn’t that easy?

As you go from room to room, or curtain to curtain, you will find your ideas about beading them evolving. From a simple scatter of beads sewn on while the curtains are still hanging, you may well progress to more overall beading on the curtains before they are hung. It will be easier to work on the curtains if they are not hanging up at the time. Thus, adding beads to new curtains as you rotate out old color schemes or decorating themes.

Not big on beads? Then consider brass Chinese coins, tassels, ribbons or fringe, or, if you have to, lace. Sequins are good, if you are brave enough. Anything to make your store-bought curtains look like designer curtains. Designers will do anything, so do not let the wildest idea stop you from trying it. Don’t like it, remove the offending additions and you are back to plain, to try again. (This why sewing is better than gluing, as removing glued embellishments will probably still show the glue, and you will have to get new curtains.)

Over time you will have quite a variety of beaded curtains. Perhaps one of your grandchildren will have a quirky personality and will want curtains her grandmother beaded. You never know.

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