How to Create a 1960s Beaded Curtain
Spruce up doorways and windows with 1960s-style beaded curtains. Beaded curtains divide up a space without sacrificing light from nearby rooms or making a room feel small and stuffy. Any style of beads works well on a beaded curtain---from large wooden beads to expensive blown-glass beads. Creating your own curtain gives you control over the length and width so it will fit any opening exactly right. While beading a large curtain takes time, it is not difficult.
Instructions
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1
Measure the length and width of the doorway or window for which you are making the curtain. Add 4 inches onto the length measurement.
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2
Cut heavy string to the length you measured. Cut as many pieces of string as there are inches in your width measurement---a 36-inch-wide doorway requires 36 lengths of string. Use colored embroidery floss, clear nylon beading thread or white kite string to complement the beads.
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3
Tie a double knot in the bottom of each length of string and trim off any tail. Add a dab of hot glue to the bottom knot so it doesn't come untied.
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4
Thread the other end of the string through a needle and then place the first bead onto the string. Continue adding beads for a full beaded effect, or tie a knot ½ inch above each bead to leave a space between the beads.
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5
Pull out the tension curtain rod until it is the width to fit your doorway or window frame. Mark each inch on the rod with a marker.
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6
Tie the end of each beaded string around the tension rod, placing a string at each mark. Apply a dab of hot glue to the string to secure it to the rod.
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7
Place the rod in the top of the doorway or window frame and twist it until it fits snugly.
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Tips & Warnings
Use large plastic or wooden beads for a kitschy 1960s look. Vary the spacing between the beaded strings for different looks. Use a wooden dowel instead of a curtain rod and hang on hooks installed on either side of the door frame.
Small beads may pose a choking hazard to children.
