Beading Down the House

Beading and Home Decor

Bead projects don’t have to be limited to jewelry and clothing.

In fact, there is a world of beading opportunities all around you - right in your home.

Beads can be used to add whimsy, sparkle, or a delicate embellishment to just about any functional or decorative item around the house.

Remember those delightfully tacky beaded curtains that hung in the doorways of almost every college dorm room? Today’s beaded décor is a little more sophisticated, but just as fun!

Lamp Shades

Clear or tinted beads dangling from a lamp shade enhance lighting and add a pretty touch to otherwise plain shades.

Whether you add a fine trim of tiny beads, or big sparkling crystals, these glowing treasures shine a whole new light on your favorite hobby!

• Use a thick needle to poke holes at evenly spaced intervals around the bottom rim of the lampshade. String beads on a wire, and carefully loop the wire through the holes. For extra dazzle, do the same around the top rim of the shade. Voila!
• You can sew beads directly onto thinner shades, and craft intricate designs. Use stencils and a soft, light-colored pencil to trace designs onto your shade, and then sew beads along the lines.
• Instead of adding beadwork directly to the lamp shade, you can bead a ribbon and tie it around the shade instead. Use safety pins or a glue gun to adhere the ribbon to the shade.

Decorative Pillows

Whether the decorative throw pillows that grace your couch or bed are store bought or homemade, you can add elegant flair with some simple beading techniques.

• Sew beads directly to the pillow for an embroidered look. You can use patterns to invoke a quilted effect, or line designs for a classy and customized effect.
• Use several strands of smaller seed beads sewn to the corners to created beaded tassels.
• Create a beaded border or fringe by sewing or gluing beads to a ribbon, then using it to trim the pillow.

Tie Backs and Curtains

A bit of beadwork brightens up any window treatment.

• Hang one big, clunky, crystal bead from each curtain ring. For a subtle effect, use a color similar to the curtains. For a bold look, go with a stark contrast, or use different colored beads, alternating between the rings.
• Using strong thread or wire to create curtain tie-backs. Several strings of small beads can be twisted together, with the excess hanging and bottomed off with one or two larger beads for weight and emphasis.
• Trim the bottom of any short curtains with beads! Simply sew shorter strands of seed beads along the bottom of your curtains at even intervals.