How to Make Beaded Door Curtains

Beaded door curtains are perfect for keeping out the flies in the summer, adding a new texture and design element to a room, or offering a feeling of privacy without having to install a door. Whether you want simple or elaborate beaded curtains, use this guide to make your own for any door in your house.

Step 1 - Decide on Placement and Design

Decide where you want your curtains to go. These curtains would work well for a child’s bedroom, or as a patio screen to help keep bugs out during the summer. Keep in mind where you will place them will help determine how long and wide you will need to make them. In addition, decide on whether you want a specific design, or if you want to freehand your curtain. Consider planning out your design on graphing paper.

Step 2 - Create a Rod

Next, measure the door width. Use a saw to cut a wooden rod to fit the door width, or have someone cut the rod for you.

Step 3 - Cut the Nylon or Rope

Next, measure the length of the doorway. Add about six inches to this measurement to allow for knotting and hanging the curtain. Then, measure out nylon or rope to this measurement and cut it. Decide on how dense you want your curtain to be, and how many lengths of string you will need, and cut them to size. The more nylon or rope used, the fuller the curtain will be.

Step 4 - Attach the Nylon or Rope to the Rod

Next, add cup hooks to the bottom side of the wooden rod. Knot the nylon to the hooks. Once you’re done, take one strand of the nylon, and pull it to one side, making sure that none of the other strands get tangled in the process.

Step 5 - Add Beads

When picking the beads for your curtain, try to choose lightweight beads. Start beading the strand of nylon until you get to the last four beads. Here, re-thread the nylon or rope back through each bead, to keep them firmly in place. Knot the last one well. Once the first strand is finished, pull the next one aside and repeat the process until you've beaded all strands.

Step 6 - Hang the Curtain

Hang the beaded curtain rod parallel to the ground. You can hang the rod in any way you wish, as long as it is secure. Try drilling the wood directly to the door frame, or, for a less permanent installation, install hanging hooks and string to hang the rod and curtain from. For a different feel and more privacy, try hanging a cafe curtain, instead.