If you want to add a touch of whimsy to any decor, add door beads. They define the door and make entering a room an event. No more just strolling through the door. Now you have to hand, elbow or shoulder your way though. It is now difficult, mostly, and the beads are not heavy, but door beads nevertheless constitute a barrier. If the beads have a “catchy” texture, you even have to be a little careful not to take the door beads down as you go through them.
Door beads are usually made from wood, plastic or bamboo. Small glass beads may be used, but the strings will have to be fairly far apart to keep the weight from overwhelming the hanging structure, since glass is a heavy material, even in small beads.
Wood beads are not as heavy, but the best beads for beaded door curtains is lightweight. They can be stained different colors, and when covered with a clear coat finish, are ready to string. Geometric patterns can be made using the relative lightness and darkness of the natural wood as the beads are string.
Plastic door beads are formed on the strings rather than being strung after they are formed. This allows the plastic forms to be spaced along the string. This and the weight of the plastic itself makes these door beads very light. The transparency of the plastic also allow these door beads to share their color with both rooms. The shapes and colors available constitute a multitude of choices and make deciding on one door curtain difficult. Better get two or three, just in case.
Last are bamboo door beads. These are strung, and then the design is painted on the bamboo beads. A quick coat of clear finish as a protectant, and the bamboo curtain is complete. The designs include scenes like beaches at sunset or objects, like a dragon or lizard. There are many, many choices.
Other American collectibles are discussed in the American Collectibles Guide.