How to Add Bead Trim to a Bookcase for a Custom Look


A hand wearing a chunky gold bracelet holds several strands of round, white beads against a soft, blurred background.

// Bead trim //

Can I tell you how grateful I am to you?

Yes, you.

Thanks for showing up and Leave such tips, and for Celebration of the Annunciations With me and leaving me sweet messages of encouragement. I have been writing this blog for over 12 years, and I never tire of it.

And it’s all because of you.

My brain is still full to the brim with projects, updates and makeovers. The house will be on Christmas tour, so of course, I’m going room by room with a little makeover and updates (We are going to add a new runner and completely repaint and remodel the rear entry).

Stay tuned.

But for today? I have a fun project for you. If you’ve been reading this blog for more than 5 seconds, you know I’m all about an easy DIY.

And this took only 7 minutes and 32 seconds.

See the beaded trim?

It’s under $10.

And I used it to make this.

A bright home office with a wooden desk, patterned blue and white curtains, floral artwork, large leaf plants, a white bookshelf and a comfortable chair with a textured frame on a blue patterned rug.

// Blue and white carpet // White Spindle Chair (Similar)// Blue and white curtains (similar) //Spool side table //

A cozy white armchair with cushions flanks a small round white side table with books, a planter striped with greenery, and rests on blue patterned pillows; Bookshelves and plants are in the background.

// Blue and white carpet // White Spindle Chair (Similar)//Spool side table //

Remember when I redid this office?

you You can see the before and after here.

I added these wall-to-wall bookcases from IKEA.

They are called billy bookcases and come plain or with doors or glass doors like this one.

White cabinet with closed doors. On top are two stacked books, a gold metal box and a clear jar filled with gold objects. Visible book spine reads "Hydrangea." The background is softly lit and neutral.

Here’s a close-up of the door we added.

Each door has a panel with an inset below.

The doors are fine.

But why fine when you can make them more beautiful?

A woman in a light blue dress stands smiling in front of a blue and white decor and a white bookshelf filled with books, holding a white cord in her hand.

// Blue European linen popover dress // Gold Sandals (Plus Size)// Bead trim //

I used this white bead trim for this project.

It is very easy to use. It comes with sticky tape that peels off and then you can stick it to the cabinet.

Or there are glues that you can use as well.

But wait. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here is a before and after and step by step for the project.

A close-up of a white wall or panel with a vertical row of small, circular decorative beads or bumps, creating a textured pattern. The background is softly blurred, showing part of the door and the wooden floor.

How to Add Bead Trim to a Bookcase

Supplies:

Bead trim

Glue or sticky tape (comes with the kit)

Scissors

A pair of scissors cutting a strand of small white beads, with a blue and white floral patterned surface in the background.

1. Measure and cut the bead trim

This bead trim is super flexible. They come in many different sizes so you can adjust how big you want your molding to be. I ordered the 10mm and the roll was under $10.

Measure the inside top of the cabinet trim.

Cut the trim to size.

It is moldable, and very easy to cut – all you need are scissors.

Quick Tip: Cut it a little longer than needed because you may need to make slight adjustments, and it’s easier to do if you have extra trim.

A roll of narrow red tape rests on a blue and white floral patterned fabric, with part of the tape unrolled.

2. Cut the sticky tape to the length of the bead trim

The kit comes with a sticky tape.

Don’t worry – the red is just support.

The tape itself is clear. Cut a piece of tape to the length of the individual piece of bead trim.

A red plastic strip with a white, adhesive underside rests on a blue and white floral patterned fabric.

3. Pull back the sticky

Once the piece is cut, it’s time to peel off the sticky back.

Separate the red backing with clear sticky tape and adhere to the molding piece.

The tape is super sticky and kind of stretchy, so it’s a bit challenging to maneuver.

The kit also comes with glue if you want to use it.

A close-up of white, beaded trim forming a right angle on a flat white surface, possibly part of a door or panel. The beads are circular and evenly spaced, forming a decorative border.

4. Cut the molding for the remaining cabinet inserts

Now that the top piece is stuck in place, it’s time to add the rest of the molding.

It’s easier if you cut the top and bottom molding first, then the sides.

Here’s what the corner looks like after it’s finished.

White cabinet with closed doors. On top are two stacked books, a gold metal box and a clear jar filled with gold objects. Visible book spine reads "Hydrangea." The background is softly lit and neutral.

Here is the first.

A white cabinet with glass doors, stacked gold tins, glass jars with metal lids and a small stack of blue books, including one title. "Hydrangea." The cabinet has decorative beaded trim.

Here’s the after.

I only ordered enough molding for one door because I wasn’t sure if this was the right size of flexible bead molding or if I wanted to go bigger with the beads. I seriously love it so much that I’m going to finish the rest of the doors now.

I can’t wait to show it to you.

They come in many different sizes so you can adjust how big you want your molding to be. I ordered the 10mm, and the roll was under $10.

you You can see it here.

It is very flexible and easy to use.

And now?

After 7 minutes and 32 seconds?

This bookcase looks very fancy.

PS I know this is completely cabinet-unrelated, but I’m in the middle of a great book right now. I had to stop listening to finish this post, but I’m going to start listening to the audio book now.

It is called The Calamity Club by the author of The Help End You can see it here (you can thank me later).

Hand holding white bead trim with chunky gold bangle on wrist. The above text reads "How to decorate with bead trim" and is below "thistlewoodfarms.com".

Disclosure: This post uses affiliate links.

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Click here to get my five best secrets.





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