1. Get your materials ready. Measure the wall and consider how you want the beading to be positioned. The width and number of beads will depend largely on the width of the wall. Be sure to position the beads so that the spacing is equal from the left and right edge of the wall and within the beads themselves. We opted for a classic design with small boxes at the bottom, a long strip in the middle and large boxes at the top. But you can find so many inspiring ideas for creative variations on this theme online.

2. Use a pencil to draw the position of the beads on the wall using a spirit level and a long ruler or using a laser.

3. Measure the bead sections and cut to size using a mitre cutter and saw. To create the box shapes, cut the beading at a 45° angle to create clean and tidy corners. It's not difficult, but it does take a little concentration to think about the direction of the angles for each section.

4. Apply the adhesive. Ensure that there is not too much adhesive oozing out of the edges.

5. Now stick the beads to the wall, ideally using a spirit level to check that everything is level.

6. Press briefly to allow the adhesive to set. Depending on the condition of the wall, you may wish to use a little acrylic to seal the edges of the beads. We did not need to do this on our smooth wall and on Erfurt’s flat nonwoven wallcovering.

7. Now you can start with the paint. First, use the brush to paint the corners, edges and transitions.

8. Finally paint the entire wall.

Tips: 

• We recommend that you first draw a sketch of the finished wall on a piece of paper and note the dimensions. You can then number the individual lengths of beads on the paper and then write the same number on the back of the beads when they are cut to size. That way you always know which section goes where.

• It is really up to you whether you want to use wooden or polystyrene beads. Each one has advantages and disadvantages. It's definitely worth browsing for beads in various DIY stores. There is usually a wide choice of widths, lengths and designs. There are also some beautiful designs with flowers or striking reliefs.