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What you need
- 10 natural wooden round beads, 12 mm
- 10 ivory wooden round beads, 12 mm
- 10 wooden barrel beads, approximately 14 mm long along the threading hole
- 10 gently ribbed wooden beads, approximately 14 mm long along the threading hole
- Approximately 1 metre of strong braided polyester cord, around 2 mm thick
- Approximately 50 cm of matching cord for the hanger
- A securely installed wall hook suitable for the wall surface and intended load
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- Fine sandpaper
- Optional ivory acrylic paint, if painting your own beads
- Compatible clear protective wood finish
- One lightweight cotton or linen hand towel
Instructions
There is something lovely about mixing wooden beads instead of using a whole row of identical ones. A little rounded timber, a few soft ivory accents and some gentle texture can make a simple project feel much more personal.
This DIY boho beaded towel holder uses smaller beads than a chunky wooden towel ring. The result feels lighter and a little more detailed, especially beside a linen hand towel, a timber vanity or a warm cream wall.
It is also an excellent excuse to open the bead box. You know the one with enough leftovers for several projects, provided none of them require twelve matching beads.
For this version, we are keeping the colours quiet and letting the shapes do the decorating. The structure is a closed cord loop, so it will hang as a soft oval or teardrop rather than holding a rigid circular shape.
Instructions
1. Check and Prepare the Beads
Inspect every bead before threading.
Lightly sand any rough edges, particularly around the holes and anywhere that will touch the towel. Set aside cracked beads or beads with sharp internal edges that could wear through the cord.
If you are painting the ivory beads yourself, apply thin coats and keep the holes clear. Let the paint dry.
Protect bare or painted timber with a compatible clear finish, following the product directions. Allow it to cure fully before assembly and contact with fabric.
A protective finish helps with occasional moisture, but it does not make wooden beads waterproof.
2. Arrange Your Boho Bead Pattern
Lay the beads on a folded tea towel so they cannot roll away.
Use this four-bead sequence:
- One 12 mm natural round bead
- One 14 mm barrel bead
- One 12 mm ivory round bead
- One 14 mm gently ribbed bead
Repeat the sequence 10 times, giving you 40 beads in total.
With the stated measurements, the beads occupy approximately 52 cm of cord. Actual lengths vary, particularly with barrel and decorative beads, so measure your complete arrangement.
The combination creates texture without needing lots of different colours.
3. Cut and Thread the Main Cord
Cut approximately 1 metre of cord.
Wrap a small piece of masking tape tightly around one end to make a firm threading tip.
Thread all 40 beads in your planned sequence. Keep generous cord tails at both ends for joining.
Do not add knots between the beads. They need a little freedom to move as the loop curves.
4. Check the Size With Your Towel
Bring the cord ends together and hold them securely above the beads to preview the closed loop. Keep the towel supported during this fitting check.
Pass your chosen towel through the opening and fold it over the lower section.
Check that the towel fits without being tightly bunched. If the loop feels too small, add another complete four-bead sequence, then check again.
The stated bead arrangement gives a useful starting size, but towel thickness and bead dimensions affect the opening.
Keep enough movement between the beads for the strand to curve naturally. Pulling everything drum-tight can make the loop stiff and awkward.
5. Join the Main Cord
Remove the towel and bring the cord ends together.
Join them with a secure bend suitable for your cord. A double fisherman’s bend is one option for joining two cord ends:
- Overlap the two cord ends.
- Wrap one end twice around the opposite standing cord.
- Pass that end back through both wraps and tighten.
- Repeat with the other end around the first standing cord.
- Pull the standing cords apart so the two knots slide together.
Leave at least 3 cm of tail beyond each knot, or more if your cord supplier recommends it.
Pull firmly on the joined loop and check for slipping. If the knot moves, retie it or choose a more suitable cord before continuing.
Position the join at the top of the beaded loop. Do not rely on glue to hold the cord ends together.
6. Make the Short Cord Hanger
Take the separate 50 cm cord length.
Join its ends securely to make a closed loop, leaving suitable tails. Check the join firmly before attaching it.
To connect the hanger to the beaded loop:
- Pass one end of the closed hanger loop through the centre of the beaded ring.
- Feed the opposite end of the hanger loop through the first end.
- Pull gently to form a lark’s head hitch around the main cord between two beads.
Position the hitch at the top, beside the main cord join.
The remaining doubled loop will hang over your wall hook. Move its joining knot towards the hook so the front looks tidy.
This simple cream cord attachment gives a soft, macramé-inspired finish without adding bulky hardware.
7. Hang the Holder
Place the hanger over your installed wall hook.
If fitting a new hook, follow the hardware instructions and use fixings appropriate for your wall. An adhesive hook must be suitable for the surface, bathroom conditions and intended load, with its full curing time observed.
Check that the holder hangs clear of the basin and does not rub against sharp edges.
8. Add the Towel Correctly
Fold the hand towel lengthwise into a narrower strip if needed.
Pass roughly half the towel through the beaded opening, then fold it over the lower arc of beads.
The lower beads should sit inside the fabric fold. The towel hangs down on both sides of that lower section, with the front panel covering the beads underneath.
Leave the upper part of the beaded opening visible so the mixed bead pattern can still be enjoyed.
Adjust the towel until it hangs comfortably without touching the vanity.
9. Check Before Regular Use
With the towel in place, look for:
- Slipping cord joins
- Movement at the hook
- Beads pulling tightly against the hanger
- Rough surfaces catching the fabric
Remove the towel and correct any problems before use.
This holder is for a lightweight hand towel. Use a purpose-made towel rail for heavy bath towels or items that people are likely to tug firmly.
More Boho Colour and Bead Combinations
Natural Coastal
Combine pale timber round beads, ivory barrel beads and lightly ribbed natural beads. Finish with a white cotton hand towel.
Earthy Terracotta
Replace the ivory accents with muted terracotta. Keep most beads natural timber so the colour remains subtle.
Soft Sage
Use a few sage-painted beads with cream cord and pale wood. This works particularly well with warm white walls.
Warm Walnut
Mix pale timber with a few darker stained beads for contrast. Make sure the stain is sealed and fully cured before it touches a towel.
When substituting beads, check their length along the threading hole, not just their width. A squat disc and a long barrel can occupy very different amounts of cord.
Helpful Tips and Care
Keep the holder away from shower spray and repeated sink splashes.
Wipe the beads with a barely damp cloth and dry them promptly. Do not soak the assembled holder.
Check the cord, knots and hook regularly. Replace worn cord or damaged beads, and stop using the holder if the finish deteriorates or mould appears.
Skip loose tassels near the towel. The mixed bead textures already provide plenty of interest, and a simple hanger is easier to keep tidy.
A small mix of shapes can make this everyday bathroom accessory feel surprisingly special. Keep the palette relaxed, choose smooth beads and let the handmade details do the work.
What do you think of this project? Let us know!