If you’re looking for cool beads you’ve come to the right place. There are a few common places to look as well as a few hidden spots that have some really cool and funky beads you’ll definitely want to check out.
Of course, we also found some great spots for finding cool beads on sale. There’s no reason you can’t get a great deal as long as you know where to look!
When it comes to shopping for cool beads, there are actually several great options to choose from. You might even have a really cool bead shop in your city that you didn’t even know about. Fortunately, there are a few online tools you can use to help you find where to buy beads as well.
Local Options for Cool Beads
There are two popular craft stores that are available in many cities. Hobby Lobby and Michael’s are both good choices for finding beads. They are chains so the downside is you may not get the same variety or as many distinctive options as you would at a locally owned store. But they are worth mentioning as it’s possible to find something pretty cool at either of those stores.
There are also some good online tools for exploring local bead stores in your area.
1. Bead Shop Finder
They have a simple search tool that actually works pretty well. I found it work best when you spell out your cities entire name rather than just use an abbreviation. For instance, if you lived in Bend, Oregon you would want to put “Bend” in the search box. It’s not a comprehensive list but it’s a good place to cross reference to make sure you aren’t missing out on any cool stores.
2. Local Bead Store Alliance (LBS)
I wasn’t real impressed with this site. You click on your state and they will list a few bead stores in that state. I like that it’s easy to check, so it’s worth checking out real quick. But don’t get your hopes up as they could really benefit from adding a lot more stores to their directory.
3. A Guide to Beadwork
This site has some potential but it’s a little cluttered to use and even though they make you think you’re searching by city, you end up getting a bunch of listing from your state as well. But, they do provide user ratings (based on a 5 star rating) and they do have a very large directory so it was kind of nice to see all the Bead Stores in not only my city but the surrounding areas as well.
So I would also recommend trying this one though it does get frustrating having to sift through a bunch of cities that obviously aren’t nearby.
Where to Buy Cool Beads Online
What I love about the internet is no matter where you live, you have access to some of the coolest beads online. So even after searching for some great bead shops in your area, if you come up short don’t forget to try the online world.
1. Amazon.com
If you haven’t tried Amazon yet, definitely see what they have to offer. They have a HUGE selection and often times their prices can’t be beat. You have the benefit of all the products Amazon sells as well as local shops selling through Amazon as well. So it can also be a great way to discover other online stores that you might not otherwise have know about.
Also, by shopping on Amazon you will be exposed to a lot of really unique and really cool beads. You might see some styles that you hadn’t though about or didn’t even know they existed. Which then gives you more ideas to go and Google if you like as well.
2. Art Beads
This is another excellent site to visit. They not only have a very large selection of beads but a lot of variety as well. They also have special coupons and promotions that you might be able to take advantage of as well. I recommend checking them out also.

The Potomac Bead Company
3. Anima Designs
I like this site because they are a little less mainstream and more on the creative and distinctive side of bead making.
For instance, they have beads made out of bone or in the shapes of animals. It’s a distinctive look so it may not be your thing, but they’re regardless they’re fun to look at!
4. Potomac Bead Company
Finally, I wanted to include a review of the Potomac Bead Company. The Potomac Bead Company has wholesale & retail bead stores across the US & even in Europe.
They truly have an extensive supply of things like gemstones, glass, sterling silver, findings, copper, pendants, wire, tools, displays, books, beads and more. If you go to their website you can browse their selection of beads beads and see some really cool photos of their retail stores as well.
If you visit one of their retail bead store locations, you can take a beading class or just walk around to get inspired. If you’re looking for cool beads, they are definitely worth the trip!