Although these are another form of decorative mould they deserve a separate description, as they are particularly versatile.

The bead is a single semi-circular profile usually run down the corner of a frame and is often used to disguise a join between two components. Used singly, as a decorative edge moulding with shoulders either side, it is called a staff bead, one of the classic profiles from the past. Sometimes several beads are combined on a flat face, an effect called a reed, which is useful for adding detail to otherwise plain edges.