Canopy for a crib: types and main functions, features of assembly and fastening, care

Most parents prepare for the birth of their child in advance, buying everything they need so that when the baby is brought home from the hospital, he will not need anything. At the same time, purchasing a crib and accessories for it is by no means the last place on the list of priority purchases.

One of the most important bedside accessories is a canopy or its varieties such as a canopy, curtain or tent. Today you can purchase a commercially produced children's bed with a canopy, buy the canopy separately, and if you have some tailoring skills, sew the canopy yourself based on your own aesthetic perceptions and the size of the children's room. In this case, the most common option is to purchase a ready-made option separately from the crib, which is often sold complete with a set of infant linen.

Main functions of canopies

A useful product is attached above the child’s crib to protect him. The need for such an interior item is determined by special functions:

Protects the baby from external noise and prying eyes.
Protects the baby from drafts and bright light.
Transforms a child's room beyond recognition.
Insects and mosquitoes will not bother your newborn.
If a child is afraid to fall asleep on his own, the canopy creates a special atmosphere around him that calms him down. He will feel safe and fall asleep soundly.
Thanks to special devices, you can hang the net without any problems.

Kinds

Protective canopies for newborn cribs are divided according to several principles.

By type of fastening:

over the entire crib - the product is called a tent, and is used to protect newborns. You can pull it over the sleeping bed or in the center.
above the headboard - this option is suitable for beds of children over three years old. This approach allows the child to more easily contact the outside world.
“royal” - this option covers the entire perimeter of the crib.

By speciation:

Classic - used for furniture with a high back and having special supports for which the material must be secured. The optimal solution is if the bed is in the center of the children's room or under the wall.
Dome-shaped is a difficult model to make.
Semicircular - this type of frame is mounted when the bed needs to be placed in a corner.

By lenght:

to the floor - protects the baby from drafts, but you need to be careful not to get tangled under the wheels of the crib.
to the edge or middle is the optimal length. To prevent the canvas from dangling, it should be hooked to the side slats.
short - perfectly breathable and protects from bright light.

The style of the canopies is determined by the location and design of the crib:

Protective material with stands is a model that attracts the attention of teenage girls. The canvas is mounted on crossbars and racks crossed under the ceiling at right angles.
Mini canopy - decorates a children's room. As a rule, these are ordinary curtains at the headboard, located on the wall.
A canopy made on the ledges of the wall - they will cover the head of the bed.
The protective canopy-sail is an attractive model that completely covers the wall. It is used for rooms of non-standard dimensions.

Toys for the development of coordination of movements

Coordination of movements develops in children aged three months to six months. Babies try to lift and hold the rattle. At this time, it is necessary to purchase appropriate toys. The rattle should not be heavy. The baby should be able to hold it easily. In addition, the lighter the toy, the less dangerous it is. You should not choose very noisy rattles: the child may be frightened by sharp sounds.

Grabbing toys are hung on special racks. As the child develops, their height changes. A three-month-old baby is already exploring toys by touch and trying to grab them. The figures should be located at arm's length, be comfortable to hold and have different shapes. To develop tactile sensations, you need to offer your child toys made of different materials.

Gallery: canopies for cribs (25 photos)

Fabric selection

As a rule, synthetic fiber is not recommended for use because it accumulates static charges and sometimes provokes allergies. However, some types of fibers can be chosen for decorating your baby’s bedroom. Basically, products are made from the following types of fabrics:

Thin chintz. It does not protect from bright light, but it is environmentally friendly and protects against drafts.
Thick linen or cotton. They are not afraid of dust and sun rays.
Organza. Creates an incredibly beautiful look, but accumulates a static charge. It requires simple fasteners.
Velvet. Dense material, suitable for the cold season. It is able to retain the warmth of the room and protects the crib from drafts.
Net. Provides good air circulation, which is especially important in summer. This canopy does not protect against bright rays, drafts and small dust particles.

For reliable protection against insects, you should use a mosquito net.

In addition to the pros and cons, there are also points that you should pay attention to when choosing a mobile:

Fastening. Inspect it carefully, because the safety of your baby in the crib depends on it, especially when he is unattended. The mobile mounting mechanism must be reliable and durable, tighten well and not wobble.

Possibility to remove toys. It’s good if your mobile has such a function, because as mentioned earlier, it needs to be kept clean. Moreover, solid models with a large number of toys are not suitable for newborns, because the baby does not yet know how to fix his eyes on any one object among many small and identical ones.

Unobtrusive music. Not only your baby, but also your entire family will have to listen to melodies (if this is provided at all in the model you choose), so before purchasing, make sure that there are no particularly irritating, squeaking or unpleasant to hear ones among them.

Additional options. Some models have sleep timers, the ability to turn on separate rotation without music and vice versa, as well as built-in night lights. Of course, all this directly affects the price, so consider which of these features you are willing to part with and do not overpay for what is not needed.

Color options

In this matter, parents usually listen to popular definitions, and for boys they choose blue shades, for girls - pink.

White color, combined with any shade of the gamut, can add variety. If you add a touch of white to the children's interior, the design will not be worse.

If desired, a photo print is applied to a plain material if the child reacts quite adequately to the image. However, the drawing should be in pastel colors.

Making a bedside curtain

Experienced seamstresses can make a pattern on their own, but novice needlewomen are advised to use a ready-made drawing in the form of a rectangle with one slightly rounded bottom edge. Necessary materials:

pattern;
3 meters of transparent plain material 1.5 meters wide;
1 meter of colored fabric 20 cm wide;
lace;
a narrow satin ribbon for finishing edges;
threads to match the fabric;
sewing machine;
decorative large bow.

After preparing the materials, you can begin making a beautiful cape .

Initially, you need to spread the base material on the floor and cut it into two parts. Next, you need to fold the cut parts face inward. You need to attach a pattern to one edge, outline it and cut off the marked rounding with scissors.
Then you need to stitch the central seam, leaving about 30 centimeters on the top side untouched, and trim the edges with a satin ribbon. Markings should be made on the top part using chalk or soap, drawing two straight lines at a distance of 5 cm and 20 cm from the top edge.
After this, using a sewing machine or by hand, using a needle and thread, you need to gather the upper edges of the parts of the product (up to a width of 1 meter). The colored decorative piece must be cut in half in the same way, and then short sections on one side must be processed.
Next, the manufactured sections need to be basted along the marked lines, while simultaneously hemming the fabric. During this, the processed sections should be placed close to the central seam and the stitching should be done along the basting. Now you should trim the top edge of the cape with a satin ribbon. And the sides of the product and the bottom need to be trimmed with lace braid. At the junction of the front sides (on top) it is necessary to fix a decorative bow. By the way, if you wish, you can make it from lace yourself.

Holder design

The design feature of the holder consists of a sealed or detachable aluminum or metal ring, mount and tripod. When the loop is solid, the curtain material will be covered with Velcro or tape. If there are no ties, you can sew them on yourself. The holder loop is easily decorated with stylish bows or lambrequins.

When the loop is easily removed from the tripod and its ends are separated, the top of the canopy is placed over the antennae of the loop. It is then attached to a tripod and the ends are covered. The structure is easy to assemble, and it is attached to the side of the arena with screws, and then these places are closed with plugs.

Assembly

The assembly kit usually includes:

holder (rounded or rectangular rod);
tripod (long straight tube);
rings that hold the material and help it slide along the holder;
screws for fastening.

The principle of assembly according to the instructions consists of the following steps:

Taking into account the location of the bed in the room, a place to mount the tripod is selected.
It is firmly screwed to the surface of the bed or the wall of the crib.
The holder rod is installed at the top of the tripod.
Hanging rings are threaded into curtain loops.
The fabric should be hung on the holder.
By pressing lightly with your hand, you need to check the reliability of the assembly.

The modern type of canopy design makes it easy to replace the material with a new one. This feature is quite useful considering the wide range of functions. It also simplifies the process of caring for the material.

Decorative elements

To give the canopy a finished look, various decorative elements are used. It is worth noting that decorative elements should not weigh down the lightweight material. Otherwise it may be damaged. They must be fixed from the outside of the product. Decorations can be:

bows made of thick fabric and lace;
all kinds of applications;
flowers and butterflies;
ruffles made of material and ribbons;
beads and chains with stones;
small soft toys;
sequins.

Finally, you need to pull the canopy onto the frame and attach it to the back of the crib or the ceiling.

Principles for choosing a canopy for a nursery

One of the features that require attention when choosing is the combination of the canopy with the overall interior. Here it is better to follow the advice of experts:

The most popular materials for canopies are tapestry, velvet and jacquard. They can make your bedroom look luxurious.
For the oriental style of the children's room, it is worth installing a canvas with tassels and flounces.
High-tech involves adding light curtains to the canopy on the eaves.
The design of the canvas should be duplicated in bed linen, curtains, bedspreads and capes. This will add sophistication to the interior.
If you want to adhere to restraint when choosing a material, you should pay attention to cold colors. A pink, scarlet or purple tint can add romance.
A light, airy canopy will help to visually increase the space of a children's room.
In small apartments, canopies muffle sounds from neighboring rooms. In this case, the canvas should be natural.
When deciding on the fabric component, it is worth remembering that the length of the product is increased by 15 - 20 cm in order to beautifully secure the material.

The bedroom is a place where a person rests and relaxes. When arranging a bedroom, you need to take care not only of functionality, but also of aesthetics. The bedroom should evoke only positive emotions so that a person can fall asleep with pleasant thoughts. One of the important elements of the bedroom interior is the canopy over the bed. With a canopy, it’s easy to travel back in time and feel like a king or queen, or, at worst, a duke or duchess. In our article we analyze the types of canopies and their functions.

The word "canopy" comes from the Latin "baldacinus" - "expensive silk fabric from Baldacco: Baghdad." It came into the Russian language under Peter I.

Canopies began to be used in warm southern and eastern countries to protect against heat and insects; in medieval Europe, dense fabrics of canopies helped to retain heat over the bed, and in the Rococo era, canopies turned into luxurious structures, decorated with ornate carvings, jewelry, and gilding. During the colonial period, when the goods of the Dutch and British East India Companies were popular, canopies made of printed cotton came into fashion: the luxurious Indian chintz, and later the more budget-friendly French toile. Now these canopies or bed curtains can be seen in the halls of Versailles and some other French castles.

In ancient Rus', the use of a canopy is associated with religion. Canopies were called the word “canopy”; it is located in churches, above the altar, behind the iconostasis. The inside of the canopy was often painted in the form of a starry sky; sometimes a dove with golden rays (a symbol of the Holy Spirit) was depicted here. Similar canopies were installed over sources of holy water, for example, in Suzdal monasteries and in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

Today, canopies perform both aesthetic and utilitarian functions. Canopy beds are used in bedrooms of various styles, as well as in the rooms of newborn babies.

What is a canopy for?

Performs a zoning function - it separates the sleeping area from the rest of the room. This is especially true for apartments where one room is both a living room and a bedroom. This option is also suitable for young parents who have a crib in the bedroom. On the one hand, you will always be close to your baby, and on the other, complete privacy. If a four-poster bed is located in the bedroom-living room, of course, it will not be possible to hide from the noise in the midst of a fun party. But you can place your friends on the sofa, and everyone will feel comfortable.

Protective function. With a canopy, the bed is better protected from insects, drafts, and dust. With a canopy, you can have a restful sleep without unnecessary light even during the day, provided that you choose the right fabric. The canopy will become an indispensable item for everyone who does not recognize air conditioning, and in the summer always sleeps with the window open. Mosquitoes will definitely not reach you at night, and dust will not settle on your skin.
The canopy covers the sleeping area from prying eyes. Also relevant for common areas where the bed is located. This is also an indispensable accessory for a baby crib, especially if the baby wakes up from any rustle.

What types of bed canopies are there?

There are several types of canopies depending on the type of their fastening.

A canopy on supporting supports is perhaps the most common and popular model. The structure is attached to the legs or frame of the bed; beams are located on top, on which a canopy or curtain for the bed is hung. This option is better suited for large rooms. Depending on the height of the ceiling, you can leave an air space at the top, or you can make the supports close to the ceiling. After you sleep, you can leave the canopy in the same condition as it was at night, or you can drape it around the bed supports in a fun way.
Canopy in the form of a tent or dome. This design is suspended from the ceiling above the bed, the fabric falls down at an angle. An important advantage of this canopy model is that it is less bulky than a structure on supports and visually “eats up” less space. By the way, a tent is suitable not only for decorating a bed; it can be used to decorate a children’s corner with soft pillows and toys. It is important that the canopy design reaches the floor. A child can read a book or draw in such a tent-hut.

A canopy on a cornice is attached to the ceiling; it can be located above the bed, for example, in the form of a sail. The advantage of fastening is that additional structures are not required.
Canopy crossbar. Ideally, it needs a special stand, but you can get by with a straight wall cornice. This canopy is laconic and simple, and at the same time perfectly completes the look of the room. The disadvantage of this option: the canopy completely loses its functional purpose and becomes solely a decorative element.
Canopy-cape. A bed with a high frame does not have to be covered with textiles from floor to ceiling. The symbolic canopy serves as the final decorative touch, softening the bedroom space. In order not to complicate your life, it is better to secure the canvas with ribbons sewn to it. This canopy is mobile and easy to remove and move.
Ribbon canopy. Another option for a symbolic and decorative canopy. The advantage of this option: you don’t need a lot of fabric to create this effect. As in the case of a canopy-cape, it is better to secure the structure with ribbons or textile fasteners, which should be hidden under the folds of the fabric: the point is for the ribbon to float above the bed without obvious signs of fastening.
The semicircular canopy at the headboard has more of a decorative function; it covers only a small part of the bed and is a continuation of the headboard.

What fabrics are suitable for canopies

Bed canopies and curtains are made from different types of fabrics. Natural fabrics that collect less dust and “breathe” are best. Let's look at some of them.

Bed canopies and curtains are made from different types of fabrics. Natural fabrics that collect less dust and “breathe” are best. Let's look at some of them.
If the main function of your canopy is zoning, pay attention to delicate, airy, light fabrics. For an adult bedroom, tulle or veil would be a suitable choice, for a children's bedroom - cotton and linen. The latter allow air to pass through well, making it possible to “breathe”, but wrinkle easily.
Batiste, satin and tulle will make your canopy more dense and light-proof. Please note that you cannot completely cover the bed with thick fabrics - this is unsafe, especially in children's bedrooms.
Tapestry, jacquard, velvet are suitable for those who love a luxurious, royal, rich-looking interior style. But keep in mind that these are quite heavy fabrics, so the fastening must be appropriate. Velvet perfectly absorbs sound and light, but collects a lot of dust and wears out quite quickly. It is distinguished by its seasonality - this material is best used in winter; it is of little use for the warm season. The above fabrics are best used in spacious rooms.
Silk and satin will make your bedroom passionate and romantic at the same time. But these fabrics are very capricious, they quickly get dirty, and puffs easily appear on them, spoiling the appearance.
Please note that the color scheme of the canopy and the structure to which it is attached should be in harmony with the overall palette of the bed and bedroom.

Which canopy color is best to choose?

In recent years, the topic of environmental friendliness and closeness to nature has become very relevant in interior design. If these are close to you, then choose the color of textiles in natural, natural shades: beige, white, brown, coffee, etc. All these colors will be a little muted, but they will not bother the owners for many years.

It is also important to remember that the color of the canopy in the bedroom should be combined with the textile design of the room: bed linen, curtains, decorative pillows. If your bedroom is in Provence or classic style, then you can choose a canopy tone that matches the rest of the bedroom textiles; in other cases, you can choose either opposite colors or similar colors, but several tones lighter or darker.

In which interiors are bed canopies used?

Scandinavian minimalism, popular today, involves a small set of furniture. For a canopy in this style, a support or ceiling structure with a minimum number of elements is suitable. It is better to use translucent, lightweight fabrics; the canopy should look light, cloudy, and airy.
Loft. Wood and metal are suitable for the canopy structure; the canopy frame itself can be deliberately rough. We recommend using plain, dense fabrics in “factory” colors: brick, black, brown, sand.
The neoclassical style combines the luxury of jacquard, tapestry fabrics and the lightness of the second airy layer (tulle, veil). This style will be perfectly complemented by patterned carved bed elements, tassels, weaving and fringe on fabrics, and drapery. A tent or dome canopy in such an interior will make the atmosphere of the bedroom even more aristocratic.
Provence. Light, pastel colors of fabrics combined with floral patterns, smoothed corners, soft shapes are ideal for a newlyweds’ bedroom.
Light, airy, translucent fabrics are suitable for decorating a bedroom in an oriental style.
The hygge style, beloved by many, will ideally complement a light canopy in natural light shades or made of lace, embroidery or macrame. By the way, since all adherents of the Danish style adore natural untreated flax, you can safely bring this idea to life!

Remember, you need to approach the choice of canopy for decoration with all responsibility. First, decide on its functionality, and only then try to correctly fit it into the environment. And don’t forget that in a children’s room, reliable fastening is especially important, and the fabric should be light and weightless. Then it will create a pleasant atmosphere and comfort.

Competent care

Most parents refuse canopies only because they consider them “dust collectors.” Of course, there is some truth in this, however, with regular proper care, dust will not be scary for children.

Washing and cleaning the fabric from dirt will help keep the curtain in order and maintain hygiene. When using a canopy made of tulle or organza, care is noticeably simplified.

These materials wash and dry quickly and do not require ironing. Even after numerous washes, you can put the canopy back in place without fear of it becoming deformed.

A thick canopy can be washed from time to time, and in between times, you can take care of it using a vacuum cleaner.

Advantages of children's canopies

Usually all parts are purchased in one set with the cradle. Modern bed models come in a variety of shapes.
The prefabricated structure is easy to install due to the small number of elements.
Thanks to the wide base of the holders, the attachment of the canopy to the crib is stable.
In addition to the wall-mounted one, they often offer a stationary canopy attached to the surface with screws.

It is unlikely that the modern generation of parents slept in a crib with a wonderful canopy. That is why it is easy to explain the desire today to give their child what they themselves did not have.

The place where the baby rests is the heart of the children's room . It must be safe, comfortable and beautiful, so that the whole room becomes cozier and warmer. All of the above tasks are easily performed by a canopy.

Originally posted 2017-12-21 07:17:51.

How to hang a canopy over a crib to the ceiling

This option is suitable for those who do not regularly rearrange the furniture in the room. Otherwise, constantly moving the structure from place to place will cause you a lot of trouble.

In order to attach the canopy to the ceiling, you will need to do the following:

Mark a place above the crib where the holder will be located.
Attach the canopy base to the ceiling with self-tapping screws.
Assemble the canopy onto the holder (different designs provide different mounting options: Velcro, tape, etc.).

After this, all you have to do is straighten the fabric, evenly distributing the folds. If you did everything correctly when assembling your canopy, you will have a fabric “house” above the crib.