This bed becomes the center of the bedroom, attracting the eye. A person sleeping on this bed begins to feel like a special royal. Canopies are associated with royal chambers, feudal castles, and princess bedrooms. Therefore, many people mistakenly believe that in order to own a four-poster bed, you need to buy yourself a castle or a huge country mansion.
The canopy is a beautiful textile curtain that was invented in the East, where it played, first of all, a protective role.
Meanwhile, the canopy is a completely accessible interior element. Various forms of structures and a wide palette of materials make it possible to build a canopy over the bed even in a city apartment. If you use the design wisely and carefully consider the choice of fabric, this exquisite structure will decorate almost any interior.
Low canopy for a snow-white bed
Pros and cons of using a canopy in the interior
To assess the need to install a canopy, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of its use.
| Pros of a canopy bed | Cons of a canopy bed |
| Increases comfort while sleeping by protecting against sunlight, drafts and mosquitoes. | If the area of the room is small, then the canopy will clutter the space. |
| Enlivens the bedroom interior, adding a touch of romance to the atmosphere. | Dust that does not enter the sleeping area thanks to the canopy settles on it, which requires frequent washing. |
| Helps set a certain style direction. | Fabric on complex structures is quite problematic to remove and hang back. |
| Creates a zone of privacy and comfort; especially useful if the house has high ceilings. | Too tight drapery can contribute to air stagnation in the sleeping area. |
How to make a canopy for a children's bed yourself
If you can’t purchase a ready-made canopy for a crib, you can make it yourself.
What materials will you need?
To make a hanging type of canopy, prepare:
- 4 anchor hooks with a cross section of 0.6 cm;
- 2 tubes made of plastic or aluminum, 150 cm long;
- ribbon for a canopy 600 cm long and 2 cm wide;
- pre-selected material for a canopy 800 cm long and 1.5 m wide.
Making a canopy
| Image | Stages of work |
| Marking of fastenings Here you should outline a rectangle, the corners of which will consist of four holes. It should be in the middle of the crib and be smaller in size (1.50 x 0.7 m). | |
| Fixation of hooks First, holes are drilled on the ceiling in marked places and dowels are driven into them. Next, anchor hooks are screwed into them. | |
| Making loops You need to thread pieces of ribbon into the prepared hooks and secure them in the form of loops. Their length can be 50–100 cm. It depends on the height of the walls. | |
| Canopy preparation To do this, a piece of canvas is laid out on the table and points for threading the tubular frame are marked on it. In this case, you need to add 0.3 m to the spaces between the hooks (0.7 m) for the sagging of the fabric. | |
| Making the rim and canopy Two parallel lines are marked on the fabric, and the drawstrings are sewn along them. The rim tubes are threaded into them. Then the edges of the canopy are folded and stitched. Next, the fabric needs to be ruched and the canopy threaded through the loops on the rim. | |
| Decoration of the canopy The canopy goes behind the head and foot of the bed. Curtain hooks are fixed on each side and tiebacks are hung. |
What types of beds come with a canopy?
There are several types of canopy beds, all of them interesting in their own way.
A canopy is a very functional element of a crib for newborns. It creates a cozy space for the child, diffuses bright light and eliminates dust and insects. If the crib is located near a window, the thick fabric protects the baby from drafts. And, of course, the canopy in the nursery looks very attractive.
A canopy is an excellent addition to a transformable crib. It is useful when the structure is assembled into a round cradle - the baby feels safer in a confined space. A canopy will not be superfluous over an elongated crib for an older baby, because the child still needs a comfortable sleep. The canopy can also be used when the crib turns into a playpen.
A girl over two years old will appreciate an original carriage crib or car bed with a canopy. Here its role as decor is irreplaceable. Boys will prefer a house-style bed or a loft bed. In all of these cases, the canopy serves as an additional element for games.
In the photo there is a transformable bed in the shared bedroom. Thanks to the canopy, the child is in his own cozy zone, but is not hidden from parental eyes.
Almost any bed can be decorated with a canopy. A large double design with a canopy is the most common option for a bedroom.
The photo shows a marine-style bedroom with red accents. An unusual footboard and a canopy with a pattern in the form of rope knots make the interior unique.
An elegant round bed with a transparent canopy looks especially gentle in the interior.
The photo shows a bedroom in milky shades. A huge tent made of transparent material envelops the bed like a cloud and gives an incredible feeling of comfort.
Frame and methods of its fixation
For a double bed, it is important that the frame for fixing the canopy is strong. It should be taken into account that access to the bed should remain on both sides.
It's easier to decorate a single bed. For its canopy you will need a less complex frame with simple fastenings.
Adult bed canopy
There are these types of canopies for an adult single or double bed:
Canopy for a large room. Its frame consists of four rectangular or rounded posts located at the corners of the bed. They are made from the same material as the sleeping place. That is, the racks can be forged metal or carved wood.
- Canopy for a small bedroom . Its basis is a frame made of forged metal. It tapers at the top, making the design slim and stylish. This frame configuration is suitable for using canopies made of light translucent material. It is fixed to the frame using throws or draperies.
Such a frame will not take up much space in the room.
- Canopy canopy . This is the simplest option for arranging a canopy. Its frame consists of two crossbars. The first of them is fixed along the headboard, the second - parallel to it, at the foot of the bed. The woven fabric is thrown over both slats so that it looks like a canopy.
Canopy for children's bed
The removable canopy is very convenient.
A crib with a wire fence for babies under 3 years old can be equipped with the following canopy:
- Its frame is a bracket made of a thin metal pipe.
- The rim is fixed on its upper side.
- The frame is attached to the side of the bed using screws or clamps.
- The finished cloth is placed on the rim. It is sewn from light translucent fabric.
- The result is a kind of house. It gently edges the crib, but does not completely hide the baby from the eyes of the parents.
To decorate a sleeping place for older children, you can fix a wooden or metal rod on the wall above the head of the bed or in its center. A woven fabric is thrown over it. It is threaded into a holder or a pre-prepared drawstring.
Types of canopy designs
There are several traditional ways to place a canopy. To make the canopy look harmonious, the holder for it is selected taking into account the dimensions of the bedroom and bed.
Crown
This is a suspended hoop-shaped structure that is attached to the ceiling. A popular option available for sale in a wide selection of materials and colors. The most inexpensive is a plastic hoop. It weighs little, so the fabric chosen for it is light and airy.
Racks
This is usually a structural part of the bed, but can also be purchased separately. Racks can be metal or wooden, representing massive columns or carved balusters. They look good only in spacious apartments.
Barbell
Fixed on the wall at the head of the bed. The fabric is thrown over the bar, turning into a minimalist canopy. Can be used in small spaces.
Frame construction
If there are no racks, then a frame placed under the ceiling can be used as a canopy.
The photo shows an unusual solid ceiling structure that ties together the ceiling and the bedroom decor.
Hanging canopy
A canopy looks simple and elegant, the curtain of which is thrown over two or three crossbars: they are fixed to the wall and ceiling. A hanging bracket is suitable for a baby crib.
Cornice
This wall canopy is a semicircular arc near the head of the bed. Attached to the ceiling and decorated with fabric.
Frameless
A frameless canopy is available for installation in rooms with the most unusual ceiling shapes. The modern method involves attaching one end of the fabric to the wall above the head of the bed so that the other hangs from the ceiling rail at the end of the bed. There is also an option when both planks are nailed to the ceiling, and a long fabric is simply thrown over top.
Frameless canopy. Photo: f-bit.ru
Recommendations for choosing fabric for a canopy
When choosing fabric for a canopy, you need to take into account both the taste preferences of the bedroom owner and the style of the interior.
- Thick fabrics (velvet, tapestry, jacquard) are suitable for a spacious bedroom in a classic or oriental style. They will turn an ordinary bed into a royal one and help make the sleeping area truly private.
- Translucent fabrics (linen, silk, cotton) are universal for any interior. Such canvases are distinguished by their tenderness, diffuse light well, but at the same time give a feeling of privacy. They are easier to care for.
- Light transparent fabrics (organza, tulle, chiffon) are suitable even for small rooms. A canopy made of an airy veil will decorate the bedroom, but will not protect from sunlight.
The photo shows a luxurious classic canopy on carved stands, decorated with fringe.
Canopy varieties
The columnar frame is ideal for voluminous and richly decorated bedrooms.
People have always organized a place to sleep in such a way as to hide from prying eyes, hide from drafts, and recreate an intimate atmosphere.
For this purpose, a canopy was often used - a material suspended above the bed. In Russia it has long been known as the canopy.
Canopy - a canopy over a bed made of printed cotton fabric.
Over the hundreds of years that canopies have been used, these devices have undergone a lot of modifications. Starting from the types of material used and methods of fixing the frame to their style.
Advantages of a canopy
A bed curtain gives a feeling of security and comfort.
The canopy has many advantages:
| Photo | Description |
| Plus 1 It recreates a positive psychological aura. This is a feeling of comfort and reliable protection, since the canopy covers the resting person from prying eyes. | |
| Plus 2 Canopies made of dense types of material block daylight. In addition, they have good soundproofing qualities. | |
| Plus 3 Curtains provide good protection from parasitic insects. This makes it possible to relax with open windows. | |
| Plus 4 In studio apartments and one-room dwellings, a canopy separates the bedroom area from the guest and kitchen areas. | |
| Plus 5 The use of a canopy makes the bedroom environment more comfortable, romantic and elegant. |
Types of canopies
Canopies can be divided into types, which depend on their configuration and type of fixation:
| Photo | Description |
| Canopy on a rectangular frame Its basis is a structure made of metal and wood. The dimensions match the contours of the bed. The frame is supported by four posts in the corners of the bed. Curtains are equipped with loops or rings. Thanks to them, the canopy moves along the frame. | |
| Tent type design This is a cornice or circle placed on a hook above the middle of the bed. The canopy is thrown over the clamp, its edges are picked up on both sides of the bed. As a result, bed decoration turns out to be spectacular, solemn and regal. | |
| figured canopy. In this case, above the head of the bed, on the wall or ceiling, a base of any configuration is fixed: oval, square, complex, etc. This type of canopy is only possible when using lightweight types of fabric. The whole point is that this design does not use support posts. | |
| Canopy canopy type A pair of rods are fixed above the bed - parallel to the headboard or along the bed. A cloth is placed on top of them. It sags a little in the middle. |
Canopy material
When choosing a canopy for an adult sleeping place, pay close attention to its material. Although the main function of a modern canopy is decorative, some types of fabric also have a practical purpose:
| Photo | Description |
| Transparent and translucent lightweight fabrics They are perfect for recreating a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom. It could be:
| |
Heavy, dense matter
| |
Fabrics of oriental origin
These types of fabric are used to decorate bedrooms and canopies in oriental ethnic styles. |
The color of the fabric is also important:
| Photo | Description |
| Patterned It is important that the color of the canopy is in harmony with other textiles in the room. For example, with curtains, pastels, bedspreads. | |
| Plain If you need the design of the bed to be aristocratic and restrained, then choose a cool-colored fabric - white, gray, blue, silver, light blue, light purple, etc. | |
| Colored If you want your bedroom to be cozy and sensual, consider warm colors. It can be red, golden, light brown, orange, pink, etc. |
Bed design photos
A correctly selected canopy decorates the bedroom and draws the eye to its central element - the bed. A canopy can be used to decorate a sofa bed, a single bed or a bunk bed.
The photo shows a bright wrought-iron sofa bed with a peculiar canopy of multi-colored ribbons. A great idea for a cheerful children's room.
The loft bed and “podium” can also be fenced off with a canopy. A four-poster bed on sloping posts looks original and modern.
The photo shows a loft bed, fenced off with a functional canopy that gives a feeling of privacy.
Examples in the adult bedroom
A canopy in a room for adults helps create a special mood of relaxation after a hard day. For a romantic person or a married couple, sleeping under the canopy will be comfortable for everyone.
The photo shows a blue single bed for a young girl. The canopy has a decorative function, softly decorating the headboard.
In a small studio or in a room at the dacha, a canopy will help zone the space. A small niche with a bed will become more comfortable if you frame it with a light canopy and decorate it with a garland.
Modern fashion dictates its own rules. In Art Nouveau style interiors there are square structures that only vaguely resemble a canopy and yet still perform their decorative function perfectly. This decoration with built-in lighting looks especially unusual.
Advantages and disadvantages
We list the main advantages of the canopy:
- Brings a touch of luxury to your bedroom decor.
- Allows you to visually bring too high ceilings closer.
- Helps you relax, feel a state of security and peace.
- Gives twilight, helping to fall asleep faster during the day, and protecting sleepers from the annoying light of lanterns and from the morning rays.
- Increases privacy, and this is especially important for studios, bedrooms combined with a living room, children's room, or simply if there are no doors.
- Protects from dust, drafts, sunlight and insects.
Despite a lot of advantages, the design has certain disadvantages:
- a canopy requires quite a lot of space. In small rooms with low ceilings, the ability to place such a structure is very limited, and a fundamental structure will look inappropriate. Most likely, you will have to completely say goodbye to the idea of installing a canopy in order to unload the room;
- textiles tend to accumulate dust, which is unacceptable for allergy sufferers;
- since fabric must be washed regularly, it is advisable to give preference to wrinkle-resistant materials, and these are most often synthetics;
- a bed without a canopy looks unsightly.
We suggest making a spare canopy and using curtains one at a time. So, when washing one set, its functions will be performed by a “understudy”.
What does a canopy look like in the interior of a children's room?
The picturesque canopy fits perfectly into the interior of the children's room. For a girl, a canopy that supports a fairy-tale theme is suitable: a light veil and pastel (pink, light yellow, pale green) colors.
The photo shows a white iron bed under a gentle canopy. The dome made of double-sided fabric is additionally decorated with tassels.
In a boy's room, a canopy made of fabric in neutral colors would be appropriate. For a teenage girl, the canopy will still be relevant, but an older boy is unlikely to agree to such a romantic element. However, transparent canopies will fit into almost any style: they are minimalist and do not attract much attention, are mobile and protect against mosquitoes in the summer.
Crib with canopy for baby
Various versions of such children's beds are most common. In the case when the child is still an infant, this is especially true. The fabric canopy muffles loud sounds from neighboring rooms, protects from cold air, and protects against insect bites. As a result, the baby sleeps better and quickly gets used to the sounds around him.
When the child grows up, parents often refuse such cribs. Of course, an older boy may not want to sleep under a fabric canopy himself, so this is quite justified. But most girls will love a bed with a beautiful canopy, because they will feel like little princesses in it. Even as she gets older, a young girl will prefer to sleep on just such a bed, because it looks more feminine and romantic.
Advice. The color palette of the fabric can be any, but it is better to choose delicate shades for the girl.
The draped fabric can be further decorated with decorative flowers, butterflies and other elements.
Modern style bedroom
Canopy design ideas in various styles
The canopy can be called a universal bedroom decor, suitable for any style - from Gothic to Provence. The main thing is to choose the appropriate design and fabric.
- The shabby chic trend implies emphasized antiquity and sophistication. A translucent canopy flowing in careless waves fits perfectly into such an interior.
- Loft-style room decoration is characterized by untreated surfaces, metal and concrete. At the same time, the “industrial” interior emphasizes space and light. Multilayer canopies will not work here, but black corner posts with transparent drapery will be appropriate.
- Provence, or “French country,” consists of pastel colors, light furniture and textures of natural materials. The rustic component here is intertwined with luxury, so an ornate canopy with floral patterns will highlight this style.
The photo shows a spacious attic in blue tones. An elegant canopy visually softens the rough beamed ceiling.
The canopy over the bed is simply irreplaceable in the Baroque style. Its main feature is pomp. A gold design would be appropriate here, and a royal bed should be decorated with thick drapery made of expensive luxury fabric.
The combination of white and blue shades and natural wood is characteristic of a charming marine style. A light, light canopy will come in handy here, adding airiness to the atmosphere.
