A beautiful canopy bed can transform a room into a romantic, secretive, alluring place. The luxurious feel of the fabric encompassing the bed, as well as the color choice and amount of fabric in the canopy truly set the stage for any desired ambience. It is easy to understand why finding the correct canopies for beds is an important and challenging process.
Originally the canopy for the bed was less decorative and more utilitarian. In tropical environments encompassing the sleeping area in netting allowed for a barrier against mosquito’s and other pests. Whereas in medieval Europe, homes roofing was far from waterproof, and adding an extra layer of fabric above the bed provided additional protection from the elements.
Modern canopies may not even require the traditional four poster bed structure. It is becoming increasingly popular to wrap a decorative fabric around a metal or wooden loop to attach to the ceiling above the bed. The transitional canopy forms an attractive arch where it is attached to the ceiling, and is usually made of mesh materials. While the majority of these canopies are marketed towards young girls, adults can find a romantic white lace canopy to drape tastefully across a king sized bed. These canopies may have sequins placed within the veil-like material, or a satin valance along the top to add extra shine. Hoop canopies are relatively inexpensive, and start around $5 each. Major retail stores, online outlets, and specialty stores all offer a wide array of colors and designs for anyone’s tastes.
Another way to bring the canopy appeal to a bedroom is to make your own custom canopy. By securing curtain rods to the ceiling over each end of the bed, you have the perfect area to hang attractive drapes to create a canopy bed effect. If curtain rods are not available, a metal hook can be hung on the ceiling above the center of the bed and each of the four corners.
Canopies for beds can be made out of almost any material imaginable, but those that can be machine washed will provide the owner with the easiest care options. Traditional materials include velvet, silk, tapestry, chintz, and mosquito netting. When making your own canopy, it is common to match the canopy with the curtains and bedding. For ease of use, the canopy should go exactly to the bottom of the bed. This way it will not accidentally become caught up in a vacuum or cause a slip. However, allowing canopies to dramatically flow onto the floor about 4 inches longer than the bed creates a luxurious, movie star look.
Other uses for a canopy are to hide reading lights in the valance area along the top. Wires can be run along the posters and beams of the bed and hidden by the fabric surrounding them. This allows a reader a way to keep the flow of a room simple, but still have an accessible light source for nighttime reading. It is important to ask the retailer if the fabric choices used in the bed canopy are heat resistant, and to choose cool burning fixtures.
The canopy used for any bed will create the overall feel of the room. Heavier fabrics will make a more dramatic statement, whereas lightweight, sheer fabrics create a look of sunshine and happiness. When paired properly with matching bedding and curtains, canopies for beds are a great way to make a room uniquely yours.