Canopy over the bed: why does your bedroom need this element?

The desire to decorate your home in such a way that it is cozy, comfortable and unique is inherent in every modern person. We try to make housing unique and multifunctional. If we talk about the bedroom space, few people know how to turn it into a cozy, romantic, but at the same time royal “nest”. Designers offer a variety of ideas for creating comfort in the bedroom; one of the most creative and interesting is a canopy over the bed with your own hands. With this method, the whole room becomes lighter, airier, and the bed seems to be floating in the sky. Today we'll show you how to create a canopy over your bed that will make you feel floating and protected at the same time.

A little history

The canopy, as you know, is a very useful and ancient element. The beautiful textile curtain was invented in the East, where it played primarily a protective role. For different peoples, the canopy served as protection from flying insects, drafts and prying eyes. The curtain over the bed played the role of a visual barrier, which created feelings of peace, loneliness and privacy from strangers.

Nowadays, blinds or mosquito nets can protect you from heat and mosquitoes, so a canopy over a bed is quite rare in bedroom interiors. This interior element is more often found in a children's room. We are not saying that a canopy is not needed in the interior today, since it is an attractive element, and few of us will refuse to spend at least one night under it and feel like a king or queen.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a canopy

The advantages of using a textile curtain over the bed include the following characteristics:

Creating an atmosphere of comfort, safety, privacy, tranquility.
Hiding the bed from prying eyes.
Protection from sun rays in the morning.
Muting external sounds.
Protection from drafts and cold air currents.
Protection from irritating insects.
Excellent interior design. A canopy over the bed is a romantic and spectacular decoration for the room.

Important!

Disadvantages of using a canopy:

Visually reducing the size of the bedroom. So if you have a small room, then skip this design idea.
Dust retention, so the canopy is not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Leaves little air.

What is a canopy and why is it needed?

A canopy over a bed is a fabric decoration made in the form of a canopy or canopy. Initially, its function was protective. It sheltered sleeping people from external irritants. Nowadays, this role has faded into the background and the canopy is more of a decorative element of the interior.

Nowadays, the canopy has a decorative rather than a protective function.

Basic designs and forms of canopies

The design of canopies can be varied. However, the main style directions can be identified. Here are some of the options that you can introduce into your bedroom space:

Curtain on supports. Buying a bed with an attached canopy is a simple and great idea. This design helps highlight the bed and emphasize the space above it. The main decorative role in this project is given to the canopy.
Various textile compositions of a completely arbitrary design.

The structures themselves can be of the following types:

Canopy on frame - the structure of the bed and the space from the ceiling frame the frame. On the side of the structure there should be racks made of wood and metal. This design is ideal for Baroque and Moorish style. If you don't want to spend money on ornate forged elements and carvings, then you can use luxurious, expensive fabrics.
Crown design. The axis of the structure is located in the center of the bed. The frame can be in the form of a square or circle. The fabric is threaded or stretched through the structure.
Frame canopy. The canopy is fixed in the form of an arc on the frame. The arc can be attached to the wall and moved to the headboard. This option is considered budget-friendly, as it does not require complex supports. The base is a crossbar on the wall; you can use it to hang clothes. This design looks soft and relaxed.

Important!

Read on for some helpful tips on how to make your canopy over your bed more perfect:

If you use vertical posts in your design, decorate them with original fabric draperies - frills, flounces, and so on.
If the foundation of the bed itself is a full-fledged design work, then do not hide it, but emphasize it with translucent fabric along the entire contour.

Fabric options

The following fabrics are ideal for canopy:

Natural silk,
Elegant cotton,
Weightless satin,
Light cambric,
Fatin.

A four-poster bed in a bedroom is a kind of sanctuary that adds romanticism and sophistication to the interior. The role of draperies in this case is purely decorative, since the role of canopy fabric is to create a romantic atmosphere, and only a certain fabric can cope with this task.

Important!

Traditionally, the bed in the bedroom is covered with light fabric - silk, veil, organza. For a children's room, it is better to give preference to light natural fabrics - cotton, linen, silk.

How to choose fabric for a canopy according to your interior style?

The design of the canopy should ideally be combined with the interior of the bedroom. The fabric for the curtain is selected depending on the style of the room. Here are some tips:

Popular heavy fabrics such as velvet, tapestry and jacquard are in demand in classic palace styles. They symbolize luxury and prosperity.
Satin and silk go well with gilded baroque furniture.
A canopy in an oriental style must be complemented with fringe and tassels.
For a high-tech style, a canopy cannot be used at all. It is enough to hang light curtains on the eaves.

Important!

What else you need to consider when choosing fabric for the canopy over the bed:

The desired effect can be achieved not only thanks to the texture of the fabric, but also to the pattern and color. Ideally, the shade of the material and the design of the canopy should be duplicated in other textiles, for example, in decorative pillows, bedspreads or curtains.
To create an atmosphere of restraint, choose a cool-colored fabric, and for romanticism and sensuality - impressive scarlet, delicate purple, marshmallow pink shades. Precious golden shades will also look great in this atmosphere.

How to choose fabric and sew a canopy

Using curtains over a bed is not only beautiful, but also functional. They help protect against insects, direct sunlight, and outside noise. During sleep, the canopy is completely closed, and during the daytime it can be tied with ribbons or fully opened.

Canopy in a nursery in beige tones

Canopy over wrought iron bed

Linen translucent canopy on bed frame

Beautiful canopy in an eco-style bedroom interior

Canopies over beds

To make it easy to use this decorative element, you need to choose the right fabric for it. It should be practical and convenient. Sewing curtains over the bed from velvet, tapestry, jacquard and other dense fabrics is not the best idea. Visually, they look very heavy and cumbersome, although they create the impression of luxury and wealth. Dust likes to settle on the surface of these materials, which significantly worsens the quality of a person’s sleep.

The fabric for the future product should be practical and comfortable.

Large transparent canopy on the bed frame

Canopy over the bed in the nursery

Hanging canopy over the bed

To make a canopy, it is better to focus on lighter, airier and translucent fabrics. They should allow air to pass through well, which will ensure a good night's rest. Curtains will create both a romantic and sophisticated style in the room. If you want to add a touch of piquancy to the bedroom, you can decorate the canopy above the bed with your own hands with waves and tassels. This will help create an oriental interior.

Yellow canopy over a crib

Canopy over the bed in oriental style

Pink canopy in the newlyweds' bedroom

Canopy over bed modern

Children's canopy should be made from fabrics such as:

chintz;
linen;
silk.

Leather canopy over bed

Canopy over the bed blue

Light canopy in a spacious bedroom

Lightweight transparent canopy with ties on the bed frame

Canopy in a children's room

Girls, girls and women mostly just go crazy about canopies, because from an early age they love to decorate their homes, they are fascinated by doll houses and tents. The canopy for girls is of great importance.

Important!

A universal version of a curtain for a girl’s bed is a design of light fabric, airy and translucent. A canopy for a children's room can be equipped with a blanket and curtains.

When making curtains for a children's bed, listen to the recommendations of experts:

The design of the canopy should match the color of the walls. In this case, the interior will be beautiful and original. You can choose the canopy color to design furniture and accessories comprehensively.
If you want to make the interior of a children's room bright, then focus on curtains in rich colors.
If the canopy completely covers the bed, then select the design very carefully, because the color effect in this case will play an important role.

The following colors will come in handy for a children's room: green, mint, blue, turquoise, lilac. Yellow, beige and peach colors are allowed. It is not recommended to use pink, red, or orange shades for canopies in children's rooms, as these shades activate the nervous system and interfere with restful sleep.

In a modern children's room, the fabric can be of any texture, including the lightest and most transparent. If the choice fell on dense fabrics, then it is recommended to choose double-sided fabric options so that the canopy looks equally beautiful from all sides.

Important!

The canopy should be shaken every day. If possible, prepare a second set of fabric for replacement and change the canopy as often as possible, like bed linen.

DIY canopy over a double bed

It’s easy to make a canopy for an adult bed with your own hands, you just need to decide on the frame and fabric.

The step-by-step process for creating a canopy is as follows:

Buy fabric from a store. The length should be greater than the perimeter of the entire bed, and the width should be from the floor to the top of the frame.
Make sure that the edges of the fabric are sewn in such a way that they will not stretch during use.
For future fasteners, make ring holes (or make loops) in the top of the fabric at regular intervals.
Prepare rings with a diameter of 2-5 cm.
Select a design for fastening. This can be a support with posts (wooden or metal) or a hanging structure. The frame can be ordered or made from improvised materials.

Important!

A hanging design requires a metal rod; it can be bent to form a semicircle or the letter “P”. A standard hula hoop or large diameter hoop is suitable for the procedure.

Secure the frame. Install the suspended structure on the ceiling or wall. Remember that only light fabrics can be hung on ceiling structures. If you bought a bed with supports, place them in the corners using metal tubes or small wooden beams.
Place the rings on the top beams and attach the fabric.
To make the interior more interesting, decorate the canopy with decorative cords and other accessories.

Important!

The canopy fastening must be reliable, durable and safe. It must withstand not only the weight of the material, but also additional loads.

How to make a canopy with your own hands

A luxurious canopy around the bed is easy to make with your own hands. Of course, you will have to put in a lot of effort, but this element will be a chic decoration for your room.

If you want to make a thick canopy, then think about the backing material - it is advisable to use a plain light-colored fabric to create a comfortable and cozy environment around the bed.

You can make a beautiful canopy for your bed yourself. The main thing is to think about what material to make from.

Method for making a canopy for a newborn baby's crib

For newborn children, the most practical canopies are made of organza or tulle, since they are not difficult to wash and do not need to be ironed. It is better to use light-colored fabrics, which will have a beneficial effect on the child’s psyche.

For a newborn baby, it is better to use light-colored fabrics.

Important! Do not use material with bright designs or patterns.

To make a canopy over the bed with your own hands, find a photo or image of a pattern. Also, prepare your fabric and decorative items before starting.

After this you can start working:

Fold the main material in half, and, holding it with your hand, measure 1.5-2 m from the fold line and cut it.
Finish the bottom edges with an overlocker. If there is none, you can trim the edges with tape.
Measure 3 cm from the top edge and draw lines along which sew a strip of thicker fabric along the entire length of the material.
Decorate the fabric with decorative elements.
Insert a wooden hoop into the resulting gap between the main fabric and the strip.

Making a canopy with your own hands will require some effort.

For double bed

The easiest choice for making a canopy for an adult bed with your own hands is the option with independent supports. In this case, it is necessary to install 4 supports in the corners of the bed, on which to hang the fabric on top. The supports can be carved. If this is not the case, then they can be draped with the same fabric.

Useful tips

Sewing a canopy is a simple process. Cut the material according to the selected sketch, sew the edges and sew a fastening loop or ring on top. If you have chosen a “shortened” canopy model, then the fabric should cover the mattress and fall below it by 10-20 cm.
Choose a frame mounting option based on your bedroom style and shed model. For example, a classic canopy is suitable for a bed with supports. Such a canopy will look best on beds located in the center of the bedroom or near the wall. The bed should have a high back in this case. Semicircular canopies will look great on a bed located in the corner. For this model, you can use a hanging mount, such as an arc-shaped one, which is attached to the wall.
Solid loops on the fabric can be replaced with ribbons to match the base material. This option, in addition to an additional decorative effect, will allow you to quickly remove the canopy for cleaning and washing.
If you decide to equip a frame around the perimeter of the bed, then use a cornice profile. It is lightweight, flexible and durable. The shade of the cornice should match the color of the fabric. It is best to mount the cornice on the ceiling.

A do-it-yourself canopy is a unique design solution that allows you to update your interior at minimal cost and add romantic notes to the atmosphere of the bedroom. Allow yourself and your loved ones to relax, giving yourself a feeling of absolute peace and security under a beautiful luxurious canopy.

Tips for choosing

The combination with the interior is one of the features that you should pay attention to when choosing a canopy. Here are some tips:

Heavy material - velvet, tapestry, jacquard - is quite a popular material to use as a canopy. It adds luxury and aristocracy to the image of a children's bedroom.
Satin and silk are an interesting option in combination with gilded furniture and bedroom paraphernalia.
Oriental style - ideal in combination with flounces and tassels.
High-tech - complemented by delicate curtains on the eaves.

Duplicate the design of the protective fabric in other room accessories: bed linen, capes, bedspreads. This will create the necessary charming effect and sophistication of the interior.
If you are trying to maintain restraint in the selection of material for the canopy, then the best variation would be shades of cool colors. For romance and sensuality, choose scarlet, purple or pink tones. You can also take a closer look at alternative golden options, which will always be in fashion.
Translucent lightweight fabric allows you to visually expand the space and add lightness to the image of the room.

A canopy is convenient for rooms with high ceilings: visually the ceiling is reduced, and people who previously felt discomfort in this room become calm and feel comfortable.
For small rooms, a canopy can muffle extraneous sounds coming from neighboring rooms, but it must be made of dense natural fabric.
When choosing a fabric component for a canopy, know that the final length needs to be increased by 15-20 cm. These centimeters are necessary for attaching the fabric.

Do not forget that the material must be washed frequently, as it accumulates dust. The optimal choice would be organza, tulle and chintz. These materials are easy to care for: easy to wash, dry quickly and there is no need to iron. And materials such as tapestry and velvet require special care.
Short canopies are a great choice for those who want to use them as a decorative tool, while for protective purposes, medium-length canopies are the best option.
For warm rooms, materials such as tulle, organza or chintz are quite suitable, and for cold rooms, velvet or tapestry may be needed.