Canopy beds: types, choice of materials and styles for the bedroom and children’s room.

Why do you need a canopy?

At one time, a canopy was necessary to protect the sleeper from insects and drafts. Nowadays, a canopy is more of a decorative than a utilitarian interior detail. A stylish frame and fabric decoration creates a cozy atmosphere of privacy and tranquility.

Pros and cons of using a canopy in the interior

To assess the need for installing a canopy, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of its use.

What types of beds are there with a canopy?

There are several types of beds with a canopy, all of them are 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 gets rid of dust and insects. If the crib is by the window, the thick fabric protects the baby from drafts. And, of course, a canopy in a nursery looks very attractive.

A canopy is a great 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 of a grown baby, because the child still needs a comfortable sleep. Also, a canopy can be used when the crib turns into a playpen.

A girl over two years old will appreciate an original carriage crib or a car bed with a canopy. Here, its role as a decor is irreplaceable. Boys will like a house-shaped bed or a loft bed more. In all of the above cases, the canopy serves as an additional element for games.

The photo shows a transformable crib in a shared bedroom. Thanks to the canopy, the child is in his own cozy area, but is not hidden from the parents’ eyes.

Almost any bed can be decorated with a canopy. A large double bed with a canopy is the most common option for a bedroom.

The photo shows a bedroom in a marine style with red accents. The unusual footboard and 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.

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 the bed.

Crown

This is a suspended structure in the form of a hoop, which is attached to the ceiling. A popular option, presented on sale in a wide selection of materials and colors. The most inexpensive is a plastic hoop. It weighs little, so the fabric for it is light and airy.

Posts

Usually this is a structural part of the bed, but can also be purchased separately. Posts can be metal or wooden, representing massive columns or carved balusters. They look good only in spacious apartments.

Rod

It is fixed to the wall at the head of the bed. The fabric is thrown over the rod, turning into a minimalist canopy. Can be used in small spaces.

Frame structure

If there are no posts, then a frame placed under the ceiling can be used as a canopy.

The photo shows an unusual ceiling structure made of solid wood, which ties together the ceiling and the bedroom furnishings.

Hanging canopy

A canopy with a curtain thrown over two or three crossbars looks simple and elegant: they are fixed to the wall and ceiling. A hanging bracket is suitable for a child’s crib.

Cornice

Such a wall canopy is a semicircular arc near the head of the bed. It is attached to the ceiling and decorated with fabric.

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.

• Dense fabrics (velvet, tapestry, jacquard) are suitable for a spacious bedrooms 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 fabrics are delicate, 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 spaces. A canopy made of airy veil will decorate the bedroom, but will not protect from sunlight.

The photo shows a luxurious classic canopy on carved posts, decorated with fringe.

Photo of bed designs

A properly 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 forged sofa bed with a unique canopy made of multi-colored ribbons. A great idea for a cheerful children’s room.

A loft bed and a “podium” can also be separated with a canopy. A canopy bed with slanted posts looks original and modern.

The photo shows a loft bed, separated by a functional canopy, which gives a sense of privacy.

Examples in the bedroom of adults

A canopy in a room for adults helps to create a special mood of relaxation after a hard day at work. A romantic person, 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 framing the headboard.

In a small studio or in a room in the country, a canopy will help to zone the space. A small niche with a bed will become cozier if you frame it with a light canopy and decorate it with a garland.

Modern fashion dictates its own rules. In Art Nouveau interiors, there are square structures that only vaguely resemble a canopy and yet perfectly fulfill their decorative function. Such a decoration with built-in lighting looks especially unusual.

What does a canopy look like in a children’s room?

A picturesque canopy fits perfectly into the interior of a children’s room. A canopy that supports the fairy-tale theme is suitable for a girl: a light veil and pastel (pink, light yellow, pale green) tones.

The photo shows a white iron bed under a delicate canopy. The dome made of double-sided fabric is additionally decorated with tassels.

A canopy made of neutral-colored fabric would be appropriate in a boy’s room. A canopy would still be relevant for a teenage girl, but an older young man would hardly agree to such a romantic element. However, transparent canopies will fit into almost any style: they are minimalistic and do not attract much attention, mobile and protect from mosquitoes in the summer.

Ideas for decorating a canopy in different styles

A canopy can be called a universal decor for a bedroom, suitable for any style – from Gothic to Provence. The main thing is to choose the appropriate design and fabric.

• The shabby chic style suggests emphasized antiquity and sophistication. A translucent canopy falling in careless waves fits perfectly into such an interior.
• Untreated surfaces, metal and concrete are typical for the decoration of a room in the loft style. At the same time, the “industrial” interior emphasizes space and light. Multi-layered 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 element is intertwined with luxury here, so the ornate canopy with floral patterns will favorably emphasize this style.

The photo shows a spacious attic in blue tones. The elegant canopy visually softens the rough beamed ceiling.

A canopy over a bed is simply irreplaceable in the Baroque style. Its main feature is pomposity. Here, a gold-tone design would be appropriate, and the king-size bed should be decorated with thick drapery made of expensive elite fabric.

The combination of white and blue shades and natural wood is typical of the charming marine style. A light, bright canopy would be just right here, adding airiness to the atmosphere.