When properly scaled, canopy beds are ideal for a small room.
Decorating a small bedroom is among the most difficult tasks in interior design. The small square footage has a tendency to feel cramped and cave-like when furniture or color selection isn't right. A canopy over a bed adds a bit of drama and romance to a room, but might feel overwhelming in a small space. To prevent this problem, most styles need to be scaled down to fit the size of the space. Does this Spark an idea?
Materials
The choice of building material will either work with or against a small space. Certain materials that have a large appearance will make a small space seem even smaller. Wood is one material that creates a minimizing effect. Metal style canopies are preferred for small spaces. Select a decorative wrought iron for a whimsical or rustic room, and stainless steel or chrome for a sleek, modern space.
Incorporating Fabric
Use the same fabric for the canopy throughout the room for a cohesive look. This makes the canopy an essential part of the room and not just an extra accent. Drape the fabric over bed side tables and make lamp shades or drapes out of the same material. The canopy adds that touch of relaxation to the bed, while the other pieces pull the room together and increase visual interest.
Fabric Options
Keep canopy fabrics light and sheer. White, cream and beige tones work the best in a small space and prevent the room from appearing too small. A modern alternative is to select a canopy made from wrought iron that has enough visual interest so that using fabric is unnecessary. This approach creates the appearance of a small canopy and keeps the design simple and in proportion to the small space. Add a mirror over the headboard to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger area.
Proportion
Proportion is the key for any room big or small. Select furniture pieces that are an appropriate size for the space in both height and width. A canopy is no different from the bed itself, and will look right at home in a small space provided it is a small scale design. If a traditional canopy is too tall or wide for the room, find an alternative style that is more appropriate. A bed crown or hanging canopy is mounted to the ceiling or the wall. This canopy works on a smaller scale and is appropriate for a small room. It can be adjusted and moved to other parts to fully accommodate the space.
Tags: small space, size space, small room, small space prevent, space prevent, visual interest
