For many people, canopy beds evoke images of pink and white checks and princess themes. However, a canopy bed can be remarkably versatile, adding romance and an exotic element to an otherwise plain room. Canopy styles have evolved from the classic four-poster bed with the frame above to encompass simpler approaches to draping fabric over and around the bed. Does this Spark an idea?
Exotic Canopy Bedroom
Add a little Indian spice or Moroccan mystery to a room with a canopy decor. Begin with a dark-stained wooden bed frame. Create a floating canopy frame by drilling a hole in the ceiling over each corner of the bed. Set eye hooks in each hole. Double thread fishing line or thin wire through each hook to create a rectangular frame over the bed. You can use sheer fabric to float over the fishing line like a cloud, or drape fabric over the sides and let it cascade to the floor. Try layers of fuchsia, orange and metallic gold for visual pop, or take it to a moodier look with Mediterranean blues and greens. Silk-covered pillowcases in paisley and florals add a final exotic touch.
Simply Beautiful Canopy Bedroom
Canopy bedrooms can have a simpler, rustic look. Begin with a bed frame in unfinished or weathered wood. Suspend a mosquito net overhead and allow it to drape over the sides of the bed, or tie it back with simple canvas or cotton swatches of fabric. You can adorn the mosquito net by weaving fake flowers or leafy vines around the ring on top. A patchwork quilt and a scattering of pillows covered in vintage cotton cases adds a homey touch, while organic cotton textiles gives the look an eco-design flavor. Echo the look with simple window treatments such as translucent cotton fabric draped over a rod that is set halfway down the window to allow natural light to enter. Bamboo floor mats and lidded baskets keep the tone natural and simple.
Shabby Chic Canopy Bedroom
If you prefer your canopy bed with a touch of frill, the shabby chic approach is ideal. The look starts with a wrought iron bed frame. Paint it antique white or cheerful periwinkle blue and, after the paint dries, sand off some of the paint along the curves and corners to give the frame a vintage look. Create a canopy frame by hanging three curtain rods over the bed, one across the head of the bed, the next at the midpoint and the final at the foot of the bed. Use faded floral or paisley fabric, or keep to solids in icy pastels. Drape fabric over the curtain rods, allowing it to spill over the head and foot of the bed. You can extend the shabby chic aesthetic by adding bedding of vintage textiles and an assortment of lacy and frilly throw pillows in white, cream, pale yellow, faded pink, cornflower and lavender.
Tags: Canopy Bedroom, fabric over, Begin with, canopy frame, curtain rods, fishing line
