I remember being a kid and thinking that canopy beds were the coolest things ever, fit for a princess. What is interesting now is that canopy beds are making there way back into the bedroom, and not just the kids’ rooms. Drapery on bedding has been around for a long time. In the medieval period, textiles were a form of the status, and the bedroom was the ultimate place to show it off. Not only was an adorned bed something to show off, it functioned as a way to create a micro climate of warmth when the drapery was closed, since the understanding of the fireplace technology was not well understood. Canopy usage carried all the way through the Baroque and Rococo. Some of the most elaborate canopies can be seen on the royal beds at the Palace of Versailles.

Even though our culture has change, the trend of covering the bed with fabric has latest. It has recently made a more prominent comeback in both contemporary and traditional settings. I think there will always be something romantic and comfortable about being enclosed when a person sleeps. Think of the movies that show a tropical get away and the bed is flowing with white sheer fabric all around it.

Although a four poster canopy is difficult, canopies are do it yourself friendly. If you take the circular wooden frame that is used for embroidery, you can take a piece of lightweight fabric and fit it in the center. Then hang from the ceiling with some clear wire or ribbon and let the fabric fall to either side or tie them to either poster using ribbon. Canopies definitely add a softness to space and can create a great dynamic when playing with scale in a space. AND it will make you feel like royalty in your own home.

An interesting modification of the original canopy. Simply and gorgeous.

I love these nontraditional posts!

Super modern interpretation of the canopy. Not exactly diy friendly…

Thanks to Patricia Gray for all her wonderful canopy photos!

Beautiful!

Another great modern example!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites