A bed with a ceiling is typically called a canopy bed. Canopy beds have a structural canopy installed above the mattress, creating an enclosed feeling. The canopy can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or fabric.
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History of Canopy Beds
Canopy beds have a long history going back to medieval Europe. In those times, a canopy served an important function beyond decoration. Bed canopies provided warmth and privacy in drafty castle bedrooms. Royalty and the noble class had large, elaborate canopy beds with heavy fabrics. Servants often slept in the same chambers on mats on the floor. The canopy provided a visual separation and barrier.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, canopy beds reached the height of popularity. Elaborate carved wood canopies graced the bedrooms of wealthy families. Rich fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade draped the beds. A sign of status, the canopy detail and materials displayed the owner’s wealth.
Canopy beds evolved across Europe from country to country. In France, they featured tall pillars and domed ceilings called “lit à la polonaise.” English canopy beds had box-like ceilings and distinctive posts called “bedsteads.” Ornate Italian canopy beds incorporated intricate carvings, gilding, and inlays.
By the 18th century, canopy beds fell out of fashion as bedroom styles trended towards lighter and airier decor. Canopy beds made a comeback in the 19th century as part of historical revivals. Today, canopy beds exist in a wide range of styles from modern minimalist to traditional ornate.
Benefits of Canopy Beds
Beyond their decorative styling, canopy beds provide some nice benefits:
- Privacy – The canopy enclosure provides a nice visual barrier and feeling of coziness.
- Light control – The canopy can block excess light from windows or doors.
- Decor – The canopy is a prominent focal point and style element.
- Romance – The enclosed feeling creates a romantic, special space.
- Mosquito net – A canopy can support a mosquito net when needed.
Types of Canopy Beds
There are a few main types of canopy bed styles:
Poster beds
Poster beds have four vertical posts rising from each corner. They may be plain or ornately carved. The canopy is attached to the posts, either resting on top or suspended from them. Poster beds are a classic, elegant canopy style.
Crown beds
Crown beds have a rounded or square canopy over the center of the bed, but no posts. The canopy is suspended from the ceiling or held up by supports attached to the walls. This creates a simple canopy effect.
Half-tester beds
As the name implies, half-tester beds have a short canopy that covers only the upper half of the bed. The canopy is attached to two short posts at the head of the bed. This is a lighter take on the traditional canopy.
Himmeli beds
Himmeli beds originate from Finland and feature a unique criss-cross branch or rope canopy over the bed. Traditionally the branches were from junipers, which were believed to have protective powers. The modern version creates a natural, whimsical look.
Hoop beds
Hoop beds have a hanging canopy made of fabric suspended from a large hoop. The fabric flows down around all four sides of the bed. Hoop beds create a romantic, enveloping effect around the sleep space.
Popular Canopy Bed Styles
Canopy beds range across many styles from modern to classic. Some popular examples include:
Contemporary
Contemporary canopy beds feature clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Popular versions include:
- Platform beds with sleek, rectangular canopies
- Beds with transparent, sheer curtain canopies
- Low-profile wooden hoop beds with floating fabric canopies
- Metal frame beds with gauzy canopy drapes
Rustic
Rustic canopy beds incorporate natural woods and earthy textures. Ideas include:
- Log frame beds with canvas canopies
- Beds made from unfinished tree branches
- Reclaimed wood beds with linen canopy panels
- Wrought iron beds with cotton canopy drapes
Romantic
Romantic canopy beds feature delicate fabrics and decorative details. Styles include:
- Ornate wrought iron beds with lace panels
- Elaborate beds with ruffled or flowered fabric canopies
- Curved wood canopy beds with gauzy sheer curtains
- Victorian replica beds with velvet canopies
Traditional
Traditional canopy beds have ornate wood frames and sculptural posts. Examples include:
- Classically styled mahogany poster beds
- Carved wooden beds with upholstered panels
- Elegant beds with draped, pleated canopy fabrics
- Baroque or Rococo-style beds with painted gold detail
Tropical
Tropical canopy beds utilize natural materials and promote relaxation. Ideas include:
- Rattan, bamboo, or banana leaf beds with easy-breezy cotton canopies
- Spool beds with woven abaca rope frames
- Driftwood beds with suspended palm frond canopies
- White canopy beds with coconut wood posts
Choosing a Canopy Bed
When selecting a canopy bed, consider the following criteria:
- Size – Make sure to choose a bed size that fits your space. Consider room proportions.
- Style – Select a canopy style that matches your existing decor – contemporary, traditional, romantic, etc.
- Material – Consider wood, metal, or upholstered frames. Choose fabric canopy material that is durable and easy to clean.
- Color – Pick neutral canopy colors for flexibility or bold colors to make a statement.
- Height – Standard canopy height is around 7-8 feet. Adjust for your ceiling height.
- Posts – Determine if you want four posts, two posts, or no posts.
Take measurements of your space, research different looks, and read reviews to choose the perfect canopy bed for your needs.
Where to Place a Canopy Bed
A canopy bed can make a stylish statement in any bedroom, but works especially well in these spaces:
- Master bedrooms – Canopy beds create an elegant focal point and cozy retreat.
- Spare bedrooms – Give guests a special sleeping space with a canopy bed.
- Attic bedrooms – High angled ceilings are perfect for tall canopy beds.
- Small bedrooms – Canopies add height and give the illusion of more space.
- Corner placements – Locate a canopy diagonally in a corner to maximize drama.
Place your canopy to allow easy access from both sides and leave sufficient walking space around the perimeter of the bed.
Decorating with a Canopy Bed
A canopy bed dominates a space. Arrange the surrounding decor to complement the bed style:
- Select nightstands, dressers, and other furniture in a similar design aesthetic as the bed.
- Coordinate colors and patterns in curtains, rugs, bedding, and upholstery.
- Use appropriately scaled lighting around and above the bed.
- Minimize clutter to keep the focus on the canopy as a focal point.
- In a smaller room, limit additional furniture pieces to avoid looking too crowded.
A canopy has a big visual impact, so decorate the rest of the space to frame and highlight your beautiful bed.
Canopy Bed Options and Accessories
Customize your canopy bed with these popular options and add-ons:
- Fabric options – Choose from cotton, linen, velvet, silk, or sheer curtains.
- Valances – Valances layer shorter drapes over the main canopy.
- Bed crowns – Ornate wood crowns connect the canopy posts.
- Finials – Decorative finials top the canopy posts.
- Under bed lighting – Install lights below the bed to illuminate the space.
- Mosquito nets – Add a fine net canopy to keep out mosquitos.
Look for canopy beds that allow you to select different fabric colors and options to create your perfect look.
Maintaining a Canopy Bed
Follow these tips to keep your canopy bed looking its best:
- Dust the canopy and frame regularly with a soft cloth.
- Shake out the canopy fabric outdoors frequently to remove dust and debris.
- Spot clean stains on the canopy promptly with a gentle cleaner.
- Take down and launder removable canopy fabrics every few months according to care instructions.
- Condition wood elements yearly to protect from drying out.
- Tighten any loose screws, connectors, or hardware over time.
- Consider spraying fabrics with a fabric protector to repel stains.
With proper care and cleaning, a canopy bed can stay beautiful for many years.
Conclusion
A canopy bed is an elegant and functional furnishing that becomes a true focal point in any bedroom décor. From their utilitarian medieval origins to the romantic and decorative incarnations today, canopy beds create a special sleeping retreat that is both stylish and intimate. With many design options now available, including post, hoop, crown, and half-tester variants, you can find a canopy style that perfectly suits your personal taste and complements your existing furnishings.