A little history. If you ask any modern person where the canopy came from, you will hear in response that it appeared thanks to the whim of emperors, rich padishahs and similar heroes of that time. Of course, this answer was born for a reason. Any historical film about the Middle East will confirm this answer. Therefore, in the minds of modern people, the canopy seems to be a symbol of luxury and wealth.
But few people know that this element of modern design has existed in Rus' since time immemorial and was an ordinary chintz cape thrown over a baby cradle suspended from the ceiling. This canopy cape had a purely practical meaning - protecting the baby from drafts and all kinds of insects. Thus, the hanging cradle with a chintz dome is the ancestor of all four-poster beds.
Of course, speaking about such a wonderful design element as a canopy, I don’t want to mention its original purpose - protection from mosquitoes and other insects. But this was precisely the original idea of our ancestors for the purpose of the canopy. And only over time, through the efforts of designers, did it become an element of bed decoration, which is also quite justified. Everything in the room should serve not only a functional role, but also decorate it.
Decorating a sleeping place: how to make a canopy with your own hands
Do you want to add coziness to your bedroom by decorating it with a canopy?
In this article we will tell you what shape canopies over a bed come in and how you can make a simple canopy with your own hands. A canopy is a kind of fabric canopy that frames the bed or is located above it. It is a structure consisting of a light but durable support and a textile fabric attached to it.
Typically, canopies are used for zoning, to separate the sleeping area from the rest of the room, or as a decorative element. Sometimes the canopy over the bed is a characteristic stylistic detail of the interior (Baroque, Oriental, Greek style).
Under the clouds
You don’t even have to stick to any one stylistic decision, but play with designs and colors, creating something original. So, you can take a risk by taking a canopy from one style and adding it to another. Eclecticism is a great way to bring everything together in an interesting way. There are also many ways to hang curtains. They do not need to be covered on all sides and they do not have to hang in any particular way. There is no better sight than the thin but noticeable cloud before one's eyes before one falls asleep. A tempting and romantic idea that is easy to implement.
Types of canopies
Depending on the design, there are four main types of canopies.
Three simple ways to make a canopy with your own hands
There are several ways to create a beautiful curtained bed with a minimum of simple steps.
Canopy with dome
You will need a piece of light flowing fabric (veil, organza, tulle) approximately 3 x 3 m in size, an embroidery hoop with a diameter of 30–35 cm, decorative ribbon, lace, and some thin knitting wire.
Step 1. Gather the tulle along the edge into a bun and secure it with wire.
Step 2. Open the hoop, thread the fabric into the lower ring as close to the bun as possible and secure it on top with the second part of the device.
Step 3: Keep the hoop loose while you distribute the pleats around the ring.
Step 4. Having evenly draped and aligned the “dome”, tighten the hoop securely.
Step 5. Glue thin multi-colored ribbons to the ring, running them loosely over the tulle, and decorate the circumference with lace.
Step 6. Make a loop from the wire, use it to hang the “tent” from the ceiling above the head of the bed.
You will get something like this design.
You can watch the video in more detail about the process of making such a canopy.
Decorative canopy at the head of the bed
You will need a piece of tulle 5–6 m long and 1.5–2 m wide, a small bracket or cornice that needs to be fixed perpendicular to the wall. A towel holder from the bathroom will do this role perfectly.
Next, the fabric needs to be thrown over the bracket, draped beautifully using tiebacks or fixed on the headboard, as in the photo below.
Zoning canopy
You will need light, airy tulle curtains draped on curtain tape, and ceiling cornices with a total length equal to the perimeter of the bed or a little more. The length of the curtains is equal to the distance from the ceiling to the floor in your bedroom.
Installation of a canopy is very simple - the curtain rods are attached to the ceiling so that a rectangle is formed above the bed, and then the curtains are hung. It looks something like this.
Regardless of what type of canopy you choose, it will become a spectacular decoration for your sleeping area.
Source
Screens and cabinets
An alternative to the already listed method of framing the headboard can be screens or cabinets. The screen can be placed behind the bed, either against the wall or in a free space. In the second case, the screen will not only replace the head of the bed, but also divide the bedroom space into a sleeping area and a relaxation area.
A bed with a headboard is built into the niche formed under the closet. On the open shelves of such a cabinet you can place a small reading lamp, books, a cup, a mobile phone and other small items.
Changing the headboard is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to radically change the mood of your bedroom interior.
Design ideas provide the opportunity to decorate a beautiful headboard for your bed in almost any bedroom, and even a one-room apartment. Choose a method based on the style of the room and the dimensions of your bedroom and bed.
Instructions for making a canopy over a bed, how to do it yourself
In the old days, the canopy was widely used when decorating a sleeping area. It was considered a sign of luxury, so it was most often found in the homes of families with high incomes. Today this device is used much less frequently, but interesting and original models are still found. To make a canopy over your bed with your own hands, all you need to do is purchase the materials, prepare the tools and follow the step-by-step guide.
Carpets or fabrics
3d wallpaper for the bedroom (69 photos): photo wallpaper on the wall above the bed
In the design above the bed in the bedroom, you can often find carpets or rugs. This very old and in many ways appropriate decoration is still relevant among admirers of fusion and eclecticism. A colorful luxurious carpet is a wonderful decoration for a room.
It can be handmade and incredibly exotic. They are valued quite expensively and create a unique flavor of the bedroom in the place where the head of the bed stands.
It is quite common to use woven drapery instead of carpets. A suitable shade creates a unique texture and originally transforms the entire furnishings of the bedroom apartment along with the bed.
Everything you need for work
The canopy is considered not only a beautiful accessory for the bed, first of all it performs a practical function. Such a device can protect the bed from prying eyes, and also add special comfort to the bedroom. To make a canopy yourself, you must first decide on its design.
Canopies over the bed can be classic, round, or free-form: the choice depends on the size and shape of the bed.
Before you start work, you need to prepare all materials and tools. Below is a list of materials needed to create a classic canopy:
Tools that will be useful are a drill, a screwdriver, screwdrivers, a tape measure, a simple pencil, and a grinder for working with metal. To sew the cape itself you will need a sewing machine, threads, needles, and frill.
Decorative design
For decoration, choose ribbons, beads, and make bows from contrasting fabric. Soft children's toys are often sewn on to entertain the baby. You can often find canopies with lighting and beautiful garlands, reminiscent of a house.
It is important not to sew beads or buttons low so that the child cannot reach them. Do not forget that the cover on the cradle should be, first of all, safe
Canopy Features
The products presented in the store do not always meet the necessary requirements, so mothers decide to sew a canopy themselves.
Decorative decoration is made from ribbons and bows.
A few highlights:
- It is better to buy material with a reserve to make beautiful folds;
- It is not necessary to use expensive fabric with a print - you can even decorate a canopy made of white organza by embroidering it with lace and frills.
The crib cover should match the interior, but what is more important is how the baby feels. Older children tend to help their parents choose materials - this cannot be ignored.
How to sew
In order to sew a canopy for your bed yourself, it is important to determine the size of the fabric. They are calculated using a formula where the perimeter of the bed is first calculated, after which the amount of fabric that will hang beautifully on the sides is added to each side of the rectangle. Many seamstresses recommend making the width of the canopy fabric up to the floor: in the future, excess textiles can be tied up with curtain tiebacks.
To make a canopy for an adult bed with your own hands, you need to follow these steps:
If you choose a shortened version of the canopy, then you need to take less fabric. The material is calculated as follows: the width of the cover is equal to the width of the bed, the height from the ceiling to the bed, and another 20 cm on each side to hide the mattress.
Mounting options
Sewing a canopy usually does not take much time and does not require specific skills. Any woman who has basic sewing skills on a machine will cope with this task perfectly. The process of attaching the frame can create some difficulties, so it is worth considering common fixation options.
| Name | Mounting type |
| Along the perimeter of the bed | Vertical posts are installed in each corner of the bed. Above the bed itself there is also a horizontal structure where the fabric is attached. Instead of pipes, you can use a regular window cornice. |
| Arc mount | With this option, a semicircle is created from pipes, the ends of which rest against the wall. The canopy is fixed to the frame like curtains. |
| Straight pipe mount | For the frame you only need one pipe - it is fixed in the middle of the bedroom, and the fabric is thrown over it. |
| Crown | A round pipe is fixed above the bed on the ceiling - fabric is pulled through it. |
It is better to choose the type of fastening that will be most appropriate in the bedroom. Don’t chase fashion trends: if the bedroom is small, give preference to an arched mount. If you have a large space, you can install a classic canopy around the perimeter.
Lighting
Correct placement of sconces above the bed in the bedroom
Without additional light sources, the room does not look cozy. Soft, muffled rays do not irritate the psyche. If you place lighting fixtures correctly, then a central chandelier is not needed. Spot options around the perimeter of the ceiling add a feeling of home comfort to the room.
Soft lightingSource www.behance.net
Table lamps next to the bed are placed so that they can be easily reached by hand. Flexible models are easy to read. Sconces are suitable for decorating the walls above the bed. To make a room cozy, there should be no dark corners. Floor lamps are installed along the perimeter of the space. Furniture and niches are illuminated using LED strip.
High soft headboard Source www.sp-design.ru
Bedroom with a large bedSource www.playbuzz.com
Build process
Regardless of which design of the canopy bed was chosen, the method of assembling it will be the same. The only difference is that the method of creating the frame changes. For example, when choosing a circular fastening, you first need to bend the metal pipe into the desired shape: the same must be done with an arcuate fastening - then you need to bend the base in a semicircle.
To fix the structure above the bed, you should adhere to the following tips:
It is worth remembering that during operation, especially during sleep, a person can easily pull the fabric. To avoid any trouble, all fabric must be securely fastened to the frame. Care should be taken to ensure greater strength if a canopy is made for a crib.
Advantages
As everyone knows, the canopy is an invention of our ancestors, which is very popular in modern interiors. In addition to decorative functions, such a design will perform several tasks:
- protection from morning sun rays;
- "mosquito net" from insects;
- muting sounds;
- privacy;
- protection from drafts.
Of course, many consider a canopy to be an unnecessary thing that serves as a dust collector. But this problem is easily solved. When considering methods of attaching fabric, it is worth considering ease of fixation and removal; in addition, when choosing textiles, give preference to options that can be washed in a machine.
The process of creating different types of structures
A curtain over the bed creates an atmosphere of comfort and security - this is especially necessary for children, as well as adults after a busy day at work. During use, the canopy can be tied with ribbons or completely straightened. A beautifully spread canopy promotes calm and relaxation.
Do not choose fabrics that are too heavy or dense, such as velvet, for the canopy. Such options will collect dust in the room every day, which will not only worsen the appearance of the product, but will also cause sleep disturbance. Several options for step-by-step creation of various types of structures are discussed below.
Classic on four legs
Making a canopy with your own hands for an adult bed consists of several stages: calculating the fabric and other materials, sewing the cape, assembling the frame, securing the frame and fixing the canopy itself. The classic version is considered the most common, but not the easiest to manufacture. A few nuances of homemade device creation:
The canopy can be sewn in one piece and secured over the entire frame frame, or it can also be made separate: sew a separate cape for each side of the frame.
On a horizontal bar
This fastening method is considered one of the simplest, because only one piece of metal pipe is taken as the basis. It is fixed horizontally in the center of the bed so that a wide strip of fabric can be threaded through the rod. The simplicity of the design does not in any way reduce its aesthetic and practical performance. Several rules for making such a canopy:
The curtain limiter at the bed will be the headboard and part of the furniture at the feet.
Source
Design selection
To begin with, you can choose how your canopy will be - domed, in the form of curtains hanging from the ceiling, or in the form of an alcove covering the bed from the side of the head. In all cases, the canopy will be attached to the ceiling, but different fasteners will be required. Below are several photographs demonstrating the main types of such structures.
Turn ready-made headboard ideas into creativity
“Those who like to admire themselves will love the idea of transforming the head of the bed into a large mirror”
If you are bored with the decor in your bedroom and your soul is asking for updates, do not rush to start a renovation. Try to solve this issue with little effort, starting with changing the decor of the headboard of the bed in the room. It is quite possible that among the ideas presented below you will find something that will be acceptable to your situation. So, let's begin.
Idea No. 1 A vintage door, carved from wood using ancient methods, appearing next to the head of the bed, will fill the bedroom interior with a spirit of mystery and give it a special sophistication.
Antique door at the head
Idea No. 2 With the same success, the headboard can be replaced with a stylish wooden screen. The room will have a special charm
The screen gives a special charm to the bedroom
Idea No. 3 A soft headboard trimmed with decorative puffs will bring noble luxury into the bedroom interior.
Soft headboard with puffs
Idea No. 4 A headboard, complemented by carved shelves or sections of a free configuration, will help not only change the aesthetic perception of the bedroom interior, but will also make this part of the bed very functional, because many useful little things can be stored on such improvised stands. Beautiful trinkets located there will be a good addition to the decor.
Shelves at the head complement and reveal the style of the bedroom
Idea No. 5 Those who like to admire themselves will love the idea of transforming the head of the bed into a large mirror. The reflective surface can be inserted into it as a monolithic sheet or in the form of a mosaic.
The mirror visually enlarges the room
Idea No. 6 If you want to make your bedroom design style more restrained, it makes sense to imitate brickwork at the headboard. Just don’t use bright colors for these works. In this case, it is better to stick to neutral tones.
Brickwork in the headboard is ideal for a loft-style interior
Idea No. 7 Originality and style in the decor will appear with the advent of oriental motifs. Decorate your headboard with an intricately carved wooden latticework. If desired, it can be additionally equipped with some bright elements characteristic of Eastern traditions.
Carved headboard in oriental style
Idea No. 8 If you can not only come up with ideas for the design of the head of the bed, but are also ready to bring them to life, then arm yourself with tools and wood materials, because you will have to reconstruct this part of the bed so that it smoothly goes into the ceiling.
The head of the bed smoothly meets the ceiling
Idea No. 9 A high headboard made of soft textiles, enclosed in a wide edging frame made of dark wood, will help make the interior rich.
High headboard in a dark frame
Idea No. 10 This solution may appeal to a young family who likes to write notes to each other. We offer them to design the headboard in the form of a school board.
Original headboard in the form of a chalk board
Idea No. 11 Refresh the decor in the bedroom with a bed with a wicker headboard. It would be good if such weaving was made from natural and multi-colored materials.
Wicker headboard made of natural materials
Idea No. 12 It will not just decorate, but also transform the perception of the surrounding space, a bed, the head of which is a painting, for example, on biblical themes.
The painting at the head of the bed transforms the space
Idea No. 13 If you like the atmosphere of relaxation, lay out the headboard with sea pebbles. This will remind you of the sound of the surf, which in turn will only help you fall asleep faster.
Sea pebble headboard
Idea No. 14 Active and energetic people can afford such ambiance in the headboard design as bright inscriptions in the Art Nouveau spirit.
Original inscriptions will decorate the headboard
Idea No. 15 If you love to travel and are ready to do it even in your sleep, this creative idea for reforming the head of the bed should interest you. Attach a pair of simple wooden oars to it. There is no doubt that this will be a unique design solution.
Paddles at the head are a great idea for travelers
Idea No. 16 Multi-colored letters randomly scattered along the head of the bed will give the bedroom a stylish personality.
Modern letter headboard
Idea No. 17 Decorate your bed with an antique wrought-iron headboard, found for the occasion in some rural outback. This will greatly enliven the Scandinavian interior. In order not to chase after rarities, you can change the look of an existing metal headboard by painting it bright yellow, turquoise or crimson.
Exquisite wrought iron headboard
Hook mount
To attach domed canopy models, you will need to perform a minimal amount of work. In fact, you just need to fix a hook on the ceiling to which the upper part of the structure will be attached. Depending on the specific shape of your canopy, the hook is fixed above the center of the bed or shifted towards the headboard.
It is important to note that the weight of the fabric may vary and thin tulle curtains will require a small hook. Capable of withstanding minimal loads, but for dense and opaque fabrics you need something more serious, like an anchor. This applies to all models of canopies.
Color solution
When choosing a bracket by color, the determining role is usually played by the type of material from which it is made. However, modern designers have long abandoned such trivial solutions as using wooden holders for wooden cornices.
Thus, wooden brackets can be painted in natural, natural shades, for example, in the tone of honey, straw, amber, walnut, as well as in colors that imitate cherry wood, wenge, ebony.
Metal holders can also be made in a variety of colors. In addition, they come in matte and glossy.
But the greatest variety of colors is found in plastic fasteners.
Fixing rigid hangers
For models in which the fabric hangs straight from the ceiling itself, you can use regular ceiling curtain rods. They are fixed around the perimeter of the bed at some distance from it to ensure comfortable use of the canopy. Sometimes, curtain rods are mounted in the form of a rectangle, smaller in size than the bed itself. This will create a pyramidal figure, in the center of which there will be a sleeping place.
If you don’t want to buy curtain rods or there are other reasons why their use is undesirable, you can get by with any other devices that allow you to attach fabric to them. Metal tubes, round wooden parts, etc. are suitable.
Chic Bedroom Interior Design Ideas
Furniture with a canopy will transform any interior, give it originality and will definitely attract the attention of guests. Since the bedroom is intended for relaxation, it is recommended to decorate it in light colors that are pleasing to the eye and help normalize the mental background
A snow-white room will become a stronghold of purity, harmony and tranquility. To prevent decoration and furniture from merging with each other, you should combine different shades and dilute them with gray tones. Black details, such as pillows on the bed, are suitable for adding color accents.
The round model, located in the center of the room, is a luxurious option for large rooms. It can be placed on the carpet or directly on the floor covering. To effectively fit a piece of furniture into the interior, it is recommended to select bedspreads, curtains and other elements with similar patterns and colors, and the best solution would be a plain canopy. Otherwise, there will be too many details in the design of the room.
Despite the popular belief that a canopy is appropriate only in large apartments, it is also suitable for a small room. A typical example is a narrow children's room. Placing the bed against the wall saves space; curtains are attached to the wall or ceiling; they can cover the sleeping area either completely or halfway. For canopies, choose bright fabrics decorated with checks, patterns or contrasting details - this will make the nursery look bright and lively.
A canopy made of individual flaps falling at a considerable distance from the piece of furniture will create the feeling of a sphere, a separately fenced off room. The light from the night light, leaking through the curtains, will be scattered in an original way, and the visible silhouette of the bed will create an atmosphere of mystery and mystery. This option is suitable for a bedroom in the Art Nouveau style and other modern interiors. Preference is given to plain surfaces, bedspreads and coverings; contrasting details may be present.
A frame made from logs will complement a room in Provence or country style. A reference to rustic motifs is associated with coziness and comfort, making being in the room more pleasant. Textile bedspreads and pillows are made in neutral colors, wooden elements remain untreated.
Soft suspension
It is absolutely not necessary to attach the canopy to the ceiling using rigid hangers. You can use strong cords fixed in the right places on the ceiling, on which, in turn, the fabric is suspended. An example of such a design can be seen in the photo below.
Assembling a structure of this type is very simple - anchors with a ring through which the cord is threaded are attached at the required points on the ceiling. The advantage of this solution is the ability to easily and quickly remove the curtain for washing or replacement. In addition, this design looks very original.
Holder
To the crib
There are enough holders for children's canopies on sale (bottom left in the figure), and they are convenient because they do not require construction work for installation, because...
Attached to the crib with clips. But everything is medicine, and everything is poison. You can get scratched on the sharp corners and screws of the clamps, and get your finger stuck in them while poking around with a curious contraption. Then there will be no roar, although it is clearly inappropriate for the damage received. Therefore, it is better to make a holder for the canopy of a crib with your own hands. Purchased and homemade canopy holders
The design of a homemade canopy holder is elementary, pos. 1-5. It is also suitable for an adult royal canopy; in this case, the antennae of the supporting frame are bent back and inserted into blind holes in the wall. The material is a couple of pieces of propylene water pipe (not even a strong adult can break it) and a steel rod with a diameter of 4-6 mm, covered with a heat-shrinkable tube (HERE). You can also hang a canopy canopy from 1 piece on this holder if you make a cutout in its drawstring (sleeve) for hanging.
As for the canopy holder specifically for children, then, firstly, pay attention to the bend of the vertical rod (shown by the red arrow). It is necessary for a children's canopy
What if your beloved child decides to pull the canopy off the holder no matter what, then if it has a bend of 10-15 degrees, the prankster will be able to do it without driving himself into hysterics. If the rod is straight, then the canopy will probably catch on the frame and get stuck.
Secondly, it is possible to get by with one section of the supporting pipe, and make the nests for the frame mustaches from waste metal-plastic pipes. Everything comes together and is attached to the crib in any way you like: with steel self-tapping screws flush (the heads need to be covered), or just tightly wrapped with tape.
To the ceiling
If a permanent space is allocated for a baby crib, you can do without a canopy holder altogether by making it a tent and hanging it from the ceiling, as shown in the photo on the left. Suspension – threaded hook for chandelier M6-M8; the socket for it in the ceiling is a steel collet holder. Such a pendant can withstand even a hefty fat man, and the hole in the ceiling is almost invisible when the hook is turned out. In extreme cases - a smear of putty, and it is not visible at all.
Attaching the canopy to the ceiling
The supporting frame of the canopy is best made from a plywood embroidery hoop in the center. There is no need to attach a screw tie to it - a knob, as in purchased frames for tent canopies. At home you can do it easier and cheaper:
- The hoop ring is carefully sawed anywhere;
- On each side of the cut, pierce with an awl or drill 2-3 holes with a diameter of 1.5-2 mm;
- The sewn panel(s) of the canopy are put on a ring, moved (collected) to the side opposite to the cut and temporarily tied together with thread or ribbon so that they do not unravel;
- The ends of the cut are lubricated with PVA;
- Pull 1-2 stitches of coarse thread or 2-4 stitches of sewing thread No. 10 into pairs of holes with a sewing needle;
- The stitches are pulled together tightly, the ends of the thread are tied and the stitches are impregnated with PVA;
- A day later, the binding is removed from the panel and the canopy is hung where it should be.
An even simpler option is a canopy drawstring, stitched from the inside with calico braid, previously soaked in PVA diluted in half with water and dried. In this case, a cord is pulled through the drawstring, on which a completely frameless canopy is hung. Such a suspension looks no worse than a ring one (photo on the right), and it is also reliable against mosquitoes penetrating from above.
