Canopy Beds

1. Canopy beds are unique in that they can change with the seasons. While a thicker canopy would provide additional warmth in winter, a switch to lighter, more colorful materials would bring the life and energy of spring or summer into your bedroom decor.

2. A canopy bed can add a dramatic or playful element to a bedroom furniture scheme that's lacking personality. Try experimenting with different canopy colors and patterns. Materials such as silk, linen, cotton, chintz, and velvet would all contribute different qualities. Even calico or gingham could be used in a country-style bedroom.

3. Though you may not necessarily need bug protection, mosquito netting or tulle is a pretty alternative for your canopy material. It creates an Out of Africa ambiance.

4. According to the book A History of Private Life, the 15th century is when canopy beds started to become widespread in Europe. The beds of that era were draped in curtains and canopies that were arranged in the form of a tent, pavilion, net, half canopy, or full canopy.

5. Canopy beds were also common in Asia, notably in China's Ming Dynasty of 1368 AD to 1644 AD. A canopy bed would provide a private, seasonally appropriate personal space: winter warmth via silk or thick cotton, and insect protection in summer via gauze netting still thin enough to be penetrated by cool breezes.

6. Using traditional Chinese patterns is a creative way to add decorative interest to a bed canopy. Animal and botanical motifs and cloud patterns were common in the Ming dynasty. Geometric designs such as the wanzi would symbolize qualities such as happiness, wealth, longevity, or prosperity.

7. Canopies are often cut so that they just touch the floor. Adding several inches to the length would create a more luxurious "puddle" appearance. You could also enhance the elegance of your canopy bed by adding ribbons, cording, tiebacks, and other features that give more body or color to your canopy.

8. Though canopy beds date back 500 years or more, their style has evolved to encompass a wide range of traditional and contemporary designs. Our metal and wood canopy beds would be appropriate for modern, rustic, Victorian, Mission, and many other bedroom furniture styles.

9. Before purchasing one of our twin, full, queen, or king canopy beds, check that it's the right size for your room. Canopy beds can be over 8 feet tall, so make sure that your ceiling height and light fixtures can accommodate whatever design you prefer.

10. As you shop at Hayneedle, remember to browse the Product Accessories section on each bed's product page, as well as the Related Stores bar at the top of the screen. One of our adult or children's canopy beds could be the foundation of a beautiful new bedroom furniture set.