Bed canopies add a feel of elegance and charm to every room. In the past, canopy beds were mainly for practical purposes and were used to provide privacy and warmth. During the medieval era, even those of the nobility were made from plain and simple fabrics when used as drapes. It was only during the 16th century, when the beds were decorated with carvings on the headboards and bed posts, that bed canopies started to become more ornate. Nowadays, of course, canopy beds feature drapes made with all kinds of beautiful and decorative fabrics.
Generally, there are two types of canopy bed – the contemporary and the traditional. Contemporary canopy beds have simpler and cleaner designs and are often made of metal, wood, or both. They do not have details on the headboards and posts usually sticking with cool minimalist designs.
Contemporary beds often have drapes made of simple and plain fabrics. You can use plain, white cotton since it is durable and very versatile. Cotton can be used with the interior design of any room as it is usually understated and yet brings a touch of class. The good thing about cotton is that it is washable and is perfect for use in children’s bedroom.
Traditional beds often have drapes made of luxurious fabric. If you want to go for a more romantic feel, you can use lace. It is available in different patterns and colors that will make your
bed canopy look very sophisticated. You can have pleated lace drapes or you can allow them to flow freely from the top of the canopy down to the floor. You can use tie backs as an added accessory.
For a classy look, you can use velvet, silk, tapestry or chintz. Muslin, calico, or gingham can be used if you want a more country feel to your bed. Another option is to use sheets or fabric that will match your bedding so that you will have a more uniformed look.
