Different Types of Canopy Beds

By: Phill Monroe

Simply put, a canopy bed has a cover on top of it. Though today’s use of canopy beds is more associated with elegance and glamour, the original purpose of canopy beds is not. In the Middle Ages, the common man thought of covering their beds from the top down the sides by swags of textile as protection from the cold winter nights, insects, falling ceiling debris, dirt and even droppings. Later, the rich and the royal adopted canopies on their beds to and in the process made more beautiful and elaborate canopy beds.

Styles and fashion come and go. Canopy beds went out of style as they were so elaborate and massive for ordinary bedrooms. The detailed heavy four-poster beds were just too bulky and quite showy for an ordinary home. However, canopy beds are fast becoming very popular again. Why? Designs are now simpler and more streamlined and are therefore more apt for the modern home.

There are different types of canopies for beds: complete canopy; full canopy and half canopy. A complete canopy is usually seen on a four-poster bed. The canopy goes around the entire bed parameter as it drapes over all sides. The fabric can drape down full length or mid-length of the bed. The canopy can be supported by the posts from the four corners of the bed with an option to have either a flat roof or an arched one. The “roof” is also covered with fabric. The fabric can either be of heavy materials suitable for colder months or light nettings suitable for the summer months. Since the canopy’s only attachment is to the four posters, this type of canopy bed could easily be moved.

Another option for a complete canopy is with the use of a curtain rod. You can turn an ordinary bed into a canopy bed by suspending curtain rods on the ceiling around the bed’s perimeter. You can hang curtains on the rods to enclose the bed, making the ceiling the bed’s canopy. You might consider putting a space between the rod and the ceiling for light to stream in and for air circulation.

The full canopy bed has a canopy hanging from the top of the bed covering the bed only halfway around the sides. The canopy can be held in place by the bed’s four posters or the canopy may be held on the ceiling with the use of hooks or a canopy rings. You can drape canopy materials from the ring, either full length or midway. The effect would be a stunning four poster bed without the posts.

A half canopy is also called a shelf or crown canopy where the canopy is attached to a wall covering only the head of the bed. A shelf is attached to the wall, covered with fabric that drapes down from the shelf to the sides to semi-enclose the bed’s header. You can even mount a wall-lamp under the shelf for a more dramatic effect.