Canopy Beds - Makeover From Your Old Bedroom Look

If you want to transform your bedroom into a classic, stylish place, you may be interested in buying a canopy bed. This is a kind of ornamental bed, with four posts that are connected together by rods at the top. Canopy beds are designed to create a romantic atmosphere with its ceiling of draperies and walls of fabrics, all of them properly integrated and attached to the poles from all the four sides of the bed.

Even though canopy beds are functional in nature, today this piece of furniture is commonly preferred for their aesthetic quality and elegance. Whether for an adult who is looking for a sophisticated decoration in the master bedroom, for a little girl who dreams of becoming a princess and living in a magic castle, or for a young boy who wants his bed to become a refugee from all his adventures, canopy beds are a great choice.

If you are thinking about purchasing your new canopy bed, and you wish to get some information first, keep reading this article. Afterwards you will know the history of canopy beds, which designs are available in the market and how to choose your new bed.

Just looking at canopy beds reminds us of Medieval times, castles, kings and queens. We have all seen them in the movies covered by luxurious quilts and delicate curtains. Actually, canopy beds began their existence as the beds of common people, who just needed the drapes as an additional layer of shelter that could protect their sleep from objects falling from above. In the Middle Ages, they were, indeed, used by noblemen, such as lords or kings, but they didn’t precisely search for elegance. At least, not as much as a little privacy, since they often had to share the room with their servants and attendants. The curtains and draperies were then put up in the poles to provide them an added degree of intimacy. In fact, until the 16th century, these beds, even those of the nobles, remained fairly plain and understated.

In the Renaissance, canopy beds were developed and improved as regards the artistic designs are concerned. Their wooden headboard would be designed with creative and arty carvings, which were also made in the poles and beams. As years went by, a few other patterns and decorations were added to these beds.

Today, we can find two main styles of canopy beds in the market: traditional or modern. While the conventional types are usually based on the Victorian fashion, the contemporary beds sport a simpler and cleaner design, such as a geometric one. Traditional beds are composed of cast iron or wooden frames, or metal posts, and heavy fabrics are employed for the draping. Contemporary canopy beds employ wood, iron or metal frames or even a combination of both. They have little or no detail at all on the foot and headboard. The first style is ideal for a classic decoration, and the second is the choice for those who prefer a minimalist look.

There are many different models of canopy beds. The one thing you need to make sure is that you buy yours from a respected craftsman, who will construct it from quality materials only. There are some basic types for you to consider as you shop for your new bed:

- The four post bed: A basic style, designed to have the simple fours post rising up. You can use them for draping sheets or any other type of material, in order to achieve the atmosphere you wish to create. Let your imagination decide the style!

- The square frame bed: It is like a four post bed, but they also come with bars that connect across the frame. These cross bars can be employed in hanging decorations, pictures or fabrics.

- The Captain’s bed: A canopy bed that provides extra storage space, thanks to the drawers installed at the base of the bed. Ideal for small rooms that could really use all that space.

- Antique canopy bed: The classic, Victorian canopy bed that seems to belong to a time long past. While some people find it old fashioned and unpractical (since they require special care and maintenance), they are ideal for art lovers and collectors.

Next time you go shopping, consider not only the style of the bed, but also other facts, such as material, price range, etc.

Of course, even when you understand that a piece of furniture is an investment, and canopy beds are designed to last for a really long time, you still depend on a certain budget. That is why you should begin your search by looking for those designs that come in an affordable price.

Then, consider materials. Canopy beds are available in iron, wood, metal and a combination of metal and wood. A designer iron bed with no hollow parts, made by a traditional artisan with an ancient technique may be an extraordinary work of art, an original piece worth every penny; but you will still obtain a classic look from a contemporary canopy bed with modern fabric drapes. It is all up to your personal taste.

When you think about the size, consider the space you have available in your bedroom. A king size canopy bed might seem the bed of your dreams when you see it in the huge store, but once you bring it home you may discover that your bedroom looks awfully crowded. So make sure that you look for canopy beds that not only are beautiful and stylish, but also meet your needs.

Now you know about the origins of canopy beds, which designs are available and what to look for when you make your purchase. You won’t regret it: canopy beds may be considered to be somewhat old fashioned, but the truth is they never really go out of style.