There are infinite ways to transform a bedroom, but one of the easiest is to add a canopy. Bed canopies—lightweight linens that cascade around a bed—have a magical way of turning any bedroom into a paradise. And canopy beds can be just as statement-making, even if they’re left totally bare.
Many of us had canopies as children. We surrounded ourselves with frilly linens that made us feel like royalty in our caste dormitory. Of course, as adults, we hope to have a more sophisticated takes on this décor trend by draping our beds in thick linens that feel sleek and luxurious. Or, we can leave our canopy beds completely bare, exposing their sturdy beams and creating a new kind of design element.
These thoughtful approaches have taken bed canopies from childish to chic, turning them into a must-have for all age groups. Bed canopy ideas are so abundant that whether you’re looking for something sleek and minimalist or textured and maximalist, you’re sure to find it.
We've compiled 19 of our favorite canopy bedrooms to get you started. Keep track of your favorites, and work to transform your own bedroom into a cozy, statement-making paradise.
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Choose a Dark Frame as the Centerpiece of Your Room
Canopy beds are bold even when they’re not covered in drapey linens, so put a little thought into the bed frame you’re choosing. A thick, black frame will make a striking addition to any space—especially if you pair it with matching pillows and accent pieces.
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Drape Curtains Behind Your Bed to Create a Makeshift Canopy
Not looking to invest in a new bed frame? Don’t worry—you can still have a canopy without a canopy bed. Simply hang some plush linens from your ceiling and drape them behind your headboard.
If you’d prefer a canopy that lays flat against your wall, you can use curtains or any other linens you have lying around. But if you want something that looks more traditional, you’ll probably need to buy a proper canopy. Thankfully, these tend to be much more affordable than new bed frames.
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Let Your Canopy Bed Establish Your Palette
Canopy beds are bold, eye-catching, and just about impossible to ignore. So choose the color of your bed frame wisely. It’s bound to become the base of your bedroom palette, so you’ll want to select a shade you love looking at—and ideally, one that plays well with the furniture and linens you already own.
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Use a Headboard to Add Texture to Your Space
Some canopy beds come with built-in headboards, but many don’t—which means you can throw one into the mix if you wanted. If you’re looking to add a little texture to your space, opt for a plush, printed option. It will complement the textiles and patterns that are already covering your bed while creating contrast with your walls and lighting fixtures.
The CitizenryJava Rattan Headboard$465.00
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Keep Your Room Minimalist and Neutral
Canopy beds are bold, but that doesn’t mean they have to be maximalist. By opting for a light bed frame and matching linens, you can keep your room feeling crisp, clean, and minimalist.
There are plenty of beige canopy beds out there—and we suspect they’d look stunning next to your favorite nightstand and your prettiest printed rug.
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Remember That Simple Can Be Statement-Making
When you go shopping for a normal bed frame, you may be tempted to invest in a vibrant color or a bold pattern. These will push your bed into anything-but-average territory, keeping your room looking chic and statement-making. But canopy beds are striking, even when they’re rendered in solid black.
Direct your focus toward choosing an option that’s versatile—and yes, maybe even a little simple. This will enable you to get a little more playful with the rest of your room.
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Layer Textures to Create a Seriously Cozy Space
Layering colors and prints can be a fun way to make your space feel dynamic, but it can also get overwhelming. An easy way around this? Layer textures instead. Pair a wooden canopy bed with a woven headboard, and top things off with a plush quilt.
If you feel like piling on even more texture, you should design to your heart's content. Just be sure to keep your palette restrained to keep your room feeling cohesive.
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Choose a Bed With a Built-in Headboard
If the thought of pairing a canopy bed with a separate headboard sounds intimidating, don’t worry—you can simply opt for a canopy bed that has a headboard built-in. And since options abound, you can easily find one that looks exactly the way you want it to.
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Don’t Shy Away from Color
When many of us decorate with a piece of furniture as bold as a canopy bed, we keep the rest of the room incredibly simple. But, a bold canopy bed can hold its own against vibrant colors, dynamic textures, and artful prints. Put a few statement-makers in the same room without leaving your space feeling messy or disjointed.
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Invert Expectations With a Bed Bolder Than Your Canopy
Add a canopy bed to your room and it’s sure to steal the show—unless you opt for a lighter bed frame and darker linens. Your eye will automatically gravitate to the darkest or boldest color in a room, and a light canopy bed can add structure to your room without pulling focus away from your prettiest linens.
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Use Accent Pieces to Bring the Room Together
Since most canopy beds come in neutral colors, it shouldn’t be hard to find accent pieces that complement or match it. Put thought into your nightstand, your throw pillows, and even your lighting fixtures. By keeping your colors consistent, you can create a space that feels equal parts cozy and cohesive.
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Opt for a Textured Bed Frame
Many bed frames are crafted from sleek metal, but there are plenty of other options on offer. If you’re looking for something different, consider choosing a bed frame that’s as textured and cozy as your favorite linens.
A bed frame that’s crafted from wood or covered in rope can make a warmer alternative to a wire-frame option.
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Add a Poster or Artwork
Take advantage of the fact that your canopy bed is basically a massive frame and use it as an excuse to display your favorite art. Opt for a poster that matches your canopy bed perfectly, and hang it in the center of your bed frame.
Or, feel free to play around with a few smaller pieces. You’ll probably keep your canopy bed around for a while, so you’ll have plenty of time to experiment with different options.
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Load Up on Pillows and Blankets
A canopy can turn any bed into a cozy paradise. But, if you want yours to feel seriously luxe, pile on the pillows and blankets. Opt for plush pieces that feel as good as they look. And remember, your room can be as minimalist or as maximalist as you want it to be.
Play with colors and prints for a more vibrant interior, or keep your palette pared-down for a subtler space.
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Keep Things Simple With a Neutral Palette
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of adding such a bold bed to your space? Take some pressure off by keeping everything else really simple. Opt for a palette full of neutrals you love, and stick to it.
By keeping things consistent, you can pretty much guarantee you’ll end up with a stunning, balanced space—and you won’t have to exert very much effort to pull it off.
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Or Don’t Be Afraid to Go Dark
When decorating, many of us shy away from dark colors like black and navy. But, they can really be a welcome addition to any bedroom and make a moody statement. So cozy up your space with dark walls and an even darker bed frame. The result will be an incredibly bold room that you’ll love falling asleep in.
20 Designer-Approved Black Bedroom Ideas to Inspire Your Next Redesign
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Create Contrast With Contemporary Fixtures
Canopy beds could feel classic and sometimes traditional. Pairing them with thoughtfully chosen contemporary accents can be a great way to create contrast. Opt for a metal nightstand or a modern lamp, as even something as simple as a sleek fan can go a long way.
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Use Pops of Color to Brighten Up Your Room
Canopy beds often come in neutral shades like black, beige, or brown. Plus, if your bedding is just as neutral, you may find your room in need of a little color.
Of course, you can always swap out your pillows and blankets, but throwing a few vibrant accents into the mix can be an effective way to add some personality to your space.
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Keep Things Cozy from Floor to Ceiling
Whereas a normal bed frame might meet you at eye level, a canopy bed will draw your gaze up to the ceiling and down to the floor. Cozy up your space from top to bottom by utilizing curtains and tall plants to dress up your ceiling and a plush rug to warm up your floors.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Have a Little Fun
Canopy beds are inherently playful—we usually find them in childrens’ rooms, after all. Some may see this as a bad thing, but there are plenty of ways to have fun without making a space feel childish.
Invite yourself to experiment with cheeky wallpaper, textured drapes, and brightly colored linens. Embrace the amount of fun that suits your aesthetic and challenge yourself to take a risk or two.
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Reference a Canopy Without Committing to One
Don’t want to commit to a full-blown canopy bed? Opt for a bed that’s canopy-inspired, instead. Look for an option with a tall, frame-like headboard and a matching footboard for a modern look.
The bed is only a canopy bed if those two pieces are connected by an overhead frame, so choosing a slightly lower-profile option can be a great way to save space while alluding to the canopy bed-look.
These Dreamy Canopy Beds Are Guaranteed to Elevate Your Bedroom
FAQs
Are canopy beds out of style? ›
Canopy beds fell out of fashion in the early 20th century but made a comeback in the 1970s thanks to the popularity of shabby chic design. Today, canopy beds a common part of the common bedroom furniture landscape. They're seen as a luxurious addition to any bedroom and are often used as a focal point in room design.
What was the original purpose of canopy beds? ›Originally intended to conserve warmth and offer privacy, canopy beds are now beloved for their sumptuous design. These beds, typically four-posters, feature fabric draped over the top and on all sides, often finished with tassels or other details to add drama.
Do canopy beds look good in small bedrooms? ›Size: Because canopy beds are much larger than your typical bed frame, they take up a lot of space in your room. This is not ideal for smaller spaces or for spaces with low ceilings, where a canopy bed might make a room feel cramped.
What era are canopy beds? ›Canopy beds first emerged during the middle ages, around the 13th century – marking the medieval era – in Europe, and have been seeing constant evolution since. While the poor folk made-do with straw pellets, the nobility had their own domestic situation to deal with.
Are canopy beds in style 2023? ›Canopy Beds
Elegant-looking canopy and four-poster beds arguably never went out of style, but they're now officially back in full force, says designer Amanda Barnes.
While canopy beds can add a touch of elegance to any bedroom, they're often seen as being too formal for today's casual lifestyle. Many people still love canopy beds and don't leave their bedrooms without canopy beds. So, as a result, canopy beds may continue to be popular in 2022.
When did canopy beds become popular? ›The lacy canopy beds that we think belong to princesses and frilly bedrooms first popped up in the late 1890s. The lacy look was part of the Colonial Revival of the 20th century, which lasted up until the 1940s.
Are canopy beds timeless? ›A canopy bed is a timeless selection…it takes classic style elements BUT is completely personalizable to add any contemporary twist you want. It's a timeless design element that's EVOLVED.
Do bed canopies attract bugs? ›Bed Canopies do not attract bugs. In tropical climates such as Florida and Alabama people use a canopy beds to hang netting that keep bugs away from sleeping people while still allowing for good air circulation.
What color bedding makes a room look bigger? ›Blue, white, grey and green are cool colours. These tend to expand a room and make it feel larger. You can create an illusion of space by using cooler colours on the walls and floor to expand your space.
Are canopy beds romantic? ›
Originally invented as a way to create more privacy in shared bedrooms, canopy beds have evolved into an iconic bed design that are both elegant and romantic. Ranging in style from relaxed and bohemian to classic or contemporary, we've rounded up some of our favorites.
Why were old beds so high? ›The old beds and even their wooden counterparts were elevated higher than what we're use to today because of cold drafts that were close to the ground. The higher a bed could be constructed from the ground, the closer to the warmer air that collected at the ceiling it would be.
Are canopy beds a fire hazard? ›Upon further investigation, OFPC found that these pose a major hazard to occupants when it comes to fire safety. As you can see from the information on their label (below), these tents are highly flammable.
What are the bedroom trends for 2022? ›- Designing for Comfort.
- Sustainable Bedding.
- Bold Bedroom Colors.
- Statement Patterns.
- Splurging on Quality.
- Focus on Guest Rooms.
Insider asked interior designers which bedroom-decor trends will be in and out this year. Natural elements, wavy decor, and color drenching are in style. All-white bedding and cottage-core-inspired looks are on their way out, however.
What are the interior design trends for 2023 House Beautiful? ›Some of the most popular interior design trends for 2023 include the return of bold color, natural stone surfaces, closed floor plans, mixed metal finishes, luxe living, statement lighting, and 60s and 70s influences — particularly in furniture design.
Do adults have canopy beds? ›Canopy beds may feel like a ridiculously luxury home decor upgrade, but if you've coveted one since you were a kid like I have, they're definitely a worthy investment that will transform your bedroom (or studio apartment) into a bohemian castle with just one furniture piece.
Which side of the bed is more popular? ›Overall, more Americans sleep on the right side of the bed than the left (while lying down), with more men than women preferring this side (58% vs. 50%) Right side sleeping males feel relaxed instead of stressed most of the time when compared to men sleeping on the left (71% vs. 60%)
What is the difference between a canopy bed and a four poster bed? ›Four-poster beds and most canopy beds have four elongated posts, one at each corner of the bed. The main difference between canopy beds and four-poster beds is that canopy beds are covered by material draped over the top of the posts, while four-poster beds remain uncovered from the top.
What is the top part of a canopy bed called? ›A corona is suspended at the head of the bed like a crown (hence its name), with draperies extending down to the corners of the bed.
Why did people have 4 poster beds? ›
A four poster bed with backboard and tester allowed extra space from which to display and hang expensive fabrics and heraldic decoration.
Are canopy beds warm? ›It keeps you warm
You'll need all the help you can get to stay warm, and a canopy bed frame can offer another layer of warmth. The fabric that surrounds your bed will insulate you from the cold, and you'll be just a little more toasty and cozy inside. Note that this depends on the type of curtains you use as well.
Without treatment, the canopy will last about 2 to 3 years. Canopies made with low grade fabrics will last about 6 months to a year. Exposure to UV rays, rain, wind, and snow make the fabric brittle.
What type of bed frame lasts the longest? ›For longevity's sake, it's best to find a frame made primarily of longer-lasting options, like a solid wood bed frame and metal bed frame, rather than wood composites or plastics. The former options are less likely to break and will stand up to more wear and tear over time.
Why do people like canopy beds? ›Functionally, the canopy and curtains keep the bed warmer, and screen it from light and sight. On more expensive beds, they may also be elaborately ornamental.
What are bed bugs most attracted to? ›Reality: Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime; they are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide. However, clutter offers more hiding spots. Myth: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Can I use regular curtains on a canopy bed? ›While there is drapery perfectly tailored for canopy beds, any regular curtain can be DIY-ed into a canopy bed curtain.
What color makes bedroom happy? ›Happy colors are bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, pink and red. Pastel colors like peach, light pink or lilac can also have an uplifting effect on your mood. The brighter and lighter a color, the more happy and optimistic it will make you feel.
What is the most comforting color for bedroom? ›Blue promotes a feeling of calmness and serenity. It can also be linked to feelings of trust, stability, and dependability. One study by Travelodge found that households that have blue bedrooms received the best night's sleep compared to any other color.
What makes a bed look cozy? ›These elements include obvious pieces like a mattress that fits your needs, high-quality sheets, and comfortable pillows. Once you've got the basics, it's time to make everything a bit cozier with a few stylish decorative pillows, throw blankets, perhaps a new duvet cover, and maybe even a proper bed frame.
How do you wind proof a canopy? ›
In addition to using tent stakes, try attaching sandbags or weights to the legs of your canopy. Canopy sandbags can be filled with a material like sand or pebbles and provide additional weight to help your canopy resist the wind.
What is the best fabric to make a bed canopy? ›Choosing the Fabric
You can really use any type of fabric you want to create a beautiful canopy bed. Traditional fabrics for canopies are chintz, silk, velvet, or tapestry. But you can achieve a fun look for a country setting with muslin, gingham, or charming calico.
It's possible to have both a canopy bed and a ceiling fan in the same bedroom. In fact, it's a practical and luxurious option. There are ways to safely and aesthetically incorporate both into your space without cloth from your canopy getting tangled in the fan blades.
Is it healthier to sleep naked? ›“There's no proven benefit or harm to sleeping naked,” says Dr. Drerup. “Just do what feels right and then rest easy with your decision.”
Why did older couples sleep in separate beds? ›The proclamation may have proved less than accurate, but for almost a century between the 1850s and 1950s, separate beds were seen as a healthier, more modern option for couples than the double, with Victorian doctors warning that sharing a bed would allow the weaker sleeper to drain the vitality of the stronger.
How did humans sleep before beds? ›Before Homo sapiens, the smaller, chimp-like Homo erectus likely slept elevated in trees in order to take refuge from predators. Once early hominids discovered fire, researchers believe the early humans transitioned to sleeping on the ground since the fire would ward off any predators in the night.
Are bed canopies safe for kids? ›But cot canopies are dangerous for babies and young children and the ACCC previously recalled them because of the risk of strangulation. Barker says parents should never hang any excess fabric on or over the cot.
Can you have a small fire under a canopy? ›You should never use a fire pit in an enclosed space. Smoke is highly toxic and can build up quickly if a fire is not properly ventilated.
Are canopy beds in fashion? ›Canopy beds are surging in popularity.
Stick with airy fabrics and a minimal frame to have your canopy bed looking mature and stylish.
- awning.
- baldachin.
- cover.
- marquee.
- shade.
- sunshade.
- umbrella.
Is a canopy bed worth it? ›
Besides looking great, canopy beds have utilitarian uses as well. Being able to enclose your bed in additional linens can help keep you warm during the winter. With some careful positioning, you may be able to utilize your bed to keep you cool in summer as well.
Are canopy beds noisy? ›It muffles noise
For all you light sleepers out there, a canopy bed frame can prove to be a worthwhile solution. The fabric that surrounds your bed will muffle noise to a degree (depending on the type of fabric that you use), giving you a more peaceful environment to sleep in.
Think of it as the more permanent, architectural version of a shade canopy. Pergolas are commonly made out of weather-resistant wood or vinyl. However, they can also be made of fiberglass or metal. If you're looking for a long term solution for your outdoor space, then a pergola could be the right choice for you.
What is the easiest canopy to put up? ›Eurmax 10'x10' Ez Pop-Up Canopy Tent
Of all the canopies we tested, this design was by far one of the easiest to set up and take down. The thumb button keeps hands away from the sliding portion of the frame while releasing the lock. One person could get it set up (or taken down) alone, but it's easier with two people.
Use curtain rods around your bed
Straight curtain rods can also be mounted to the ceiling and aligned with each side of your bed to get an enclosed, canopy-like effect. Attach drywall anchors and screws to the ceiling, and then add the rods with the curtains onto them.
In addition to using tent stakes, try attaching sandbags or weights to the legs of your canopy. Canopy sandbags can be filled with a material like sand or pebbles and provide additional weight to help your canopy resist the wind.