Make a Bed Canopy
A bed canopy is an excellent addition to any bed, adding romance and a sort of grand quality. This can be done for children's beds or even adult beds. Below you'll find three easy methods which you can complete in less than a day with little to no help. Just get started with Step 1 below.
Contents
Steps
Traditional Canopy
- Get a bed frame of your choice. This should be a wooden bed frame with solid posts at both ends of the bed.
- Add the posts. Buy four large 2x2 pieces of lumber. Screw them into the bed frame, or attach them. They should be standing upwards now, surrounding your bed.
- Attach curtain rods. Attach curtain rods between the posts.
- Buy a suitable canopy fabric. This should ideally be a see-through, or translucent fabric. Ideally, the fabric must be cut so that it covers the whole top of the canopy made by the lumber, as well as the front and back. The sides should be saved for curtains. Measure the areas and cut the fabric accordingly.
- Sew a pair of curtains, or have them sewn, for both sides. If you don't want to bother, cover both sides with the canopy just like you would for the front and back. In the sides, however, make a cut in the fabric to serve as curtains, and hem the sides. The edges should also be hemmed too.
- Decorate the canopy. You can also sew the hem with lace, if you'd like.
- Finished. Enjoy your new bed!
Chandelier Canopy
- Gather your materials. You'll need a hanging fruit basket. This should be the type that has only one basket, and four hanging chains that meet up at the center hook. It should also be made of sturdy metal, and not plastic or very thin metal. You'll also need mounting hardware for the basket, wire cutters, and four curtain panels.
- Cut the rim. Using metal cutters, cut a 1/4"-1/2" gap at the center of the rim between each support chain.
- Attach the curtains. Slide the curtains on, one half of a panel onto one side of the cut gap, the other half on the other side.
- Mount the hook. Following the manufacturer's instructions for the mounting hook you got, attach it to the ceiling above the bed. It should be mounted in a ceiling stud, which may require a stud finder to locate.
- Hang the canopy. Hang the basket to the hook you mounted.
- Add finishing touches. You can get LED icicle lights (preferably on a battery pack) and put them in the basket to create a chandelier effect. This is not required however. Just enjoy your new bed canopy.
Napoleonic Canopy
- Gather your materials. You'll need 1 or 3 adjustable-angle metal flag brackets (the stronger the better), a dowel rod to fit the flag bracket, and long fabric.
- Mount the flag brackets. You can have one at the center for a really regal look, or you can use three to get more of an expedition tent look. Mount the first at the center of the bed and the other two (if you want them) directly above the sides of the bed. These must be installed in your wall studs or they will not be strong enough.
- Insert the dowel rods. Put the dowel rods into the pole holder. You should be able to put it all the way in (it should not be too tight). If it is loose, you can make a better fit using wood shims or cardboard pieces.
- Hang the fabric. Center the fabric on the center pole and drape the ends over the sides of the bed or the hole poles, depending on the style you went with.
Tips
- Get creative with your color choices!
Warnings
- Make sure that these structures are secure. The curtains should not be pulled on.
- Do not cut yourself on any of the tools used in these projects.
Related Articles
- Create a Bed Canopy Without Posts
- Decorate a Canopy Bed
- Make a Canopy
- Sew Curtains for a Four Poster Bed
