| If you’re bored with the current look in your | | | | earliest incarnations were probably beds of common |
| bedroom, a stylish option is available that dates back | | | | people seeking an additional layer of shelter beyond |
| to the 15th century. This look will add an air of nobility | | | | that of a less-than-impenetrable thatch roof. Canopy |
| to even the drabbest of rooms while acting as the | | | | beds with curtains that could completely enclose the |
| focal point and centerpiece of your bedroom furniture. | | | | bed were used by lords and noblemen in medieval |
| This cure for your ailing bedroom décor is the | | | | Europe for warmth and privacy, as their attendants |
| classic canopy bed. | | | | often slept in the same room. Until the 16th century, |
| For the uninitiated, a canopy bed is a decorative bed | | | | these beds, even those of the nobles, were fairly plain |
| somewhat similar to a four-poster bed. A typical | | | | and understated. During this period, carved work on |
| canopy bed usually features posts at each of the four | | | | the headboard and posts became popular and more |
| corners extending four feet high or more above the | | | | ornate canopy beds followed. |
| mattress. Ornate or decorative fabric is often draped | | | | Today’s canopy beds generally fit into one of two |
| across the upper space between the posts and a | | | | categories: traditional or contemporary. Most of the |
| solid swath of cloth may create a ceiling, or canopy | | | | traditional canopy beds will have a Victorian aesthetic, |
| directly over the bed. There are a wide array of | | | | with either metal rod frames or intricately carved |
| canopy beds, ranging from the more formal traditional | | | | wood frames and posts. These throwbacks will also |
| styles to today’s sleek, modern designs, made with | | | | often feature ruffled, pleated elaborate draping, |
| clean lines and a simpler aesthetic. If you’re | | | | sometimes with rather heavy cloth. In contrast, |
| interested in a canopy bed, chances are good there is | | | | contemporary canopy beds generally employ a |
| one out there that is perfect for you. | | | | cleaner, simpler design. Wood, metal, or a combination |
| One might think that early canopy beds were only | | | | of the two is used in the construction of modern |
| made for the wealthy. The fact is canopy beds have | | | | canopy beds, which usually have little to no detail on |
| their roots with the common man. The canopy bed | | | | the foot and headboards and often feature sharp, |
| came into existence more from utilitarian means than | | | | geometric designs. |
| that of extravagance or decadence. In fact, the | | | | |