This article examines in detail the main criteria for choosing a canopy for a bed: its advantages and disadvantages, its shape and design, and how to make such a canopy yourself
When a person is getting ready for bed, it is very important for him to feel in a protected place, and usually a canopy over the bed gives the person falling asleep such a cozy calmness.
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Ceiling canopy for bed
It protects from light and from extraneous sounds, and simply makes the space feel more intimate, and therefore more comfortable for sleeping. The canopy in the bedroom was used even before our era: not only in rich, but also in poor houses. The poor covered the baby's cradle with linen, and the rich decorated their sleeping place with expensive materials. Nowadays, such a canopy can be made for both adult beds and children's beds. This article explains how to make a canopy with your own hands, what types, fabrics and frames of canopies exist.
Such curtains in the bedroom above the bed protect against insects, bright light and noise. The canopy also retains heat: if you live in an unheated house, this can be a lifesaver on cold autumn nights. In addition to the practical function, the canopy also has an aesthetic one: a canopy made of beautiful fabric over the bed looks very elegant.
Interesting: the word “canopy” itself means “expensive silk fabric from Baghdad” (“Baghdad” is translated into Roman languages as Baldacco). In Russian, the word appeared in the time of Peter I and did not mean a canopy, but rather expensive oriental fabrics imported from the countries of the Middle East and Central Asia.
What types of canopies are there?
Before installing a canopy, it is worth finding out what types of such canopies exist. It is very important to choose exactly the variety that is suitable for your bedroom.
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Wall canopy for bed including curtain
If the bedroom is small, then it is better to choose an arched canopy. This is a semicircle of pipes, the ends of which rest against the wall. The fabric is hung on the pipes in the same way as curtains are usually hung on a cornice.
If there is a lot of space in the room for sleeping, then you can install a canopy around the perimeter of the bed. In this case, vertical posts are placed in each corner of the bed, and a horizontal structure is attached above the bed itself, on which the fabric is already hung. You can use ordinary window cornices rather than pipes as fasteners.
A “crown” canopy will also be conveniently located in a spacious bedroom. This is a round pipe fixed to the ceiling through which the fabric is pulled.
For a small room, a single pipe mount is suitable: it is fixed in the middle of the bedroom and the canopy fabric is thrown over it.
Interesting: originally a canopy was a canopy made of fabric on a wooden frame and poles. Such canopies appeared in the ancient East - they protected from the sun. They can be seen on ancient Persian reliefs: there they are always canopies over the throne or bed of the ruler. In ancient Rus', a canopy was called a canopy, and it was usually erected in churches. The inside of the entryway was painted with gold stars on a blue background and the symbol of the Holy Spirit, a white dove, was placed in the middle.
Arched canopy. Source: vimercatimeda.ru
Canopy around the perimeter of the bed. Source: weareart.ru
Canopy “crown”. Source: remontbp.com
Canopy on a straight pipe. Source: mblx.ru
How to choose fabric for a canopy
The fabric for the canopy is, in fact, what the canopy itself is made for over the bed. You will look at it every day before going to bed, so it is very important that you are completely satisfied with the choice.
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Canopy for children's Princess tent gray
Tip: a bedroom with a canopy will look especially harmonious if the fabric chosen for the canopy is repeated on other textiles, for example, on window curtains, pillows or bedspreads.
Lightweight fabrics are well ventilated and easy to wash. These include chintz, linen and even cotton. They will flutter beautifully in the wind and lull you to sleep with their shimmer before bed.
Heavy fabrics protect from bright light and noise, and they also retain heat (imagine autumn in an unheated country house). These are tapestry, jacquard and velvet, and washing these fabrics is usually a lot of hassle. Depending on the style of the bedroom, the material is decorated with tassels, flounces and fringe.
Interesting: In Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, canopies on four supports were made mainly for protection from the cold: heavy fabrics retained heat well, because bedrooms were not heated at that time.
A little later, in the era of Louis XIV and Louis XV, fabrics for canopies were made of brocade and decorated with gold embroidery and lambrequins. At that time, canopies were also made from velvet, satin and damask. From the East Indies to Europe came the fashion for printed cotton canopies and slightly cheaper French toiles. Nowadays such canopies can be seen in the Chateau of Versailles.
Choosing a frame for a canopy over a bed
The canopy frame can be of three types:
- fabrics on supports;
- design with suspended consoles;
- arbitrary textile compositions.
The most popular design is the canopy on a frame. The frame is a wooden or metal structure, and it is usually not only a support for the canopy, but also a decorative element that emphasizes the height of the ceilings. The frame also emphasizes the bed itself: its size and finish. Lovers of luxury often decorate the frame with forged elements or carvings.
An arc-shaped frame is an option for those who avoid excesses. The arched frame with its shape provides the drapery with softness and smooth lines, and also simplifies installation: fastening does not require additional supports.
Canopy over the bed made of light fabric. Source:: nonovinkimebeli.ru
A canopy can also be made using two crossbars : one secured at the head of the bed, and the second parallel to the first on the other side of the bed. These two crossbars perpendicular to the sleeping place form support points through which a piece of fabric is thrown.
Canopy over the bed with carvings. Source:: nonovinkimebeli.ru
The canopy above the bed has two supports. Source: nonovinkimebeli.ru
We put the canopy on the holder
The already sewn canopy has special pockets in its canopies for the tendrils of the aluminum loop. Usually there are two of them and there is a small distance between them. By carefully placing the canopy fabric over the tendrils of the loop, you will get beautifully cascading waves. Only now the resulting structure is fixed to the holder with a screw, which must be tightened tightly. If you did everything in accordance with the attached instructions, the curtains will decorate the playpen and perform all the functions assigned to them.
Fixing the canopy on the side of the crib allows for excellent protection of the baby from light and insects
Before proceeding with assembling the canopy, you need to prepare the tripod mount in the desired location. Typically, a tripod is a straight aluminum tube with a curved section at the top. At the end, this part is equipped with the previously mentioned loop, which will be needed to secure the edge sections of the canopy.
First, you should select the specific side of the crib on which the holder fasteners will be located. As mentioned earlier, if the canopy frame is placed on the head of children's furniture, the protection will be weak and the legs will remain open. It is advisable to place these structures on the side of the arena - this way, the textiles will be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the berth.
Next, you can proceed to putting the canopy on the holder. The sewn product must be equipped with special pockets designed for aluminum loop antennae. As a rule, there are two such parts, and there is a small open gap between them. By carefully pulling the canopy material over the looped tendrils, you will form neat waves.
After this, the structure is fixed to the holder using a screw. It will need to be tightened. If everything is done according to the instructions, the curtains will look beautiful in the arena and perform all their functions.
Ceiling mount
There is another method of fixation - to the ceiling. This solution will be relevant if you are sure that the crib will be located in its place and will not move for at least a year. This fastening option is recognized as the most reliable and wear-resistant, since the bolts will not be subject to regular external influences, which cannot be avoided if the fasteners are located in the interior of the furniture.
We suggest you read: How and what to wash baby diapers and clothes
First you will need to decide on the specific place in which the canopy will be fixed.
Try to provide yourself with unhindered access to this area:
- make marks on the ceiling to indicate the intended place where a kind of cornice (a strip of metal) will be located;
- attach the holder to the ceiling base using self-tapping screws;
- tie the curtains to the curtain rod using ribbons or Velcro;
- after this, the metal cornice will be possible to decorate with a variety of decorations, for example, spectacular bows.
Of course, such a version of the canopy should be much longer than the standard product, which is attached to the crib itself. Curtains installed in accordance with the instructions will perfectly protect the baby from various types of external irritants. However, we must not forget that this type of installation will take up quite a lot of free time.
How to hang a canopy over a bed: options for attaching to the frame
There are several fastening techniques:
- loops (wide strips with Velcro);
- eyelets (metal rings on fabric with a uniform indent from the edge);
- corrugated tape (ribbon with loops sewn to the edge of the fabric).
Loops can be used on any fabric. Don't forget to sew on Velcro, as this will make the fabric easy to remove for washing and ironing. Hinges are used on tubular and narrow beam structures.
Eyelets are usually used for thick fabric. They are suitable for narrow pipes on which rings are strung.
Corrugated braid also includes hooks onto which the braid loops are placed. This option is suitable for those who like to live and make everything themselves: you can easily create such a canopy with your own hands.
Canopy with braid. Source: berkem.ru
Interesting: The canopy represents temporal and spiritual power in many cultures. During the era of the Crusades, even stone canopies appeared over statues in cathedrals. In temples, stone or bronze canopies were made over altars and burials of important people of those times.
Bronze canopy. Source: wikipedia.org
Where to place it? Options, right places
The choice of location for the canopy depends entirely on your preferences and desires. It must be secured so that the fabric does not fall off during active movement inside the rocking bed or in a regular crib.
- Middle. Great option for boys. How to attach a canopy to a crib in the middle? With a long holder! In fact, it is not difficult; it creates the effect of a castle or a forest tent.
- Headboard. The fabric falls smoothly to the child's feet. This more mature option is suitable for girls.
- Along the perimeter. Option for newborns. On one side there will be a canopy, and on the other, you can calmly feed and take the child. If necessary, the fabric can be straightened and closed. This option is a little complicated because the crib requires a special frame for the canopy. This method is universal.
As mentioned earlier, the principle of action depends on your desires and the size of the bed.
Canopies for a children's room
Canopies for a newborn's crib are often sold complete with the crib itself.
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Children's bed Yoyo up white
You can also purchase them separately. In this case, they are attached to the arena on a bracket with a ring on top. Unlike canopies for adult beds, the crown canopy is fixed not on the ceiling, but on the crib (or playpen) itself. Baby canopies are usually made from voile or fine mesh and can be attached to both girls' and boys' beds. A closed canopy gives the baby a sign that it is time to sleep, and thus he gets used to the correct daily routine.
Advice: if your child has allergies, then it is better not to buy a canopy for him, as it accumulates dust.
When the child grows up a little, you can make a cozy house out of a canopy. It is very important when a person has his own space, and children often create a small world for themselves in their corner.
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Canopy for children's Fairy dome
In this case, the canopy is attached to the ceiling, and comfortable pillows and blankets are placed below so that the child can sit comfortably and read, draw or just dream.
For preschool children, we can recommend a canopy for the bed. Still, it also has a practical function: it will protect the baby from insects, heat and drafts.
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Canopy for the children's Magic dome
The fasteners for the canopy will be the same as for an adult’s bed, only the structure will be smaller in size, since the bed is smaller.
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Canopy for children's Princess tent white
A beautiful canopy will also suit the interior of a teenage girl’s room: on a bed under a canopy you can hide from the adult world and keep secrets with your girlfriend. Such a canopy will add comfort, but will not contribute to the feeling of an enclosed space. It is better to choose dim colors so as not to cause anxiety in the child. Pastel shades will give the interior a fairytale-like quality that a child will most likely like.
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Canopy for children's Princess tent pink
By the way, the canopy can also be installed on a bunk bed: you just need to take the fabric a little longer than for a single-tier bed, and also make the mount for the canopy 5-10 cm larger.
Bed Pinokkio
Assembly Recommendations
- Before purchasing a curtain holder for a playpen, be sure to read the instructions for assembling it.
- Choose a ceiling canopy only if you are confident in your abilities and skills. This is undoubtedly a beautiful and reliable option, because the folds of such a canopy will completely cover the playpen.
- If you doubt the first option, purchase a simpler tripod that is screwed to the side of the crib. Every young dad can easily assemble and disassemble such a structure without any problems. At your discretion, it can be installed on any of the four backrests of the playpen.
There are many options for mounting protective children's curtains: the canopy is tied to the holder with ribbons, thrown over the fastening ring and secured with special elastic bands. Children's goods stores offer a wide range of tripods and frames. You can mount and hang a children's canopy by following the pictures in the included instructions or by watching a video on the Internet.
If you decide to install a canopy over the crib yourself, then you should take into account some useful tips from professionals that will allow you to avoid many incidents and mistakes during the work process.
- At the end of the installation of the canopy, it should be thoroughly straightened so that it neatly falls around the crib and does not wrinkle.
- If you decide to put on a canopy by attaching it to the wall, then you should proceed in the same way as in the case of the ceiling option. However, in this case, the bracket must be mounted at such a height that it is no lower than 1 meter from the side of the arena. It is necessary to follow this rule so that the child is as comfortable and comfortable as possible under the constructed shelter.
- Please note that the canopy mount should be as powerful and strong as possible. There should be no backlash or loose connections. Only then will the design be comfortable and safe for a small user.
- Canopies for cribs come in a wide variety, from long to very short. In a children's bedroom it is permissible to hang any options you like. The canopy can even fall from the ceiling to the floor, however, many parents give preference to products of medium length, since they perform their main function perfectly, but do not get in the way underfoot.
- It is recommended to additionally secure ceiling and wall brackets with screws. The use of these parts results in stronger structures.
- Place the canopy onto the holder carefully so as not to damage the fabric from which it is made.
- The color of the canopy should be selected in accordance with the palette in the interior of the room. It is not recommended to buy overly bright and colorful options, as they will interfere with the baby’s ability to quickly fall asleep.
- You should only consider the ceiling option if you are confident in your abilities, as it is quite difficult to install.
- Before purchasing the holder required for mounting the canopy, be sure to read the instructions for its assembly.
A visual demonstration of how to put a canopy on a holder is in the video below.
Table of advantages and disadvantages of canopy
Flaws | Advantages |
Another dust collector, and dust contains a lot of bacteria and even mites, which can cause allergic reactions | For summer time it is perfect as protection against mosquitoes (as well as flies, and indeed any insects). |
The canopy fabric must be removed, washed and ironed at least once every two weeks. And the fastenings should be wiped once a week. Such cleaning of the structure takes a lot of time and effort. | The dense fabric of the canopy protects from the sun, noise and cold. If you sleep in an unheated room, then a canopy will save you on cool nights. |
A canopy should not be constructed in small rooms, as it will visually reduce the space and clutter it up. | A convenient design solution for zoning space: for example, if the bed is in a room that is used as a living room during the day. |