How to Make a Canopy Bed

Knowing how to make a canopy bed can give you the romantic bedroom you want without breaking the budget.

There are a variety of ways to create the look of a canopy without much trouble, depending on the style you want and how much work you can put into it. Whether you want an innocent cottage look or an elegant country house style you can make your own canopy with fabric and a few other materials even if your sewing skills consist of a skirt with an uneven hem you made in seventh grade Home-ec class.

Most of the ideas below can be completed by just one person in a day. You may need some help hanging the canopy so be sure to have a friend on call.

There are a variety of fabrics that are appropriate for your romantic canopy bed. Your choice should depend on your budget, the look you want, and your level of experience. Most homemade canopies will look best if you make them from a fabric that is lightweight and drapes well. You can hold up a few yards from a bolt and let the fabric flow to the floor to see what it will look like hanging from your bed.

Some that can work well are:

• Cheesecloth
• Cotton
• Gauze
• Lace
• Muslin
• Satin
• Silk
• Tulle

These fabrics are generally available at any fabric store, drape easily, and come in a variety of colors. You don't have to limit yourself, however. You may find the perfect pattern in a sheets or curtains at the thrift shop. Keep an open mind to the hundreds of possibilities.

If you need some inspiration this slideshow from Elle Decor has many great canopy bed looks and ideas.

You will need something to attach the fabric to. This can be created from many different items, depending on the look you want.

Curtain Rods

Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to create a canopy is to use curtain rods. This will give a tradition, country house type look to your bedroom and is perfect for heavier materials such as velvet, or brocade. Make sure that the fabric is not so heavy that it will pull the rods out of the ceiling.

You will need three curtain rods. One rod should be equal to the width of your bed and two equal to the length of your bed. These will be installed upside down on the ceiling. You will also need 50 clip rings, or more, depending on the weight of your fabric.

1. Install one rod crosswise at the head of your bed.
2. Install the other two rods lengthwise on either side of your bed.
3. Measure from the ceiling to the floor, and add a few inches (2-4) for hem allowance.
4. Hem the fabric and attach it to the rods with the clip rings.

You can also use tab top, ready –made curtains for this project to make it even easier.

Grapevine Wreath

A grapevine wreath suspended from the ceiling can give a country, natural, or medieval romantic look to your bedroom. You will need to choose an 18 inch wreath and suspend it from the ceiling with about six inch lengths of clear fishing line, silk ivy vine, or other strong material. Make sure the wreath is parallel to the surface of the bed.

Pull lightweight fabric, gauze is perfect for this, through the wreath and attach it to the bedposts or wall behind the bed. You can even allow it to flow around the bed like mosquito netting.

For a little girl's princess or fairy room you can attach silk butterflies, roses, and other items with hot glue.

Towel Rings

Use four, purchased towel rings to create a traditional canopy bed. This technique is the most versatile and it allows you to change the colors of your canopy simply, at your own discretion.

1. Attach the four towel rings to the ceiling at the four corners of the bed, slightly wider than the bed.
2. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and write that measurement down. Add eight inches for hemming and draping. Multiply this number by four.
3. Now measure the length of your bed and add eight inches for hemming and draping. Multiply this number by two.
4. Now, measure the width of your bed and add eight inches for hemming and draping. Multiply this number by two.
5. Add up all the totals and divide by three. This is the number of yards of fabric you need.
6. Hem the fabric and pull it through the rings so it drapes on either side of the bed as well as draping across the ceiling.

PVC Pipe

You can also make a frame of lightweight pvc pipe or dowels to suspend from your ceiling. Either drape the fabric over it or fold the top of the fabric down and sew it to make a "tunnel" for the pipe or dowels to fit through.

This project is easy and less expensive than even cheap canopy beds at today's retail prices. Best of all you will have a unique look that fits your idea of a romantic bedroom and gives your room the ambiance you are looking for.

Knowing how to make a canopy bed is a great way to express your creativity as well as save money on your bedroom decorating project. With all of the money you save you can add a hologram fireplace for even more ambiance.