Basic Information on Canopy Beds

A canopy bed is a type of ornamental bed generally designed to create a ceiling of draperies and walls of fabrics which are integrated and attached to the poles or beams from all the four sides of the bed.

This bed was originally created as a means to shield the person sleeping in bed from outside matters which could possibly fall from the ceiling. It is actually functional in nature, unlike the current canopy beds which are commonly utilized for their aesthetic quality and elegance.

These beds with draperies and fabrics were supposed to be used as a form of an enclosure to provide a certain amount of privacy and also to keep the person sleeping warm and comfortable. During the medieval era, the royal and the noble families share their rooms with their servants and aids. The draperies and curtains were then put up in the poles or beams in the bed to provide them an added degree of privacy.

During the 16th Century, the four poster beds were then developed and improved as regards the artistic designs are concerned. The wooden headboard of the canopy beds were then designed with creative and arty carvings. Carvings were likewise made in the poles and beams to match that of the headboard. Later, a few other decorations and patterns were made to these beds.

At the present time, canopy beds are categorized into either traditional or modern. The conventional types or traditional beds are usually based on the Victorian fashion. They are composed of cast iron frames or metal posts. Wooden frames are likewise used and heavy fabrics, either pleated or ruffled, are employed for the draping. On the other hand, the modern or contemporary beds sport a more simple and unfussy design, such as geometric and clever designs. Contemporary ones use wooden frames, iron or metal frames and sometimes a combination of both.