How to Buy Bed Canopies

Bed canopies are a great way to dress up any room, and they're especially popular in children's bedrooms. From ruffled princess canopies to tent-like enclosures, both girls and boys can find something they like. Beds without canopy structures can also be dressed up by adding unique fixtures over headboards and adding cloth. Get creative when thinking about adding a canopy to reflect your child's personality.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Search in the household department of major retailers for ideas about canopies. There are usually a variety of suggestions on display.

2. Choose a canopy bed when purchasing children's furniture. These can be removed or added as your child grows and their decorating tastes change.

3. Make your own canopy by adding decorative hardware above the headboard and draping with fabric. Some stores sell pieces that can be mounted to the wall above your child's bed. Wall planters or sconces hung upside down are also good options. Tie fabric to the hardware or attach with decorative hooks and drape on either side of the bed.

4. Add simple canopy designs to boy's rooms. Hang four hooks on the ceiling, above the corners of the bed. Using a bolt of fabric coordinated to your child's room, pin fabric to ceiling hooks. Stretch above the bed allowing the fabric to dip a little. Attach a wire curtain rod across the headboard end between the remaining two hooks and drape the remaining fabric.

5. Attach a mosquito net to the ceiling near the headboard end of your child's bed. These are available in many colors and patterns and give the bed a cozy, gentle feeling. The netting should be attached so that it covers both sides of the bed easily.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress up existing bed canopies by adding corner bows or changing fabric colors.