How to Dress a Canopy Bed

Canopy beds can be some of the sexiest and showstopping pieces of furniture in your bedroom--it all depends on what accessories you choose in your decor. Get inspired with these four ways for transforming your canopy from plain to sensational.

Things You'll Need

• Curtain panels Window treatment rings Birch branches Wire Mosquito netting

Instructions

1. Velvet, sheers or patterned curtains are the most obvious choices for dressing a canopy bed. First, decide on the length of your panels. Panels just sweeping the floor or pooling drapes add a nice touch to your canopy bed. You can flank the four posts of the bed with the drapes, or just two posts or hang one billowing panel over the top of the bed. Options for how to hang include decorative window treatment rings, panels with a pocket rod or tie-on curtains.

2. Go for an exotic look in the bedroom with mosquito netting. Hang a premade mosquito canopy from a ceiling hook in the middle of the bed, closer to the headboard. Spread the netting around the canopy bed frame for a safari-inspired look.

3. Instead of draping fabric all over your bed, simply hang a lacy or sheer panel behind the canopy's headboard. It's a great way to add glam, while cutting back on fabric expense.

4. For an eco-chic look, use slim birch branches that span the length of your canopy bed's frame. Lay them securely over the top of the bed and tighten with dark-colored wire on each side. The spacing and amount of branches is up to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Curtain panels with ties, buttons or even using snap-on rings are much easier to install than panels with rod pockets. Some dis-assembly of your bed may be required.