How to Create Bed Curtains Without a Canopy Bed Frame

Use your imagination when selecting and hanging your canopy bed curtains.

Traditionally, you will find canopy beds with four posters attached by beams in between. Hung or draped in a variety of ways across the beams you will see fabric tied to the canopy frame or permanently secured to the frame. Usually made inexpensively from metal or more expensively from wood, canopy frames require clearance from the ceiling. When you make your own canopy bed without a frame, you open yourself up to more possibilities and design options, plus you save much money. You can make bed curtains today with little or no sewing and sleep in a canopy bed tonight.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Curtain rods with hardware
• Fabric
• 4 eye hooks (optional)
• Netting or sheer fabric (optional)

Instructions

Traditional Canopy Bed Look

1. Measure from the floor to the ceiling to get the length for your curtain fabric. Add about 12 inches to the length to allow for seams and add another 4 inches if you want your curtains to puddle on the floor. Multiply the amount of fabric you need for each curtain.

2. Select fabric in a color matching the decor of your bedroom, keeping in mind both sides of the fabric will show. Ideas include a solid color matching the main color of a bed design or a lighter, printed fabric like toile.

3. Hang the three curtain rods on the ceiling around your bed.

4. Sew the fabric panels together to make a curtain, then hem your curtains.

A Romantic Canopy

1. Select a netting or sheer type of fabric in a color that matches the decor of your bed and bedroom.

2. Screw an eye hook into the ceiling at each corner of your bed.

3. Feed the fabric through the hook on one side of the bed and let it drape almost to the floor, then run it up, then down again on the second hook. Repeat this on the opposite side of the bed. You now have a romantic canopy bed with a four-poster look.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider screwing an eye hook in the ceiling near the head of your bed and hanging a larger metal circle from it, using a clear fishing line. Drape fabric through the circle for another canopy look.

References

• Stitch 'n Save: Canopy Beds
• Princess Canopy: Girls Canopy Bed
• The Budget Decorator: Romantic Canopies on a Budget: Not Just for Beds Anymore!

Resources

• Homeease Manufacturing & Trading Co.: They're Not Just for Girls--Canopy Beds for Boys