Canopy Bed Accessories

If you want to make the most of your bed, canopy bed accessories are indispensable. The bed may be the highlight of your bedroom but without accessories it will be very bland.

Types of Canopy Bed Accessories When you are choosing accessories for your bed, consider the material the bed is made of. Carved mahogany will need a different fabric than wrought iron, for example. There are four basic types of accessories for your canopy bed. Each one serves a different function and creates a total look. To some extent you should use similar weights and types of fabrics for each type of accessory to give the bed the cohesive look that it is known for.The Canopy Top What is the point of having a canopy bed without having a canopy? The canopy gives a luxurious, romantic, or exotic look to your bedroom. It can be made of a heavy, brocade fabric and give a medieval look or it can be whisper-light netting and be used to give a dreamy, romantic look to your bedroom. The two different types of canopies are: Attached to a frame on a four poster bed: These are the traditional types of canopies. They can be flat on top or arched, and the fabric is placed over a frame that attaches to the posts of the bed. Generally the canopy fabric will be cotton weight or heavier and will have a ruffle or pleats that hang over the sides of the frame. Some beds have an open work crochet type canopy that can be beautiful. Attached to the ceiling with a frame or hooks: This type is very versatile as it can be used with almost any sort of fabric to give a variety of looks. This is the type of canopy used to hang light fabrics and mosquito netting. Usually the fabric used will have some body and fall in graceful lines. There are times, however, when someone will hang brocade or a tapestry fabric from the ceiling with hooks, giving the bed the look of a traditional canopy without the need for a specific style of bed. The Canopy Curtains Long ago when canopy beds were first used, the side curtains served an important purpose. At night the curtains would be pulled around the bed and they would keep out the cold drafts that swept through the stone manor houses and castles. Nowadays most people don’t need those curtains to keep warm in the winter. The curtains are usually there just for the look of them and are often tied at the side of the posts on the bed. This can give a room a country Victorian look. Many times the canopy and curtain fabric will be white eyelet to achieve a sweet, pristine romance. You can make your own canopy bed by hanging the canopy from the ceiling. You can also use hooks to hang side curtains around the bed. It is important that you not pull on them because they can fall easily. This is not the best choice for a child’s room. The Comforter The comforter is one of the most important canopy bed accessories because it will pull the curtains and canopy together and give a finished look to your bed. It is not necessary to have it completely match with the curtains and the canopy but coordinating fabrics, carefully chosen, should be used. Often matching or coordinating pillow shams will be added as well. The Dust Ruffle The dust ruffle can also be matched or coordinated with the canopy and comforter. A flat piece of fabric fits between the mattress and box springs and a gathered fabric cascades down from the box springs to the floor. If the bed is very high a special order size may be needed. Using two dust ruffles, one layered over a longer one in a different color or pattern, can be a charming addition to the right style of bedroom. [source:http://furniture.lovetoknow.com/Canopy_Bed_Accessories