Canopies

A canopy bed is typically a bed with four posts extending above the mattress. There is then some sort of decorative fabric that is draped over the top; this is the traditional type of canopy. Bed canopies have been used for many centuries. In the earlier days they were used as a necessity to be protected form the outside elements.

In the early ages the heavy drapery was used not only to protect from the elements like from small animals and insects and dirt, but to keep warm as well. Where there was warmer climates or desert-like temperatures a netting called mosquito netting was used to not only keep the mosquitoes out, but to keep air circulation to keep cool.

Bed canopies vary in styles and functionality. Decorative canopies are canopies that have sheer panels draped over them. These panels come in a variety of colors and fabrics. Modern bed canopies are those without the four posts, but are hung from above the bed around a hoop from a hook or screw and draped over the bed with a sheer panel. The canopy drapes can vary in length depending on your preference. The drapes that hang longer than the floor tend to have more of an elegant feel.

Bed canopies can be for anyone from a baby to a teen boy or girl or adults. Canopies for babies can be the hoop style that is hung from the ceiling and draped over a baby's crib. For the teen girl those used are usually those bed canopies using the four post bed with the canopy draped over the top. Teen boys tend to use the canopy that is of the netting type or earthy type or the type that display their favorite super hero or cartoon characters. The canopies used by adults are of the romantic type that is with the sheer drapery and an elegant feel.

Canopy drapes be easily removed if this is not a look you would like on a permanent basis. Bed canopies vary in cost. The simple canopy such as mosquito netting or polyester drapes are the least expensive. The more extravagant and expensive are the long canopy drapes made up of finer European fabrics.