1. Contemporary canopy beds may or may not be used with an actual canopy. In modern decors, it's sometimes the geometric shape of the bed that provides the decorative effect. A canopy might also be wrapped around the upper frame and posts rather than draped or hung from them.
2. Canopy beds have been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries. Traditionally the bed belonged to the bride, who would draw the curtains during the day so the bed could be used as her private reception area or for seating while mending clothes, embroidering, or reading. Different curtains would be used for heat in winter and protection from insects in summer.
3. In the West, canopy beds started to emerge in 14th- and 15th-century Europe. The bed would feature a canopy, headboard, and three curtains hung from iron rods. Canopy materials included twill, serge, silk, woven tapestries, and fur-lined cloth.
4. The canopies on canopy beds were originally known as testers, though tester beds are not quite the same thing as canopy beds. A tester bed is a four-poster bed with two freestanding posts at its end and a headboard with upright posts. On such beds, the tester is a rectangular panel that often features a decorative frieze or carved design.
5. A canopy bed is a dramatic statement, so make sure that your bedroom features other furniture items that can hold the stage with such an actor. Try pairing the bed with an interesting dresser and an attention-grabbing piece such as an antique storage trunk.
6. We carry a selection of both wood and metal canopy beds. Our wood canopy beds come in light, medium, and dark finishes, with styles ranging from modern to rustic.
7. Keep ceiling height in mind as you shop for canopy beds. Our models range from about 75 to 100 inches in height. We recommend measuring your ceiling height before purchase to ensure adequate room for the bed and your room's lighting fixtures.
8. A fun quality of canopy beds is that you can change their look from one season or year to another by using a different canopy color or material. Some of our beds come with canopies, but you can also create your own canopies made from silk, muslin, linen, or other materials.
9. Though contemporary heating and cooling systems have rendered the temperature control aspect of canopy beds obsolete, cold-blooded sleepers will appreciate the extra warmth that an enclosed canopy bed provides.
10.Canopies and canopy beds are important symbols in Buddhist art. The canopy is one of the Buddhist symbols of good fortune and a royal emblem associated with Buddha. It represents spiritual authority, as well as shelter for all living beings.
