The canopy bed goes beyond the functional purpose of having a place to sleep: this style is decorative, artistic, opulent, and a way of artistic self-expression.
As shorthand for luxury, canopy beds and curtains are nothing less than a declaration. The canopy bed goes beyond the functional purpose of having a place to sleep: this style is decorative, artistic, opulent, and a way of artistic self-expression. Whether you use your drapes for privacy, warmth, or decoration, there are so many ways in which you can accent and enhance your decor with these kinds of curtains.
Having existed for hundreds of years, canopy beds were once functional rather than indicative of mere fancy. For medieval lords, and even common people, creating another layer between you and a leaky roof, or a chilly manse, could prevent exposure, illness, and early death. There was also the element of privacy: if an entire family lived in one small room, having a separate space – even if only constructed with drapes and curtains – could make a huge difference.
The kinds of beds and curtains we have now tend to mimic the Victorian aesthetic, which indicates to most modern homeowners and consumers a kind of rarefied luxury, as mentioned before. This is not always the case, however. Some are made from bamboo, or styled “modernly” with synthetic materials and sharp corners. The Island Style Complete Poster Bed w Natural Bamboo & Woven Wicker, costing a little more than one-thousand dollars, is made from wicker and comes with linen curtains. The Nicamaka Drapes, which come in scarlet, can be attached to any frame, but because of their sheer material and simple design, may be more appropriate on minimalist canopy beds.
It is possible to ride the fence between traditional and modern, however. The Fantasy Palace 4-Poster Bed Canopy by Fantasy is sheer and light but dreamily draped. In many senses, it combines the dignity of Victorian styles with the austerity of contemporaneous ones.
