Canopy Beds with a Chic Updated Look

Canopy beds are often considered to be a traditional bedroom addition, since they have been popular for hundreds of years. It’s easy to find beautifully traditional canopy beds, complete with tall, ornate posts, beautiful scrollwork, rich wood finishes, and heavy canopy drapes. However, canopy beds with traditional good looks are not the only game in town. Canopy beds are also popular choices for contemporary rooms, and are available in a variety of contemporary styles. If you are shopping for a canopy bed to add a touch of chic updated style to your bedroom, here are some tips you can use to differentiate between classic and modern canopy beds.

Differences in Post Styles

Looking at the style of the canopy bed posts will tell you a lot about the overall style of the bed. For example, if the posts include lots of intricate carving or elaborate wrought iron work, these are signs of a classically styled bed. Modern canopy bed posts are generally straighter, with clean and solid lines. You’ll still find modern bed styles made from wrought iron, but they will have fewer ornate details and a more modern look.

Differences in Fabric Styles

The fabrics used in the bed construction are also a good way to differentiate between a classic canopy bed and modern styles. Traditionally, heavy fabrics were used, since they were intended to help keep the person sleeping in the bed warm. Traditional canopy bed fabrics include heavy brocade, which was usually used on all sides of the bed in addition to the top. In olden days, this heavy fabric not only helped retain warmth, but it also provided nobility with added privacy and protection from the sunlight and even insects. In the case of modern canopy beds, you’ll often find that the fabrics are much thinner, even to the point of being gauzy or flimsy. You’ll also frequently see the fabric not used on all four sides of the bed, or not on top.

Ornate Detailing

Traditional canopy beds are much more likely to have ornate detailing, such as pleats, ruffles, carvings or other elaborate features. In the case of modern bed styles, you’ll find lightweight materials, simple designs, and clean lines. You might find geometric patterns as part of the overall design, but it’s more likely to find unadorned wood, solid materials and simple construction.

Bold Contrasting Colors versus Classic Wood Finishes

Although classic canopy beds usually feature fine wood finishes or traditional wrought iron, today’s modern beds are often much brighter and more colorful. You’ll find beds, both wood and metal, painted in a wide variety of colors, which makes it easy to choose a bed that will add a true fashion statement to your bedroom.

Canopies without Fabric

When looking for a canopy bed, it’s important to note that not all modern beds have a fabric canopy on top or on the sides. In some cases, the term is used to describe a bed that simply features four tall posts or a frame over the top of the bed. However, you’re more likely to find modern beds without the fabric feature than to find a traditional canopy bed in this style.

Once you’ve found your perfect style of canopy bed, accent with the right accessories: From classic wrought iron leaves and grapes wall hangings or flower wall sculptures to stark, modern hanging wall vases, the options are endless.