How to Make a Canopy Bed Work in a Small Room

Measure the size of your bedroom before purchasing a canopy bed. Measure height of the ceiling as well as the floor space, as this will help you decide what size canopy frame to choose.

Paint three of your bedroom's walls one light color, such as cream or pale blue, using a roller brush or motorized paint sprayer. Use the brush to finish painting in the corners and other tight spots the roller or sprayer can't cover. On the fourth wall, the one your canopy bed will rest against, paint a darker color to give the room more depth.

Replace dark or static window treatments with flowing, light-colored curtains. Mount the curtains on a decorative rod. These curtains will give your bedroom an airy atmosphere and create the illusion of a greater size.

Choose a bed and canopy frame of the appropriate size. For example, if your bedroom is 10 feet by 12 feet, a queen size bed will fit, but you will have little room for anything else. Leave at least 2 feet on both sides of the bed, and 3 feet of space at the foot. This gives you enough room when getting in and out of the bed. It also provides room for nightstands or end tables.

Place the canopy bed against the darker wall. Situate the bed directly in the center of the wall to create a balanced look. If your bed comes with a head and footboard, leave off the footboard for a more open visual effect. A footboard gives off the illusion of an enclosed space and will make the room seem smaller than it is.

Install under-the-bed drawers to save valuable space. A small bedroom tends to look cluttered, and under bed storage and drawers help you to save space while utilizing an otherwise wasted area.

Cover your bed with bedding in subtle, but rich colors. Keep the pattern simple. If you're going for Southwestern look, earthy colors work well. If you want to achieve a more romantic environment, dusty colors such as plum, rose and sage are best. Decorate the bed with two or three throw pillows. Too many pillows create an overcrowded effect.

Drape two canopy linens from front to back across the bed's canopy. Secure the linens on each canopy pole using a matching linen tie or decorative rope. Don't limit yourself to sheer or silky linens.

Hang decorative artwork on the walls, preferably large pieces to give the illusion that the room is bigger. Situate end tables at either side of the bed and put one or two items on them, like a lamp or framed photo. Keep the room's decor simple. The more cluttered it is, the smaller it will look.