Canopy Bed-Covering Ideas for Girls

Tulle

• Tulle is an inexpensive soft netting commonly used to fashion bridal veils and wedding decor. Its romantic feel makes it an attractive choice for a girl's canopy. Drape two layers of white with purple or pink tulle to form an "X" suspended from the canopy frame. Allow streamers of tulle to extend from the ceiling to the floor at each corner. Gather streamers with a large tulle bow at each bed post. Embellish the bows with glitter, strands of craft pearls or satin ribbons.

Lattice

• Canopies are most often fashioned with decorative fabric, but an interesting alternative is white wooden or vinyl lattice fencing used in gardens or around porches. Attach strings of miniature LED lights to the backside of the lattice so that the lights are visible through the holes. Use staples to secure the wires to the frame. Connect the lights to a timer programmed to operate during the hours of your choice.

  Decorate the fencing with garlands of faux ivy and silk flowers. Trail sprigs of ivy over the edges of the lattice. Arrange silk flowers in a pleasing design among the ivy leaves, and use hot glue to secure them. Suspend the decorated lattice from the ceiling over the bed, using hooks and sturdy chain available at your hardware store. The greens and blossoms should face down, toward the bed.

Sheets

• Drape cotton sheets over the canopy frame for a designer look. Match the linens for a cohesive accent. Scallop the fabric edges framing the canopy. Add a sheet extending from the canopy to the floor at each corner of the bed. Substitute matching curtains if your prefer, and gather them at the corners with tassels, ribbons or bands of fabric. If your fabric is designed with a pattern of flowers, use hot glue to attach silk blossoms around the outside of the canopy.

Embellished Fabric

• Create a fantasy scene on the underside of the canopy that a young girl will enjoy studying as she lies in bed. Fabric appliques or fabric paint can be used to design a landscape of castles and unicorns or any scene tailored to her specific interests. Embellish your art with sequins, glitter and rhinestones. If you need help with the design, coloring books can provide an excellent reference with their simplified line drawings.