Different Ways to Hang a Bed Canopy

Elegant Draping

• Perhaps the easiest way to hang a bed canopy is to simply drape the fabric over all four bed posts, allowing the fabric to hang down at the sides. Some four-poster beds already have poles around the top specifically for use as a canopy bed; these poles hold the fabric up so it covers the top and drapes down along the sides of the bed. If your bed doesn't include these poles or bars, connect each bed post with clear wire and drape the fabric over the bed. To create a peaked canopy, install a small hook in the ceiling centered on the bed. Sew a small loop in the center of the fabric and suspend it from the hook; use an extra strip of any fabric or heavy thread to create this loop.

Woven Canopy

• Canopy beds might be made with four posts connected at the top, with cross pieces that run the length of the bed. This type of bed allows you to weave panels of fabric over and under the bars, enclosing and suspending the top of the canopy off the bed. If the bed is not made with the cross bars, use simple fishing line to form a square at the top of the four posts and then tie line to run across the bed. Fishing line is rated according to the amount of weight it can support, so choose the line based on the type of fabric used to create the canopy. Once in place, pull the draping fabric back and tie to the bed posts to keep it out of the way.

Rod Suspension

• Suspending rods from the ceiling allows you to hang a canopy over any style bed. The rods hang from the ceiling, running the length of the bed from end to end, so you can drape canopy fabric over the rods from one side of the bed to the other. One basic design is to install eye hooks in the ceiling at each end of the bed. Tie clear wire from each hook to make large loops that hang as far down as desired. You'll need two loops for each rod, which simply slips through the loops to hang in place. Heavier rods, such as metal, should be hung with metal mounting brackets and a heavier chain to support the weight. At minimum, you'll need a rod for each side of the bed but adding a third center rod that doesn't hang as low elevates the canopy into a peak.

Hoop Canopy

• You can make a hoop canopy to accommodate any size bed, from an infant's cradle to a king size bed. You just need to use a hoop that is proportionate to the size of the bed, whether that be a small embroidery hoop or a large hula hoop. The type of hoop used doesn't matter because it is concealed by the canopy fabric. Wrap the end of the fabric over the hoop and sew or glue in place. Alternatively, you can tie strips of fabric onto the hoop -- a trick that works well if you want a canopy with different colored fabrics. Attach four strings to the hoop and gather them to create a centered loop to hang it from a hook in the ceiling. Drape the lengths of fabric around the headboard and sides of the bed.