What Do You Need to Make a Curtain Rod Canopy?

Curtain Rods

• Depending on how you configure your canopy, you need either two or four rods. For a two-rod canopy, hang one on the ceiling above the foot of your bed and one above the head. Drape a single long panel across the rods, letting the panel hang down about one-fourth of the way to the floor at the foot and all the way to the floor at the head. For a more traditional curtained canopy, hang four rods on the ceiling above your bed, one above each of the four sides of your bed. Attach floor-length panels to the rods.

Brackets

• Curtain-rod brackets are usually included with curtain-rod sets. However, wall brackets often are not suitable for use on the ceiling. Make sure you purchase brackets that can hold the rods securely, even when they are installed upside down. Look for brackets that have an O-shaped rod holder, as opposed to rod holders that are U-shaped. Some rods have integrated brackets; these are fine, as well.

Curtains and Fabric Panels

• It is important to correctly determine the length of panels your canopy requires. Because the panels will extend from close to the ceiling to the floor, many standard window panels are too short. The proper length depends on the height of your room and how much or little your curtain rods extend down from the ceiling. Measure to get the correct length, and then set out on your quest for panels. Ready-made window panels in longer lengths, such as 96 inches or 108 inches, are a good place to start. But you may need to make your own or have some specially made to fit your measurements. An alternative is lowering your rods by hanging them from chains attached to the ceiling.

  As far as fabrics go, choose something that coordinates with your room's color scheme and bedding. If you are handy with a sewing machine, consider making double-sided panels that show one fabric from the outside and another from the inside of your canopy. It's smart to keep the weight of the fabric and the sturdiness of your curtain rods in mind, also.

  For a two-rod canopy, one long length of fabric is required, as opposed to a curtain panel. Because both sides of the fabric will show, it's best to use a double-sided length of fabric.

Tools and Hardware

• The tools required to install your canopy project include a step ladder, a measuring tape, a drill and a screwdriver. It's also a good idea to have a pencil on hand for marking measurements. Toggle bolts are a smart choice to hold the rods securely to the ceiling. If you'd like to lower the hanging height of the rods so that your curtain panels touch the floor, you'll need two sections of decorative, sturdy chain for each rod.