How to Make a Canopy Bed

Learn to make a canopy bed to add an elegant and romantic look to any bedroom, for someone of any age. Here are a few ways you can create a canopy bed.

Use the Wall

The easiest way to create a canopy look without major construction is to use the wall and ceiling. Start by placing the bed against a wall or (preferably) in a corner. Hang a plant hook directly over the center of the bed and hooks over each corner of the bed.

Choose the material for your ceiling. Measure the area from the floor to the ceiling and add three inches. Have your material cut to these specifications. You don’t even need a sewing machine for this!

Pull the fabric by the center so you have a bunch directly in the middle. You can add a rivet or eyelet of your choice for added strength. The center piece will hang on the hook in the center of your bed.

Use the same method for the rivet or eyelet and pull the fabric to each corner hook. You can add a few ties to keep the canopy open when the bed isn’t being used.

This method is easy and cheap, and you can change the fabric out at any time you want.

PVC Pipe

If you want a more permanent look without the expense, you can make a canopy bed using PVC pipes. For this project, you will need some decorative chain, hooks, hot glue and PVC pipe.

Measure the bed before you purchase the pipes. Add 2 inches to each side and the head and foot of the bed. When you have the PVC pipe cut, get 4 elbow joints that fit it.

There are 2 different ways to install the fabric. You can purchase any fabric and use no-sew tape to create a slide pouch like a standard curtain would have. As you put the frame together you would slide the material on to the pipe so that each side has material. If you plan to secure the pipes using hot glue, it will be very difficult to clean the fabric in the future.

Your other option is to drape the fabric over the frame and secure it with Velcro strips. This method makes for easier cleaning and fabric changes later on.

Assemble the pipes using the elbow joints. You can use the hot glue inside the elbow joints for some added support and to keep everything in place. Once you have the frame built, attach it to the decorative chains hung directly over the bed. Secure the frame to the chains.

Dowels or Rods

You can achieve a more distinguished look by using the above method with curtain rods or wooden dowels. This won’t look as bulky. You can attach the fabric a number of ways:

• Make slip pouches that slide onto the rods
• Drape the fabric over the rods and secure it with Velcro
• Punch holes in the fabric, add eyelets and hang them from hooks, like you would a shower curtain