Cristina from Fuji Files here to share the origins of this girlhood dream staple.
Canopy beds originated in 15th century European castles, where nobility slept in one great hall with all of their servants. The simple canopies and curtains served as a barrier to block out cold drafts, insects and noise, as well as providing privacy.
With the construction of separate sleeping chambers within castles canopy beds became less of a necessity and more of a status symbol. Beds became extravagant pieces covered in gold, precious stones, silk sheets, embroidered tapestries and rich velvet.
In time the ornate fittings were stripped away to the modern lines that are still very much a staple in interior design today.
Perhaps it's the little girl in me that still yearns for one of these beauties. As an imaginative child or a design-savvy adult, have you ever had one?
*images via: 1 & 4 from domino, newyorksocialdiary, thedecorista
Hi, what a lovely post! I certainly have had, proper romantic that I am. Also, I grew up with my mum who is an interiour decorator, and it rubbed off on me :) I grew up thinking it was normal to paint the tv the same colour as the wall LOL
ReplyDeleteI actually just did a post on my home, want to take a look?
http://sweetfacedstyle.blogspot.com/2010/11/sequins-leopard-black-payisley-silver.html
<3 Anika
http://wwww.sweetfacedstyle.blogspot.com
Twitter: @AnikaSweetface
these are all incredible! and it's so true -- every little girl dreams of a canopy bed!
ReplyDeleteThey're all so dreamy!!
ReplyDeletegrowing up my Mom had a canopy over her bed - so it brings back those warm cozy feelings - of jumping in their bed at 6am and waking them up - and just snuggaling ..
ReplyDeleteI love canopy beds - they are so romantic. I can spend the whole day lounging in one of them ...
ReplyDeleteYes - I used to have a canopy bed and I loved every moment of it. I would love to have another one day - there is something so romantic about them.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
B
I love canopy beds... they make me nostalgic for childhood! Looking forward to spending time with my family over the holidays and sleeping in my canopy bed!
ReplyDeleteI wish. I was forbidden to have one because some adult would have to clean the dust! I still dream.
ReplyDeleteI love the first 2 photogs. I've never had one. The closest thing that came to it was a much needed mosquito net in HK... Not so glamorous when you awake to them! xxx
ReplyDeletehttp://reallyliteral.blogspot.com/
the third image down is my fave. so graceful!
ReplyDeleteOh so beautiful! Love these beds. Some really great ideas here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
Teresa
I dreamed of a canopy bed when I was young. In middle school I got the chance to redecorate my room but wasn't able to replace my bed so I asked my mom to buy me a large (cheap) garden trellis. I placed it over the head of my bed and sewed some scarves together and draped them over the trellis for my canopy. I could also clip flowers and hair accessories and hang jewelry from the rungs. I thought it was pretty and clever and it stayed in my room for a few years. Who knows... maybe an updated version will make it into a future bedroom! I think the purple stripe hanging from the ceiling is lovely!
ReplyDeletesleeping in one right now. Well...not RIGHT now...it's the afternoon...but on second thought; what a lovely time for a nap in my canopy bed :)
ReplyDeletei'm pretty sure you're right. we all dreamed of having a canopy bed. once i designed one in wood for a little princess, as her mother called her.
ReplyDeletethe last picture is gorgeous. all those flowers around the bed bring so much serenity.
If you're ever in Amsterdam, check out the canopy beds at The Dylan. They're amazing and covered in panels of beautiful Belgian linen tickings!
ReplyDeleteMy all time fav! Great post!xx
ReplyDeleteI had one as a child, too! It was very princessy! I just remeber the dustyness, though...
ReplyDeleteSo dreamy!
ReplyDeleteTwo things I wanted when I was a little girl: a canopy bed and a pony. It never happened. I don't think I can convince my husband that I still need a pony, but maybe he'll agree to the canopy bed! So lovely.
ReplyDeletei did the same thing with my bunk bed. I wanted a bed with curtains around it. now i think it would freak me out not being able to see out.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have always dreamed of having a canopy bed... they are so elegant, dramatic and luxurious. Every room needs more fabric!!
ReplyDelete