The Humble Canopy Bed

When you look at our Renaissance Canopy Bed you may think of a master suite of an estate in the English countryside.  Look at the carving, the elegant canopy fabric, the stately posts that are standing at attention on each corner.  No wonder it’s one of our favorites here at Magnolia Hall.  It definitely adds a romantic touch to the bedroom!  You may wonder why this article is titled; “The Humble Canopy Bed”?  Well, canopy beds did not have such a glorious beginning.  Let me explain.

During medieval times homes were a little more, how should we say….. rustic.  The roofs were made of thatch and debris.  The interior ceilings were less finished, with open beams.  It was not unusual for “something” to fall through or from the ceiling on the unsuspecting  resident in the bed below.  Branches, pebbles, and anything on the roof above could make it’s way through the thatch.  But, “What could fall from the ceiling”, you ask?  Well, it could be anything from thatching materials, dirt, insects, rodents, or even droppings.  Well, that’s enough to make you sleep with one eye open!  So, a canopy was draped above the sleeper to protect them from this definitely gross possibility.

Decades later, royalty would develop the canopy bed into a more aesthetically beautiful piece of bedroom furniture. Ceremonial and luxurious designs were developed and much of what we see today in canopy beds come from these enhancements.

During the 16th century many noble families incorporated curtains to the beds to increase privacy and also warmth. Often, their servants would sleep in the same room, so the need for a private space became increasingly popular.

A century later, more intricate designs were produced including wonderfully carved headboards and beams. During the Victorian era, metal frames were introduced which evolved the canopy bed further from the previous wooden designs. Today, you can find these types of beds in a variety of materials.  A good example of a wooden canopy bed is our Old Natchez Canopy bed.  This beauty is made with a variety of solid exotic woods.

If you are not ready to commit to a full canopy bed, but you are drawn by the style it brings to a room, you may like the half-canopy look of the Mallory Bedroom.  and The Mallory bed is fashioned after the beds that began to pop up in seventeenth century France, with a half-canopy above. They made a dramatic statement! The Mallory also features reeded posts and acanthus leaf detailing. The half-canopy doesn't absorb as much of the room, and still gives that stately design that it characteristically brings.

Even though the canopy bed had such humble beginnings, it has come to be viewed as a stylish, and even glamorous addition to some of the most romantic bedrooms around.  It has even been reported that some pets have joined the canopy bed craze!