by Canopy beds are similar to four-poster beds, but they are often covered with a large sheet of fabric to form a canopy. The canopy is held up by four elongated posts (one at each corner of the bed), and the posts are often connected at the top by rods or by whatever material the rest of the bed is made from. Canopy beds look best in rooms with high ceilings, as they give the room a look of grandeur. Apart from their aesthetic value, they also provide additional privacy because the canopy can be used to cover the bed from all sides. This can make canopy beds a great choice if you live in a studio apartment and want your bed to be a little more private. But what are some types of canopy beds?
Types of canopy beds include wooden canopy beds, metal canopy beds, and half canopy beds. Wooden and metal canopy beds are the most common types, and they come in a variety of styles. Half canopy beds are less common, but they may be a good choice for a small room or if you want to add some unique decor to your bedroom.
Below, we’ll discuss the different types of canopy beds and some of their pros and cons.
Wooden vs. Metal Canopy Beds
Canopy beds are most commonly made of either wood or metal. Sometimes, a canopy bed may be made from a combination of wood and metal; for example, a canopy bed might have a wooden platform and a metal canopy frame. But what are some differences between wooden vs. metal canopy beds?
Wooden canopy beds are heavier and more difficult to care for than metal canopy beds, whereas metal canopy beds are relatively light and low-maintenance. While wooden canopy beds are sturdier, metal canopy beds are more cost-effective if you’re on a budget.
A modern wooden canopy bed (left) and a metal canopy bed (right). Images from Crate and Barrel and Amazon.Wooden canopy beds are often heavier than metal canopy beds and are also less portable. If your priority is sturdiness, a wooden canopy bed will be the best option for you. However, it can be difficult to maintain a wooden canopy bed if you live in a very humid climate because changes in weather can cause wood to change shape. These changes can make a bed begin to squeak and can also affect the structure of the bed. For example, if a wooden bed frame expands, a tightly screwed nut can become loose over time.
Metal canopy beds are much lighter than wooden canopy beds and also require less maintenance. However, while the surface temperature of the wood is not affected much by the temperature of its surroundings, the surface temperature of metal will be affected almost instantly. In an air-conditioned room, a metal canopy bed will quickly become cold, and if you place a heater near a metal canopy bed, the bedposts will become very hot. Metal canopy beds are generally more affordable than wooden canopy beds, but that will also depend on other factors like the design of the bed and the company you are buying it from.
The choice between a wooden or metal canopy bed is not only affected by the pros and cons of each type of bed but also by the look that you want to create in your room. The right decision will depend on which type of bed will help you create the look that you want in your bedroom. Make sure to take a look at how to drape a canopy bed and why you need these 10 canopy bed accessories as well.
Four Poster Beds vs. Canopy Beds
Sometimes the terms “canopy bed” and “four-poster bed” are used interchangeably. Four-poster beds and most canopy beds have four elongated posts, one at each corner of the bed. The main difference between canopy beds and four-poster beds is that canopy beds are covered by material draped over the top of the posts, while four-poster beds remain uncovered from the top. But what are some other differences between four-poster beds vs. canopy beds?
Four-poster beds are easier to maintain than canopy beds since you don’t have to worry about cleaning the canopy drapes, and four-poster beds allow for better airflow around the bed. Canopy beds give you more privacy than four-poster beds, and they also give you more options in terms of room decor.
A classic four-poster bed (left) and a wooden canopy bed with a metal canopy (right). Images from Wayfair and The Sleep Judge.Both types of canopy beds have their pros and cons. A four-poster bed will add to the aesthetic value of a room and give it a look of grandeur, just like a canopy bed. However, one benefit of having a four-poster bed is that you do not have to worry about cleaning and maintaining the canopy and the drapes.
Canopy beds are harder to assemble than four-poster beds, and any mistake made during assembly (like leaving a screw loose) can result in an accident. Another practical benefit that four-poster beds have over canopy beds is that canopy beds can block the air from a ceiling fan, while this isn’t an issue with four-poster beds. This is an especially important consideration if you live somewhere warm. People with air-conditioned rooms might not have to worry about this factor, but many people use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners to cut down on electricity bills and to conserve energy. For more information about indoor airflow, see this 2019 study.
Despite the benefits of four-poster beds, there are some advantages that only canopy beds can provide. One great thing about canopy beds is that you can give your bed a whole new look by simply changing the drapes or the canopy. However, the most obvious benefit of canopy beds is that they give you privacy. By simply drawing the drapes of the canopy bed closed, you can have a separate space within your room. This may contribute to better sleep hygiene by allowing you to shut out any clutter that may be present in your room, giving you a feeling of calm and relaxation. For more information about sleep hygiene, see this 2018 article from the Journal of Sleep Research.
What’s a Half Canopy Bed?
A modern half canopy bed. Image from One Kings Lane.Half canopy beds are beds that have a canopy that does not cover the whole length of the bed; rather, the canopy only covers half or less of the bed.
Half canopy beds often have two elongated posts at the head of the bed, but the posts at the foot of the bed are not elongated as they do not hold up the canopy. Some half canopy beds have elongated posts at the foot of the bed, but these posts are only decorative.
A full canopy bed can sometimes make a room look too crowded, especially if it’s a small room. Full canopy beds can also be uncomfortable for people who are claustrophobic. In these instances, a half canopy bed would be a great alternative.
You may also want to consider buying a half canopy bed for its unique aesthetic value. Some beds have beautifully carved half canopies that give the bed a regal look.
Types of Canopy Beds for Girls’ Rooms
Canopy beds are a great option when it comes to decorating girls’ rooms, as they’re very popular with kids and teenage girls. Hanging delicate fabric drapes from a canopy will add a dreamy look to a room. You can make the canopy look even more fun by adding fairy lights. For more ideas, take a look at our step-by-step guide to how to hang sheers on a canopy bed. But what are some types of canopy beds for girls’ rooms?
Types of canopy beds for girls’ rooms include canopy beds with fun designs, like bed frames shaped like princess carriages or canopies shaped like crowns, and beds with curved canopies that give the bed a feminine look. There are many options, and it all depends on the owner’s individual taste and preferences.
Example of canopy beds for girls’ rooms include:
| Product Name and Link to Amazon | Type of Canopy Bed | Why This Canopy Bed Is Good for Girls’ Rooms | Price |
| Little Seeds Monarch Hill Clementine Canopy Bed | Modern Victorian-style canopy bed | This bed will give a room a very delicate and feminine look. | ~$270 |
| Powell Princess Emily Shabby Chic Bed | Metal carriage canopy bed | This bed will make any room look like a princess’ room. This option is good for little girls’ rooms. | ~$470 |
| Novogratz Marion Canopy Bed Frame | Modern contemporary canopy bed | Not all girls like “girly” things. This bed will give a room a very cozy yet modern vibe. | ~$265 |
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Types of Canopy Beds for Couples
Canopy beds are a great choice for couples because they give a room a very romantic vibe. Some considerations for choosing the right canopy bed for couples involve the comfort level and sturdiness of the bed. But what are some types of canopy beds for couples?
Types of canopy beds for couples include modern metal canopy beds, intricately carved wooden canopy beds, and minimalist canopy beds that are fully customizable.
Example of canopy beds for couples include:
| Product Name and Link to Amazon | Type of Canopy Bed | Why This Canopy Bed Is Good for Couples | Price |
| Bombay SOHO Metal Canopy Queen Bed with Adjustable Floating Nightstands | Modern metal canopy bed | The gold frame will give a classy vibe to any room. The upholstered headboard will provide comfort for couples, and the attached nightstands can be used by both partners. | ~$1,100 |
| Inland Empire Furniture California King Size Crown Post Canopy Bed | Traditional English canopy bed | This sturdy and beautifully carved bed can easily bear the weight of two people and will give a very classy and regal look to any room. | ~$2,900 |
| Zinus Patricia Metal Framed Canopy Bed | Industrial-style canopy bed | This industrial-style canopy bed will be great for couples who prefer minimalist furniture. It will also be great for couples that live in studio apartments. | ~$155 |
If you’re still not sure whether a canopy bed will work for you, take a look at a guide to canopy beds. Additionally, our best orthopedic mattress shopping guide and memory foam mattress shopping guide can help you select the perfect mattress for your new canopy bed.