During medieval times, the classic poster bed was used by noblemen and people of high status and was considered a symbol of wealth and stature. During this period of history in medieval Europe, drapes and worsted fabrics that hung from the ceiling were used to provide some privacy for the ruling nobles and Lords from their attendants who often slept in the same room as their masters. These heavy drapes made from luxurious fabrics such as silk velvet from Italy and chintz from India, were suspended from rings that ran along iron rods attached to a wooden frame attached to the rafters and ceilings in stately homes, manors and castles.
Following the introduction of the classic poster beds also widely known as four-poster beds during the 15th and 16th century, the canopy bed gradually evolved and this allowed for canopy bed curtains to be hung from a structure fixed to the four bed posts completely enclosing the bed. Very decorative and elaborate fabrics were used to adorn the upper area between the posts and a large piece of cloth was used to create a ceiling or a canopy over the bed.
In the main, canopy beds in today’s society are either a traditional or contemporary design.
Many of the traditional type canopy beds are made to reflect a 19th century look and have either solid metal black colored frames or richly varnished carved wooden frames and posts. The canopy bed curtains used to cover these traditional canopy beds look wonderful and capture the romance of the period with their beautiful heavy pleating and ruffled drapes.
Today, modern contemporary canopy beds are made from wood, metal or both materials. These plain looking canopy beds are a sharp contrast to the traditional canopy bed but are popular in some homes as a modern alternative. To add a touch of class, users have the choice of using expensive and stylish fabrics as canopy bed curtains which can be obtained in rich trendy colors to suit any taste.
I really liked your blog! great