Posted on 01 March 2010

Every little girl deserves a bedroom that is her own place – something that reflects her personality and is a sanctuary she can retreat to. One of the most important elements in your little girls room is the bed. Before you decide on that perfect bed, there is a few things you want to keep in mind.
There are many beds available specifically for little girls on the market these days. The design taste of girls is quite different from boys in terms of shape, color, and pattern therefore there are beds that are made especially to perfectly fit just what your little girl wants. The beds made for girls are unique in terms of size and shape as well as the mattresses that go with these beds.
Size
You can buy beds for your girls room in a variety of sizes but if you have space constraints or want just the standard size then buy a bed that is 39″ wide x 75″ long” which is the standard size for a single bed. If you have a larger room, you might want to look into a full or queen size bed which your girl can keep as she grows older.
Shape
Girls prefer romantic shapes like the heart, but if you can’t get that then a nice princess bed with fanciful bedding and colorful motif is great. You can buy novelty beds that look like castles, or perhaps a canopy bed with a sheer material on top? Decorating
Most girls prefer pastel shades like pink and mauve, but each child is an individual so decorating your girls room should be an adventure for you and your little girl. Take her to a furniture store that has bedroom setting and let her show you what she likes then pick the bedding and decor to match. When buying sheets and comforters, make sure you buy the best quality you can afford as cheap bedding will not last and will end up costing money in the long run.
Patterns and motifs
Girls love feminine motifs and patterns which can be painted on the walls or furniture and replicated in matching sheets. Installing matching curtains and drapes will give an overall finished look to the room. Some suggested patterns include — Floral patterns — These are the favorite among most of the girls. Animals and butterflies or teddy bears are also popular as is any kind of fairy or fantasy motif. Bright but contrasting colors like yellow and red might be a favorite among some kids while other will prefer a lighter powder pink which looks great with lines and dots.
Cost
Since the variety of beds available is so large, there is no definite estimate of the cost, however, you should budget anywhere from 100 to 500 dollars. Cost depends upon the fabric used for the sheets and pillows and the brand that is used for the bed as well as the style of bed and other accessories you will be adding to the room.
Posted on 21 February 2010

If you’re bored with the current look in your bedroom, a stylish option is available that dates back to the 15th century. This look will add an air of nobility to even the drabbest of rooms while acting as the focal point and centerpiece of your bedroom furniture. This cure for your ailing bedroom décor is the classic canopy bed.
For the uninitiated, a canopy bed is a decorative bed somewhat similar to a four-poster bed. A typical canopy bed usually features posts at each of the four corners extending four feet high or more above the mattress. Ornate or decorative fabric is often draped across the upper space between the posts and a solid swath of cloth may create a ceiling, or canopy directly over the bed. There are a wide array of canopy beds, ranging from the more formal traditional styles to today’s sleek, modern designs, made with clean lines and a simpler aesthetic. If you’re interested in a canopy bed, chances are good there is one out there that is perfect for you.
One might think that early canopy beds were only made for the wealthy. The fact is canopy beds have their roots with the common man. The canopy bed came into existence more from utilitarian means than that of extravagance or decadence. In fact, the earliest incarnations were probably beds of common people seeking an additional layer of shelter beyond that of a less-than-impenetrable thatch roof. Canopy beds with curtains that could completely enclose the bed were used by lords and noblemen in medieval Europe for warmth and privacy, as their attendants often slept in the same room. Until the 16th century, these beds, even those of the nobles, were fairly plain and understated. During this period, carved work on the headboard and posts became popular and more ornate canopy beds followed.
Today’s canopy beds generally fit into one of two categories: traditional or contemporary. Most of the traditional canopy beds will have a Victorian aesthetic, with either metal rod frames or intricately carved wood frames and posts. These throwbacks will also often feature ruffled, pleated elaborate draping, sometimes with rather heavy cloth. In contrast, contemporary canopy beds generally employ a cleaner, simpler design. Wood, metal, or a combination of the two is used in the construction of modern canopy beds, which usually have little to no detail on the foot and headboards and often feature sharp, geometric designs.
Posted on 03 November 2009

A crown canopy makes a dramatic statement in a room. Long fabric panels fall from under a valanced top section, making a sweep of color and style that is unforgettable.
A canopy bed may sound exotic and out of reach. But really, a canopy bed can be made with a simple swag of fabric or by constructing an elaborate draped treatment. This article about canopy beds will give you lots of ideas and pictures of simple and not-so-simple styles of canopy beds that will help to add romance to your bedroom.
The easiest way to create a simple canopy for your bed is to hang a piece of fabric over the top frame rails of a structured canopy bed. But if your bed doesn’t have a canopy frame, there are other ways to get the look of a canopy and to surround your bed in softness and color. You can achieve a very attractive canopy bed look by installing curtain rods to the ceiling, placing one over each end of the bed.
Using either tab-top, tie-top, pinch-pleated or gathered panels, attach the fabric to each curtain rod and let it drape softly to the floor. You can also attach a short rod to the ceiling, perpendicular to the head of the bed on each side. Hang the panels to the floor and tie back with a drapery tieback.
There’s really not anything that can make a bedroom feel romantic the way a canopy bed can. Our article shows many styles of canopies and bed hangings that can turn a ho-hum bedroom into something really spectacular.
A dramatic crown canopy, also called a coronet, looks elegant in any bedroom. Attach panels of fabric around the outer edge of a half-circle of 3/4″ plywood. This half-circle can be attached directly to the ceiling or floated just off the ceiling with L-brackets attached to the wall.
But if your bed doesn’t have a canopy frame, there are other ways to get the look of a canopy and to surround your bed in softness and color.
You can achieve a very attractive canopy bed look by installing curtain rods to the ceiling, placing one over each end of the bed. Using either tab-top, tie-top, pinch-pleated or gathered panels, attach the fabric to each curtain rod and let it drape softly to the floor. You can also attach a short rod to the ceiling, perpendicular to the head of the bed on each side. Hang the panels to the floor and tie back with a drapery tieback.
A dramatic crown canopy, also called a coronet, looks elegant in any bedroom. Attach panels of fabric around the outer edge of a half-circle of 3/4″ plywood. This half-circle can be attached directly to the ceiling or floated just off the ceiling with L-brackets attached to the wall.
You can add a romantic look to a plain-Jane bed by draping long fabric panels through a wooden or metal ring attached to the ceiling above the center of the head of the bed.
Draw the fabric panel through the ring, pulling it down to the floor on either side of the bed. Spread the panels out to display more fabric and frame the bed or drape the panels around the bed posts at the head of the bed.
Another simple treatment is to install a ring on the ceiling at both sides of the head of the bed and draw the long fabric panel through both rings. Swag the area between the two rings at the ceiling to form a lush top frame for your bed.
The panels should extend to the floor on both sides of the bed. If you install 4 rings, one at each corner of the bed, try drawing a long panel of fabric through each one. Be sure one end of the panel at each ring goes all the way to the floor. With four panels of luxurious fabric draped above and down the sides of your bed, the look is very elegant.
You can really use any type of fabric you want to create a beautiful canopy bed. Traditional fabrics for canopies are chintz, silk, velvet,or tapestry. But you can achieve a fun look for a country setting with muslin or gingham or charming calico. You can also use sheets that coordinate with your bedding to construct the long panels for a uniform look.
For ease of use and simplicity of style, bed hangings are generally cut to touch the floor when hung. If you prefer a luxurious look, cut the panels 4″ longer and “puddle” the fabric on the floor at the edge of the bed. Be sure to lift the panel when you need to vacuum the floor.
For a truly professional look, more body, and longer wear, add lining to the panel of fabric or use a coordinating print or solid for the back of the panel. After all, the inside and outside of the panel will both show when you swag it. Add borders, fringe, ribbon trim, and cording. Coordinate trims with tiebacks, adding color, texture, and body. Remember that a tieback will pull the fabric off the floor, so cut the panels slightly longer.
Go on to see more views of beautiful canopy beds and swag treatments. You’re sure to see a style that will give a wonderful romantic look to your personal sanctuary.
Find a style of canopy bed that will fit your decorating style and budget and create a really romantic bedroom just in time for Valentine’s Day.