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Tuesday, March 21st, 2017
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Montage King Canopy
From the Middle Ages even earlier, there was nothing that could stop things from caving into a house. This was a problematic situation back then especially in the bedroom when the owners were fast asleep. Also, droppings and bugs could easily mess the clean bed that was set up, hence, beds with posts complete with a sheet hung over the posts offered the much-needed protection. This was how canopy beds were welcomed into the world.
Canopy Beds: European Style
Canopy beds date all the way back to 13th century Europe. A lot of manors and castles used wood, stone and clay tiles for their roofing. All these were perceived to be better than the famous thatch that kept things from falling into the sleeping inhabitants.
The poor peasants were likelier to suffer than the rich townspeople so they slept on straw pallets right on the floor. No canopy beds were available to them so rat droppings or dead wasps were a common night’s incident. Wealthier folks did not have a need for canopies yet they had beds with canopies and curtains.
The earliest days of European lords and ladies who lived in castles slept in great halls together with their servants. One end of the said hall was set apart for the nobles while the servants stayed at a different part of the hall, separated by curtains.
Pretty soon, castle makers created chambers for the nobles while their attendants were only allowed to go in for security purposes. It is for this sake that the nobles’ beds were curtained while his attendants were on pallets or trundle beds.
Canopy Beds through the Ages
Through time, beds have taken a lot of forms. Ancient Greece showcased beds for the powerful and wealthy alone. Even these looked crude and were made of unpolished wooden slabs.
The luxurious types were soon imported to Persia when Alexander the Great reigned. These beds gradually became the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. It was during this time that embellishments such as canopies.
Since most people spend a third of their lives in bed, this is one furniture that you should invest on. Buying a bed is a crucial decision that will affect the way you rest and how your design will work out. Should you choose a canopy bed, you are sure to have a focal point that will be the place where you’ll dream and where others will look with awe.
The canopy bed is romantic without even trying hard. It is also luxurious insomuch that it is the bed used by princesses (at least that is what we see in movies). This comes in different sizes and shapes.
When you are about to shop for a canopy bed, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
First, take careful measurements of the bedroom before you begin shopping. There has to be no less than two feet left on each side of the bed so that you will have ample space to move around.
Comfort should always be your primary consideration. So, your canopy bed must have the mattress type that gives you the most amount of sleep. It must also be sturdy and you can check this by looking underneath the bed. If it is made of wood, then be sure to check that the frame is bolted.
You should also check out the fabrics that are available to you. Canopy beds can have a simple mosquito net or you can get something richer such as a velvet canopy. Pick the fabric that suits the climate where you live.
Lastly, indulge your fantasies, this is, after all, your canopy bed.
Tags: canopy bed, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Canopy Beds – Why You Should Have One
Monday, January 16th, 2017
Tommy Bahama Home Bedroom Candaleria Poster Bed 6.6 King 552-174C
There is no doubt that a bedroom becomes dramatic the moment it showcases a four-poster bed. This kind of bed screams opulence and elegance at the highest levels. This can, however, also overwhelm any bedroom. So, if you’re considering a floor area for the four-poster, be sure that you still have ample space for the rest of the bedroom.
Average-sized rooms can make do with contemporary four-poster beds. Much smaller rooms will have to choose pencil posts, half testers or those pretty canopy beds. These are just as attractive but they rarely overwhelm a space.
There are many styles to pick from constructed from different kinds of wood. Here are the options –
Single
Small double
Standard double
Queen size
King size
Super king size
California king size and
Custom sizes.
Choosing a Romantic Bed
Every four-poster has a romantic aura to it. It seems to have the appearance of beds used in bygone eras. This was originally used to make the bedroom even more private or to keep insects (such as mosquitoes) away.
The traditional type of four-poster bed has four posts linked at the top by a roof or a tester. These also came with ornate designs, even a coat of arms that is carved on the headboard or the footboard of the bed.
Most of the earliest four-posters had thicker and heavier posts. They even had gemstones as decorations.
Traditional models are still easy to find but if you prefer the more contemporary look, these are available, too.
The Half Testers
Half tester beds come with posts that are lower on the foot end and have higher posts at the head part. The canopy is extended on the top half of the bed. These became popular back in the 19th century when indoor heating had already improved.
Half testers often have intricate designs and are great options when traditional four-posters look overpowering. They are also suitable inside smaller bedrooms.
The Pencil Post Beds
Pencil beds are quite similar to the traditional type with the only difference of the surrounding posts being rounded and thinner on the former. Modern pencil posts no longer have a frame atop the bed but the traditional types had a canopy that covered the sleepers for more warmth and privacy.
The Canopy Beds
These beds come with four long posts and, more often than not, a fabric hangs all across the sides. These also come in both traditional and contemporary designs. The former use heavy cloth to surround the bed with pleats and ruffles. They also have hand-carved with ornate designs and feature intricate designs on the headboards and footboards.
The contemporary types, on the other hand, come with wood or metal frames and showcase much simpler designs. These also come with lighter materials like cotton or silk to surround the bed. Contemporary types also do not have a footboard.
Four-poster Wood Options
Most four-posters are made of wood since they tend to look more elegant. Consider which wood type you would want for your bedroom –
Oak. This is a traditional option for four-posters. It is durable which means it will not warp or even shrink over time.
Dark oak is preferred by many although lighter-colored oaks are also available.
Birch. This is wood that is light-colored but it could be stained to resemble darker types of woods such as walnut or cherry.
This is difficult to carve which is why it is often used to make simpler designs on contemporary four-posters. It also would not swell or shrink because it is also sturdy.
Mahogany. This is a heavy kind of wood and it offers a beautiful, reddish brown color. The wood is easy to carve and also has an awesome grain pattern. It also won’t warp so it is meant to last for a long time.
Rosewood. This is one of the most expensive kinds of wood that you could buy for a four-poster. It is a deep red wood that is expensive because it is quite rare. Just like oak, it is easy to carve and it could also last for a very long time.
Tags: canopy bed, four-poster, four-poster bed, four-posters, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bedroom Design, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Four-Poster Bed: Adding Drama to Your Sleeping Station
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