This historic furniture trend is making a comeback in the most stylish of bedrooms – designers explain why they are loving the revival of the bed canopy

When you think of 'trends', you probably think of something very current and new, but in the world of interior design, things are being done a bit differently. In 2024 and definitely at the start of this year, so many 'trends' have in fact come from the past with designers looking back for inspiration.

Never has decorating with vintage pieces and creating characterful, layered homes been more dominant in interior design trends and with that has come the return of a traditional bedroom feature – the bed canopy. Drawing upon the classic style usually seen in grand hotel rooms or period properties, designers are opting for this timeless look that brings a sense of drama and whimsy. 'It gives the bed presence, height, and balance. The addition of the fabric softens the overall space. There’s also a romance to it, which I love.' says Lonika Chande.

We spoke to interior designers to delve deeper into the revived bed style, gathering styling tips and thoughts on the bedroom trend.

The bed canopy and its history

The bed canopy has long been used in bedrooms. Used to create privacy and keep its occupants warm, the bed canopy dates back to the pre-medieval period and has been adapted over time according to changing tastes and fashions.

We're witnessing a shared love for maximalist, characterful decorating this year. The move away from cold and stark interiors has meant that space has been made for more decadent styles that bring a sense of grandeur and eclecticism. The bed canopy falls under this realm, making it a go-to choice for designers looking to combine character and history into their designs.

Sean Symington is one such designer using traditional pieces in his interiors. 'It’s a nod to classic living, reimagined with contemporary features,' he says. 'We love layering rooms as it’s where design truly comes alive. The canopy adds a prominent layer, creating a focal point that beautifully grounds the space while adding interest and texture. It's also a fantastic way to make use of a room’s height, anchoring the space while accentuating its scale.'

Laura Marino founder of Studio L London often uses them to overcome a challenging space, explaining that, 'If the space is a plain, generic design when empty, I’ll consider adding a canopy to bring in charm. Or, if the bedroom lacks ample natural light, I focus on elevating its individuality to create a more inviting atmosphere and I love how a canopy offers that solution.'

Is the bed canopy coming back in 2025?

As the maximal design trend takes center stage, designers are creating more bespoke, curated spaces. Decorating with vintage and antique pieces is more popular than ever, bringing character and contrast into a more contemporary setting.

But Lonika says, 'I’m not sure the bed canopy went away! It’s a high impact change that’s relatively simple to achieve, and with minimal cost, depending on the fabric chosen.' The bed canopy is a great way of touching upon the characterful trend by using one iconic piece to make a room feel individual and interesting. While the shape of the bed canopy feels classic, vintage textiles can enhance the look and make the piece feel even more cozy and charming.

Sean acknowledges that established looks are being revived. 'We’re seeing a resurgence of classic and contemporary designs mixed together, particularly with the rise of the grand millennial style. It’s all about mixing older, classical features with punchy colors and bold statements to refresh and revive traditional elements like the bed canopy.'

'Bed canopies are coming back and are being used more and more.' says designer Lucy Marsh. 'They give a focal point, and a softness to the room. They elevate the scheme to give a sense of importance to the space.'

How to reimagine and style a bed canopy

Incorporating dramatic styles into the everyday home can feel a little daunting. The bed canopy is undoubtedly a bold look that can look out of place when styled incorrectly, but there are several ways to ensure that your scheme is coherent yet considered.

To reinvent the look and shift away from the classic headboard, a top tip amongst designers is to use a combination of fabrics for your canopy. 'I love to use a mix of fabrics and have previously opted for a contrast lining fabric for the canopy with a small repeat. It’s softer somehow,' suggests Lonika.

Reimagining the shape of the traditional canopy can easily be achieved with a new and exciting trending fabric. 'We love to put a fresh spin on traditional themes by pairing them with bold colors and vibrant fabrics. Start with a standout fabric for the canopy, you can use this as your hero print that ties the space together,' says Sean. 'Build on this by using the same or complementary fabrics across scatter cushions, lampshades, throws, and furniture for a cohesive look.'

And it looks great in minimal spaces too. 'Although the bed canopy is particularly special in a traditional country house situation, it can be used in a modern and contemporary way, by choosing fabrics which are soft, and light,' says Lucy. 'I would use a sheer fabric for bed curtains too as this is a modern way of dressing a bed. This brings a softness and a more contemporary take on a traditional style.'

As the collected home becomes more important, we can see the bed canopy sneaking into many bedroom designs in 2025. Ranging from softly draped sheer curtains to vintage-inspired pleats, the canopy comes in many forms making it so easy to bring a touch of tradition into the home.