These of the Most Iconic Canopy Beds of All Time

Canopy beds have historically been a sign of wealth and decadence, but they were also a practical choice for royals, beginning as early as medieval times. The royal family slept with their attendants in their rooms, so curtains were draped around their beds to be pulled closed for privacy and also to keep drafts in the large, cold castles somewhat at bay. Since then, canopy beds have continued to capture our imaginations with their soaring heights, stunning fabrics, and ability to be the focal point of any bedroom. Let find out These of the Most Iconic Canopy Beds of All Time below.

These of the Most Iconic Canopy Beds of All Time

Canopy Bed Styles

Canopy beds come in several sophisticated styles: lit à la polonaise, lit à colonnes, lit à la duchesse, and lit à couronne. The hangings of these beds were sometimes more luxurious than the beds themselves, with heavy brocades and velvet fabrics adorning their frames. These of the Most Iconic Canopy Beds of All Time.
Canopy beds became more ornate during the Italian Renaissance, making the innermost chamber of a royal’s bedroom the most formal and luxurious of spaces, which is why royalty, especially the French, would regularly receive their court into their private quarters.

Villa del Colle del Cardinale

Built as a summer house for Cardinal Fulvio della Corgna in 1575 by renowned Perugian architect Galeazzo Alessi, Villa del Colle del Cardinale is Italian grandeur at its finest, and this bedroom, with its vaulted ceilings and decorative painting, is no exception. The lit à la duchesse canopy bed stretches to unfathomably chic heights.

Château de Chambord

This royal blue bedroom is, indeed, fit for royalty. Château de Chambord was built by King François I in the Sologne marshlands of France. Its construction was finished and the interiors were furnished by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. This classic four poster bed in the Queen’s chamber is the ultimate spot for resting.

Gavnø Castle

This richly red damask bedroom boasts a circular canopy bed that is a luxurious and elegant example of the Rococo style along with the rest of the castle. This 18th century Danish castle also boasts one of the largest private collections of paintings in Denmark.

Royal Palace of Caserta

The former Italian royal residence is the world’s largest palace, and this stunning bedroom of King Francis II of Bourbon is a beautiful example of a lit à la polonaise bed. The style was named for King Louis XV’s Polish queen but was first used in France. The golden cascading fabric of this Italian palace shines against the deep blue upholstered walls. That is once of These of the Most Iconic Canopy Beds of All Time.

Roslyn Rosier’s New York City Apartment

First photographed in 1959, this bedroom, full of 18th century antiques, feels as fresh today as it did then. A French blue and white check fabric used both on the canopy and the bed covering creates a light and airy lit à la polonaise bed that serves as the commanding focal point of the space.

Countess Rosa Mirafiori’s Bedroom

The over the top floral and feminine bedroom of the countess Rosa Mirafiori the mistress and later wife to Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Italy boasts upholstered walls, a tented ceiling, and a gorgeous canopy bed draped with matching fabric and finished with lace.

Villa Durazzo Faraggiana

Talk about a showstopper: Dubbed The Room of Stuccoes, this majestic haven’s lit à la duchesse bed, in the 18th century Villa Durazzo Faraggiana, has an embroidered satin canopy that really takes the look to the next level. One can easily picture the Genoese nobleman Gerolamo Durazzo relaxing here.

Robert Denning and Vincent Fourcade’s Bedroom

Here, Robert Denning and Vincent Fourcade’s of the iconic firm Denning & Fourcade Upper East Side bedroom features an English half tester bed draped with yellow brocade curtains. The windows’ drapery matches the bed hangings, with chintz wallpaper and 19th century furnishings finishing off the cozy, sophisticated space.

Redd Kaihoi and a Manhattan Apartment

Designer Miles Redd knows how to make a space feel elevated and whimsical all at once, and this New York City bedroom is no exception. This lit à colonnes creates a peaceful place to relax thanks to its striped canopy the fabric is from Bennison and, our favorite touch, the silk taffeta draping behind the headboard. We’ll take our morning coffee here, please.