When I we designing my room, I knew I wanted a bed crown or a canopy- just something hanging that’d make it feel super cozy and romantic. I spent a ton of time researching HOW to create the look I want. Turns out, there’s some hardware you can buy that makes it super easy! I thought I’d show you how to make a DIY bed crown if you’re into this look.
how to make a diy bed crown
Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below:
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SUPPLIES
- Crown Hardware– I got the white 20″ size. Go bigger for a more grand look!
- Pom Pom Curtains
- Gingham Curtains
For the DIY bed crown I spent $50 on the crown hardware, I already had the pom pom curtains on hand, and I paid $70 for the gingham curtains. I bought them used and knew they’d be the perfect color, so that was bit of a splurge. My total for this project is $120.
step 1- the hardware
Start the DIY bed crown by installing the hardware. Measure the width- put the small plastic piece that comes with the crown hardware between the brackets to get that length. Mark the holes with a pencil. Use a drill to create 3 holes on each side.
Make sure to use anchors before putting in the screws. Fabric is heavy and so you want to make sure its secure. Use screws to attach the metal corner pieces first.
Next, add in the fabric by hanging the drapes on the pieces of plastic. There’s a flexible piece of plastic that bends into a semi-circle in front of the corner brackets. A screw and bolt that hold the plastic onto the corner brackets. One screw needs to be off to add the drapes. On the back there’s one piece that is straight and creates the shape of a D. It slides in and out.
Here’s a picture of the hardware with nothing on it-
This hardware is super cool because it makes it so you can use ready sewn drapes and get the high end look of bed hangings! So you can put one drape on the back and two on the sides and it looks like custom sewn linens for the bed with contrasting lining. Genius!
Bed crown linens were historically very expensive because they had to be custom made. Usually made from silk fabric, the fabric was lined with a contrasting fabric. And a pretty trim was usually added to the front edges.
Besides using drapes with this hardware (it has an extra loop), you can add a valance to the front- the possibilities are endless! Here’s an inspiration image of that.
step 2- the drapes
Next, take drapes and push the plastic rod through the pole pocket. Above is showing drapes on the back section. These can be shorter curtains since they go behind the headboard. I’m using 96″ long drapes here because I had them on hand. The green fabric I originally used was 63″ long and tucked behind the headboard.
This image shows the drapes on the front section. I suggest putting a drape panel on either side of the bed. These should be longer- I’d suggest at least 84″ though 96″ would be better. The length also depends on the ceiling height and how high the crown hardware is mounted.
There’s tons of options with this- one fabric can be on the front frame with another fabric on the back frame. Or the same on both. Or one on the front with nothing on the back. The possibilities are endless!
Here’s an example of just the front frame being used-
For the DIY bed crown it looks great to have one type of drape on the outside ring and a different type on the inside rod.
Below is that same look reversed.
And here is with just the sheers on. Super cute- but too sweet for this space.
Which option is your favorite?
Once the drapes are on the hardware, make sure to pull the top of the drape over the hardware so it’s completely covered.
This results in a really clean look where all you see is the pretty fabric!
Note, to take down the drapes, just use a screwdriver to remove one of the screws holding on the front plastic piece. Since the plastic is now loose, just pull that side of the plastic piece out of the bracket and remove the drapes.
step 3- customization
Before creating this DIY bed crown look for my space, I looked at lots of examples. Each one that I love has trim on the edge of the front drapes. To buy enough trim, it’d be about 5 yards. At the fabric store trim is between $3-$8 a yard so that’d add on $15-$40 plus the time it takes to sew on the trim.
I ended up liking the option with the sheer drapes in the back, so I pulled off the Pom Pom trim. It showed in the middle and I didn’t like that. After picking off the trim, I sewed the sheers together for a very clean look.
Then I had the idea to add the trim back onto the drapes! I used my sewing machine to stitch a straight line of trim down the drape. Note, I did have to un-pick the top section where the pole pocket is so I could fold over the back to avoid sewing the opening shut.
It’s a little unconventional putting pink trim on mint drapes, but the whole room is pink and mint so it works in the space. I love the sweet contrast it creates!
step4- tie backs
Finally, I added super simple tie backs to the outside drapes to keep them together and hold them in place. To make these, I simply used ribbon I had on hand. I looped it around the drape and tied a knot in the back. Then I pulled the sheer to the drape bundle and used a safety pin to connect the back sheers to the side gingham drapes.
It’s not obvious at all how this is quickly put together, it looks really nice in the room.
But by creating this tie back bundle, it keeps everything in place so the bed crown always looks nice. Without the safety pin holding up the sheers, it hangs down straight and there’s a gap between the gingham drapes. This way it creates a V and flares out nicely.
after
Here is the finished look! I really love it! The colors are pretty, it feels full without being overwhelming.
Isn’t it cute?! I think it fits really nicely with the traditional but fun vibe of the room.
Did I end up going with the option you liked best? I hope this tutorial for a diy bed crown is helpful. I tried to show exactly how I put it together and lots of choices for customization. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments.
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