Contemporary canopy bed adapts to smaller spaces

“It is your own conviction which compels you; that is, choice compels choice.” Epictetus (ca 55-ca 135), Greek Stoic philosopher, Discourses (2nd c.)

Q: I’ve just moved into my first house and am in the process of buying my very first new furniture. I’ve always wanted a canopy bed but my master bedroom is quite small at around 12 feet by 12 feet. Is it feasible for me to have a canopy bed in such a small space? Thanks for your help.

A: Congratulations on your new house! While the size and volume of furniture is important, in reality you can have just about anything you want in a room as long as it will fit in. It’s your choice. But, seriously, you can certainly have a canopy bed in your bedroom.

The key is the style of bed and the other furniture you want to have in the room.

A more contemporary bed without the heavy posts would be perfect in a smaller space. The bed hangings, or the actual canopy, should be a little restrained also. Having fabric at each of the four posts and not draped all around the bed would make it appear smaller, as would draping fabric across the top with a short over-hang. As long as you don’t use yards and yards of fabric, you should be just fine.

You might also consider using a canopy bed without the fabric. This looks really great, and takes up a lot less volume.

Also consider limiting the other pieces you put in the room. Since your room is relatively small, consider adding only a bedside table and a chest so the room doesn’t feel too crowded.

Q: We are buying furniture for our first grandchild, a little girl, and would like to buy pieces that will transition as she grows. I’m not a fan of baby furniture that has to be replaced after a couple of years. Do you have any suggestions on how to furnish a baby’s room so it works for the baby, but can be used for many years?

A: Buying transitional furniture for a baby’s room is not only easy to do, it makes so much sense, and saves a lot of money along the way.

When you think about it, with the exception of a crib, almost any furniture will fit in a baby room. While you do have to have that, you can certainly buy other pieces that will grow with the child.

A small chest can be used as a changing table and diaper storage, and standard wall units can hold baby’s first stuffed animals and books. Both of these pieces can then transition and change as the child grows.

Adding sweet little girl linens and bright happy colors will make any furniture perfect for your first grandchild.

Carolyn Muse Grant is the founding president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.