A child is the most important thing in a parent’s life. They try to give their “treasure” the best. The children's room occupies a significant place in the baby's life and they want to furnish it as best as possible. An important detail is the crib; parents try to take a very responsible approach to its selection and selection of additional details, such as canopies. A canopy is a special canopy over a crib that allows you to cover your baby. It is one of the ways to protect against annoying insects, dust and sunlight. In a crib with a canopy he is cozy, safe and comfortable, protected from bright light.
There is a lot of discussion about the benefits or harms of canopies. Some believe that these are “dust collectors” and do not allow air to pass through well, while others believe that this is a rather necessary thing. If you still decide that a canopy is necessary, then we will consider where and how best to secure it.
Options for attaching a canopy to a crib
There are several options for attaching a canopy to a crib:
- Wall mounted. Using a special device, the canopy is attached directly to the wall above the crib. The advantage of this option is the ability to choose a canopy of any length, but the disadvantage is the difficulty of further moving the crib to a new location.
- Floor-standing. The structure is mounted and installed on the floor. The advantage is the ability to move the fastening to any place, but the disadvantage is the relative instability of the structure.
- Ceiling. It looks very nice, but if necessary, it is quite problematic to move it to a new place.
- Bed. The most optimal option, such a canopy mount is very convenient to install, and if necessary, moving the crib to a new place does not cause any additional problems.
How to attach a canopy to a wall
Thanks to this look, you can arrange a canopy of any length. We connect all the parts of the structure and install the necessary fasteners on it. Then adjust the height and mount it into the wall. Straighten the fabric so that it evenly covers the crib.
How to Install a Floor Mount Canopy
If the location of your child’s crib can change, then it is better to choose this lightweight option, since the structure can be easily moved if necessary. Installing such a mount will not be difficult. It is necessary to lay out all the parts carefully on the floor and connect them together according to the instructions. Fasten the two parts of the rod and insert it into the armhole on the stand (it acts as a base), then fasten the supporting part and the oval or round holder. Determine and set the height of the mechanism. Now hang the canopy and straighten the folds beautifully.
How to hang a canopy with a ceiling mount
The canopy attached to the ceiling is distinguished by its originality and beauty. Parents very often choose this type of fastener for their children’s rooms. This idea often appeals to older children who want to be inspired by the heroes of fairy tales. The support is securely fixed to the ceiling with special bolts, to which access will be limited and a child will not be able to loosen them.
Installation procedure
- Choose a place where the bed will be placed.
- Then, make a mark on the ceiling where the holder will be. The cornice can be a metal strip secured with screws.
- The canopy can be secured in different ways: with hooks, braid or Velcro.
- To cover the attachment point, use ribbons, additional fabric, or make other fashionable and exclusive decor.
With this type of attachment, the length of the curtain is quite large; it can be adjusted using various bows, ribbons, etc. The child will be very happy with such a canopy, because it will resemble a magic house.
The metal strip should be attached so that it touches the wall.
How to attach a canopy with a bed bracket
Before assembling the canopy mount, you should decide on its installation location. Then everything is done in the following sequence:
- The tripod tubes are attached to one another if necessary.
- The fastening ring is separated (if provided for by the design) and the fabric of the product is threaded onto it. If the ring is solid, then the fabric is attached using Velcro or tape.
- The ends of the top of the holder are then attached to the tripod.
- The tripod is fixed in the desired place on the crib using special fasteners, all screws are firmly tightened.
- All connections are closed with special plugs.
- The fabric curtain is spread out along the edges of the crib.
- All elements are tested for strength to avoid the structure falling on a sleeping baby.
Choosing a style
Why is it important to choose a canopy style? Don’t think that they are all the same and that they are all equally convenient to use. Not really. There are a lot of styles. It is clear that each has its pros and cons, but you need one that will be convenient for you. The most important thing is that the fabric does not constantly move under your hands. There should be nothing stopping you from putting your baby in the crib and then picking it up from there.
Also pay attention to the length of the free edge. It should reach the legs of the crib. This is necessary so that the product can perform its role well, that is, not allow midges and dust into the crib.
You can also match the color of the canopy to the design of your room. It's good if it matches other furniture. This way you will make the nursery very cozy.
If the child’s room is very sunny, then you can choose a canopy made of medium-strength fabric. It will protect the baby from scorching rays. In moderate lighting, it is better to use a product made of lightweight material.
Photo from the site: kakpravilno-sdelat.ru
Design nuances for different types of furniture
Canopies are built over various pieces of furniture - single, single, double, bunk beds, sofa, house crib.
For a bunk bed
The canopy for a “two-story” structure, an attic, is usually attached to the sides of the upper tier. The drapery hides only the lower “floor”. Less common are canopies from the ceiling to the floor - then both the upper and lower bunks are covered with fabric.
Such canvases are distinguished by their tenderness, diffuse light well, but at the same time give a feeling of privacy.
For a double bed
For a double bed, a very voluminous canopy is made. Usually it is mounted on a frame that is integral with the bed. Options for a round or square ceiling cornice look good - the material seems to “flow” from the ceiling itself.
An elegant round bed with a transparent canopy looks especially gentle in the interior.
On a bed-house
A kind of “house” is obtained if you build a frame of the appropriate shape - when viewed from the end, it is pentagonal. Most often, the fabric is simply thrown over it or secured to the central crossbar. Less commonly, the upper part is sewn separately; four separate draperies are attached to its lower edge, tied with cords to the corner supports.
Features of fastening the canopy
A canopy can be attached in a variety of ways. Everyone has the right to determine what is most convenient for themselves by presenting the final result. The choice is made with an emphasis on where the crib is located, what function the product performs, its size, the need to move it and how to implement this, and so on. Those. There are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account. Below we will consider which mounting options are the most popular.
There are several options for attaching a canopy.
At the head of the bed
A popular method because it takes into account the ability to move the child's bed. The holder is attached to a special bracket at the headboard. The body of the crib acts as a place for fixing the base of the holder. During sleep, the curtains can be moved, let them run along the opposite side (towards the feet). While awake, do the opposite - push it apart.
Mounting at the head allows you to vary the location of the canopy.
Centered
This method assumes the presence of a holder and the ability to fix it to the cornice. Allows you to place the canopy in the shape of a dome, enveloping the entire crib gracefully. Holders can vary, as can the methods for attaching the edges of the canopy (for example, clothespins, rings, loops, hooks, etc.).
All around the perimeter
An equally popular method, sometimes more practical, but to implement it you will need to bother with the placement of the holder. Let's look at the two options that are available when choosing this method:
Fixing the supports to the crib body
Externally it looks like 4 slats placed in the corners. At the top, 4 more horizontal slats are attached between them, forming a rectangular holder frame.
Slats are attached to the bed frame, forming a rectangle.
To the ceiling
The scheme is similar to the previous one, but this fastening does not require the presence of supports. Those. The holder frame is suspended from the ceiling above the crib. On the one hand, it looks more elegant, on the other hand, it complicates the process of moving the bed.
Support rails are rectangular, square, round. And the jumpers are even curly.
On a stand
This is a popular way to hang a canopy. It consists in the fact that the support of the holder is not attached to the bed, but is held in place by a footrest. This simplifies the installation process, minimizing any time wasted. If necessary, the stand can be moved freely to wherever it is needed.
Location methods
There are several places to attach the canopy:
- Cot. The most convenient installation of the support, in which the children's sleeping place can be rearranged together with the hanging structure. There is no need to drill holes in the walls and spoil the integrity of the floor or ceiling coverings.
- Floor. The design turns out to be quite shaky, especially for heavy textiles, but mobile. Such a supporting part may not support the weight of the fabric and fall.
- Wall. The wall-mounted one is placed at the head of the bed, while the length of the canopy itself can be either medium or short. The main inconvenience is the inability to move the child's bed along with the canopy. Suitable for cribs located along walls. Wall-mounted models serve more of an aesthetic function; they are not as practical due to the insufficient length of the fabric. The sleeping area is only partially closed.
- Ceiling. The canopy option, which is attached to the ceiling, looks impressive, but requires more complex installation. Allows you to completely cover the crib with woven fabric. Such a children's canopy can easily be considered one of the most reliable placement options: it is almost impossible for a child to grab onto the fabric and drop the structure on himself. If you hang a canopy right near the ceiling, you will need a lot of fabric.
Important! Textiles in a children's room must be washed frequently. Choose easy-to-care fabrics - tulle, cotton, linen, organza, chiffon. They dry quickly and do not deteriorate from washing powder and squeezing in the machine. In a cold room, velvet, fleece or tapestry canopies are acceptable.
We put the canopy on the holder
The already sewn canopy has special pockets in its canopies for the tendrils of the aluminum loop. Usually there are two of them and there is a small distance between them. Carefully placing the canopy fabric over the tendrils of the loop will create beautifully cascading waves. Only now the resulting structure is fixed to the holder with a screw, which must be tightened tightly. If you did everything in accordance with the attached instructions, the curtains will decorate the playpen and perform all the functions assigned to them.
How to assemble
The assembly principle depends on the holder configuration. If the bracket is attached to the crib, then you should first assemble all its component elements, and then, using fixing and fastening parts, screw it to the base of the crib. Assembly will not take much time, since usually all the holder tubes are simply mated to each other. You may need a screwdriver to attach the canopy base to the furniture. Floor-standing models are assembled by attaching a bracket to a leg that provides stability.
As a rule, instructions are always included.
DIY canopy holder
Classic on four legs
Making a canopy consists of several stages: calculating fabric and other materials, sewing the cape, assembling the frame, securing the frame and fixing the canopy itself. The classic version is considered the most common, but not the easiest to manufacture. A few nuances of homemade device creation:
- for work you will need 4 racks in the height of the ceiling, blanks for the frame frame, fasteners, wood glue, dowels, fabric, as well as decor for hiding corners;
- the parts of the frame and racks are connected according to the principle of the tenons entering the grooves;
- if the structure is made of wood, it is coated with protective varnish;
- when installing the product, the racks must be in contact with the corners of the bed;
- the fabrics are thrown over the crossbars and draped beautifully.
The canopy can be sewn in one piece and secured over the entire frame frame, or it can also be made separate: sew a separate cape for each side of the frame.
On a horizontal bar
This fastening method is considered one of the simplest, because only one piece of metal pipe is taken as the basis. It is fixed horizontally in the center of the bed so that a wide strip of fabric can be threaded through the rod. The simplicity of the design does not in any way reduce its aesthetic and practical performance. Several rules for making such a canopy:
- at a height of 2 meters from the bed near the ceiling, a rod is screwed into the wall - it must be secured with reliable fasteners: screws, hangers or self-tapping screws with dowels;
- the length of the rod should be equal to the width of the bed;
- Decorative tips are placed on the free edges of the rod: this is done not only for decoration, but also to ensure that the curtain does not slip out of the pipe;
- By pulling the cord through the bar, the length of two wide strips is measured. After this, calculations are made: 5 cm is added to the resulting length, as well as another 3 cm for the drawstring;
- the width of the strip should be twice the width of the rod to create a beautiful drapery;
- two strips are sewn into one and stretched over a horizontal bar or hung on it by loops.
Assembly Recommendations
- Before purchasing a curtain holder for a playpen, be sure to read the instructions for assembling it.
- Choose a ceiling canopy only if you are confident in your abilities and skills. This is undoubtedly a beautiful and reliable option, because the folds of such a canopy will completely cover the playpen.
- If you doubt the first option, purchase a simpler tripod that is screwed to the side of the crib. Every young dad can easily assemble and disassemble such a structure without any problems. At your discretion, it can be installed on any of the four backrests of the playpen.
The main rule that should be followed is high-quality and reliable installation, because every month the child becomes more active and inquisitive, and can easily pull the curtain. A canopy that falls off its mountings can frighten or even injure a child.
There are many options for mounting protective children's curtains: the canopy is tied to the holder with ribbons, thrown over the fastening ring and secured with special elastic bands. Children's goods stores offer a wide range of tripods and frames. You can mount and hang a children's canopy by following the pictures in the included instructions or by watching a video on the Internet.
