Romantic Canopies on a Budget: Not Just for Beds Anymore!
By Kathy Wilson
The Budget Decorator
Want to add a little softness and romance to almost any room? Here is a great project on making a fast, easy and cheap faux canopy to be hung over any piece of furniture you want to cozy up! Drape it around a sofa or a reading chair, hang it over an entry table or fireplace mantel for drama, or use it to play up a focal point in any room. Oh, and don’t forget, the bed!
Supplies
2 flat twin sheets, in preferred color
cup hooks (any hardware section)
1 roll narrow ribbon
Sewing Machine and thread
Or
Iron on hem tape and iron
Or
A Glue Gun…remember, if you use a glue gun, this projects will NOT be washable. (But its so cheap and quick, who cares?)
Step 1- Cut one of your flat sheets in half, lengthwise. You will now have two long narrow panels. Sew a simple hem edge or use iron on hem tape to close the raw edge. You will only have to do one edge on each piece, as the sheet is finished on the other edges!
Step 2-Cut your second sheet into thirds, widthwise. Now you will have three shorter panels. Hem in the same way. Keep in mind your center panel will have to be hemmed on both edges, as both edges will be raw. You need to add an extra 2 inches into the length of that center panel to accommodate the second hem.
Step 3- Cut ribbon in 8-10 inch lengths. Mark the top edge of each finished panel every 6-8 inches. Fold each ribbon piece in half, then attach the two raw ends to the top of the panel, forming a loop. You can also reverse and leave the raw ends at the top, so you can tie a bow in each loop.
Step 4- Install cup hooks in the ceiling every 6-8 inches, matching each of the ribbon loops on the panels. Hang the short panels behind the furniture piece, and the long ones to hang at each end.
You can also make tiebacks to draw back the long panels. If you want an even more romantic look, use sheer fabrics or netting…the instructions remain the same, except you will have to hem every raw edge. You could add fringe or beading to the bottom edge with a glue gun.
Combine this treatment over your loveseat with a few floral or lace pillows for a wonderful cottage look. Add it over an entry art display for an elegant backdrop, or use it over your little princess’s bed for a no fuss special room treatment! You could add fringe or beading to the bottom edge with a glue gun.
This project holds a huge range of possibilities for adding romance and charm to your rooms, on a budget!
