I spent the evening at a friends last night - she recently moved into a stunning, French pied a terre in the city with soaring ceilings and beautiful windows. Throughout our manic evening running around the house with a tape measure and obsessively sending each other links, I got to discuss one of my favorite, oft-overlooked elements of avant garde French bedroom design: the artists canopy bed. I am sure there is a proper name for these - though my clients don’t love me because of my jargon. I’ve seen three fantastic examples of these, and three only:
The first, in Hotel Le Grand Mazarin in Paris.
The second, on Pinterest (posted by Martha Mulholland).
Third, also on Pinterest (posted by Jennifer VanderMeer).
There are a few elements that set these apart from your traditional canopy bed:
They are much less formal, and often are hung from the ceiling as opposed to draping on a canopy bed frame
They can be created out of a variety of fabrics: linens, bolts of fabric from a fabric store, tapestries, and more - the limit is your imagination.
Artist canopy beds are more romantic, a bit messier, and artistically inclined than a traditional canopy. A canopy bed can veer into stuffy or girlish territory, but these always manage to look effortlessly chic. Often, things that look effortless are anything but: yet this design is actually just about as effortless as they come to implement in your own home.
Let’s back up: one of my favorite things in the world for a bedroom is a whimsical build in bed. It can be a real challenge to achieve a build in when you live in a city and rent, much like me (and much like my friend). If executed well, the artists canopy bed can feel more like a build in than a simple bed, floating in space. Let’s talk about how to achieve the look:
Bed frame - best case scenario, our bed frame is upholstered and plush. I selected a relatively simple frame in a rich cognac.
Fabric - fabric can span the spectrum from a bolt you bought at a fabric store, to an antique European tapestry. For the sake of ease, let’s use a bolt of fabric - I chose a delicately embroidered deep brown with florals.
Hanging pole - wood, iron, aged brass. I opt for an iron curtain rod that won’t distract from the fabric.
Floating art - I love a smaller piece of art framed by the fabric we chose behind the headboard. Tappan Collective is one of my favorite spots for unique, high quality art.
Sconces - one of my favorite elements of my approach to this design, particularly for the renter, is the ability to skip hardwiring and cut small holes in the fabric to display plug-in sconces. The draping fabric at the bottom helps conceal any wires or plugs. In selecting light fixtures, it’s important to consider the lighting they provide. These wavy sconces provide much-needed uplighting on an otherwise darker, cozy space.
Bedside tables - to feel most like a build-in, fabric is cut wide enough to house the bedside tables within it. This has the effect of the bed and bedside tables being one, cohesive object. I haven’t seen this done outside of my own work, and I’m thrilled that Molly (French apartment friend) has approved this approach for use in her home. I love a darker color and a heavier shape to help ground the bed in the space.
Bedskirt - especially if you’re sticking with a more basic bedframe, a bedskirt is a great way to tie together the fabric from the canopy (or a contrasting fabric if you’re feeling bold). I did not use one, since we opted for an upholstered bed, but this is a good option if you have a simple metal bed frame.
Duvet cover - another opportunity to drench with pattern (matching to the pattern of the canopy), or go simple with clean, white linens. I selected a simple cream to echo the sconces and colors in the painting.
Pillows - kept simple, I am a fan of the evergreen long bolster pillow. This one brings in colors from the bed frame and the duvet cover.
To bring in some more color from our painting, I added this vintage marble bowl and an Anastasio Home tray - similar to the one I have at home.
We know just via this discussion that this is a tough thing to show via design mockup (since draping fabric isn’t exactly something you can manipulate - thanks for nothing, AI!), but if you use your imagination, we can see what it looks like:
What we would do is purchase a large enough swath of fabric to reach beyond the sides of the side tables, and either across to the end of the bed on the ceiling, or halfway across the bed - both work beautifully, but make sure to measure and decide what works best given your needs before hemming your fabric or selecting your tapestry. Once I force Molly into the artist canopy bed (don’t worry, she’s willing) - I’ll show you the finished product.
Finally, a few things I loved from this week:
Liberowe jacquard jacket and matching skirt - both on sale
Samsoe Samsoe calf hair jacket - tried this on in Copenhagen this summer and have been thinking about it ever since: I didn’t have enough room in my bag and now I’m kicking myself!
Amp Fit machine - I got on the waitlist for this at home workout, and they just launched today. I’m not sure if I’m going for it quite yet, but worth a look if you work out at home every once in a while.
Loewe bag via Bessette, which I mentioned a few issues back. I love an unexpected shape.
By the way - as blog readership grows it’s dawned upon me that there is a sizable group of you who don’t know me in person. First, lovely to meet you! Second, I am a self-taught interior designer with projects across the United States. If you’d like help with your home design, don’t hesitate to reach out xoxo