Can You Use a Canopy Bed on the Floor? Tips to Use & Decorate a Canopy Bed on the Floor

Canopy beds are decorative beds that usually have posts extending from each corner of the bed frame that are connected by rods between the posts. Fabric is often draped above the bed, usually from the posts and rods, to create a canopy directly over the bed. Today’s canopy beds generally fit into one of two categories: traditional or contemporary. Many traditional canopy beds have a Victorian aesthetic, with intricately carved wooden frames and posts. On the other hand, contemporary canopy beds generally have a much simpler design. Wood, metal, or a combination of the two is used in the construction of modern canopy bed frames, which usually have little to no detail on the headboard or footboard and often feature sharp, geometric designs. For more information, make sure to read our comprehensive guide to canopy beds and the different types of canopy beds as well. However, you may be wondering if you can use a canopy bed on the floor without a bed frame.

You can use a canopy on the floor (without a frame) by creating or buying a canopy that hangs from the ceiling. Make sure that the canopy is made from the right material, and make sure to choose a mattress that works for you and is suitable to be used on the floor. Since you won’t be using a bed frame, you may want to set the mattress against a wall and place the mattress on top of a soft surface for added comfort.

Keep reading for some tips on how to use a canopy bed on the floor and how to decorate a canopy bed without a frame.

How Do You Use a Canopy on the Floor (Without a Frame)?

You don’t need to have a bed frame to create a beautiful canopy bed. Image from Flooring Canada.

There are many reasons you might want to use your canopy bed on the floor. Perhaps you prefer the look of putting a mattress on the floor, or maybe you don’t have a bed frame and need a temporary solution. Whatever the reason, placing a canopy bed on the floor doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

As we mentioned before, the easiest way to create a simple canopy for your bed is to hang a piece of fabric over the top rails of a structured canopy bed frame. However, if your bed doesn’t have a canopy frame, there are other ways to get the look of a canopy and surround your bed with softness and color. 

To use a canopy bed on the floor, make sure you follow these tips:

Tip 1. Create or Buy a Canopy That Hangs from the Ceiling (Using this, you don’t need a canopy bed frame with posts!)

First, choose which type of canopy you would like to use. You can create a very attractive canopy bed look by installing curtain rods on the ceiling and placing one over each end of the bed. Using either tab-top, tie-top, pinch-pleated, or gathered panels, attach the fabric to each curtain rod, and let it drape softly to the floor. Here’s an example of some tab-top curtains that can easily be draped on a ceiling track.

Here’s a ceiling curtain track from Amazon that costs ~$35. 

You can also attach a short rod to the ceiling (perpendicular to the head of the bed on each side), hang the panels from the rods, and hold the curtains back with curtain tie backs.

It can be very simple to make your own DIY canopy and hang it above your bed. Image from Hometalk.

There are a few other styles of canopy you can create:

Crown Canopy

A dramatic crown canopy, also known as a coronet, will look elegant in any bedroom. Attach panels of fabric around the outer edge of a half-circle of 3/4″ plywood or metal. This half-circle can be attached directly to the ceiling or floated just off the ceiling with brackets attached to the wall.

You can also buy some simple crown curtains that can attach to ceilings or walls like this one (~$19).

Single-Ring Canopy

If you are someone who prefers a single-ring canopy and the romantic look it gives, you can add one by draping long fabric panels through a wooden or metal ring attached to the ceiling above the center of the head of the bed. 

Draw the fabric panel through the ring, pulling it down to the floor on either side of the bed. Spread the panels out to display more fabric and frame the bed, or drape the panels around the head of the bed.

Here are some simple single-ring canopies that you can buy on Amazon.

A simple single-ring canopy can drape from the ceiling onto a mattress on the floor. Image from Amazon.

Multiple-Ring Canopy

Another simple option is to install a ring on the ceiling at each side of the head of the bed and draw a long fabric panel through both rings. Then, you can bundle the fabric in the area between the two rings on the ceiling to form a lush frame for your bed. The panels should extend to the floor on both sides of the bed. 

If you install four rings (one at each corner of the bed), try drawing a long panel of fabric through each one and be sure one end of the panel at each ring goes all the way to the floor. With four panels of luxurious fabric draped above and down the sides of your bed, this type of canopy will give your bedroom a very elegant look.

Tip 2. Choose the Right Mattress For Your Floor Canopy Bed

Regular mattresses come in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. You can use any mattress size for a canopy bed, but you will want to make sure to choose a high-quality, supportive mattress since it won’t be supported by a bed frame (for more information about how different types of mattresses help with back support, see this study). Additionally, since a mattress without a bed frame will be quite low to the ground, you may want to buy a thicker mattress if you have mobility issues or difficulty getting up from low surfaces. For more information about potential difficulties when getting up from a low surface, see this study.

Consider a futon mattress that you can use on the floor. Traditional Japanese futon mattresses like this one are designed for use on floors. Thick memory foam floor mattresses like this one (designed for glamping) also work well on the floor. 

You might also find interest in our article comparing air beds vs. waterbeds. Make sure to take a look at that one too for more ideas.

Tip 3. Set the Mattress Against a Wall

Unless you have an extra headboard that you can use, you’ll want to place your mattress against a wall. Since you won’t have a bed frame, the wall will serve as a headboard and keep your pillows from falling off the bed at night. Adding a canopy to a mattress that’s set against the wall will look clean and modern and will visually separate your sleeping space from the rest of the bedroom.

Using a crown canopy that hangs from the wall will give your floor mattress an enchanting look.

Tip 4. Place the Mattress on a Soft Surface Like a Tatami

You may want to put the mattress on a soft surface if you’re using it without a bed frame. A textured surface may even prevent your mattress from moving. Image from Fibroflex.

Some mattresses have vinyl or plastic on the bottom to keep them from moving in the bed frame. If a mattress with this layer is placed on a wooden floor, it can make squeaking noises at night and isn’t always effective at keeping the mattress in place.

To avoid this, consider putting your mattress on a carpet or another soft surface like a tatami mat. Matching this surface with your canopy can really pull the room together and create a visually pleasing look. It can also make getting in and out of bed more comfortable and give your mattress some additional height.

Tip 5. Choose the Right Canopy Fabric to Complete Your Look

You can use any type of fabric you want to create a beautiful canopy. Some fabrics that are often used for canopies include chintz, silk, velvet, or lace, but you can get creative and go for a fun look with muslin or gingham. You can also use sheets that complement your bedding to construct canopy panels and create a uniform look. 

Another option is to add a lining to the inside of the fabric panels or use a coordinating print or solid for the back of the panel. Some linings like this one also behave like blackout curtains and add to your canopy bed’s privacy. 

You can also add borders, fringe, or ribbon trim, and you can coordinate the trim with tie backs to add color and texture. Remember that using tie backs will pull the fabric off the floor, so choose slightly longer panels if you want to use them. Take a look at our guide on how to hang sheers on a  canopy bed.

For ease of use and simplicity of style, canopy curtains are generally cut to touch the floor when hung. If you prefer a luxurious look, make the panels four inches longer and gather the fabric on the floor at the edge of the bed. For more ideas, check out our step-by-step guide on how to drape canopy beds.

How Do You Decorate a Canopy Bed on the Floor?

Single ring, multi-ring, and crown canopy curtains can be used to decorate a canopy bed on the floor. Image from Domino.

To decorate a canopy bed on the floor, consider using lace curtains and leave lots of open space around the bed to give it a modern look. Play around with combining decor styles, use heavy drapes to create a Victorian feel, or build your own suspended canopy frame on the ceiling.

To add even more decoration to a canopy bed on the floor, you can add accessories like twinkle lights or vintage-style curtain holders. Additionally, you can always switch the canopy fabric to match the rest of the room or change up your space whenever you feel like it. (Related article: take a look at 10 canopy bed accessories and why you need them)

To decorate a canopy bed on the floor, consider the tips below.

Tip 1. Use Light Lace Curtains to Create a Contemporary, Minimalist Space 

If you are the type of person who enjoys keeping things simple around your home, the best way to complement that decor is to add a clean and modern canopy bed on the floor and make sure that there is plenty of open space around the bed. 

Consider using light lace curtains (like this one, ~$25) for your canopy to keep the bedroom looking airy; that way, light can flow freely through the room. This type of contemporary canopy bed is very suitable for small apartments because it’s simple and won’t look too cluttered if you have a low ceiling. This will allow you to create your dream bedroom in almost any room.

Tip 2. Play Around with Different Decor Styles

If you have rustic bedroom decor, your style can be completely transformed if you add a canopy to your bed. By hanging a circular canopy curtain on your ceiling, you can mix and match different elements and refresh your standard sleeping space. It will take you just a few minutes, but the result will be an unexpected design that brings some excitement to your space.

Play up the contrasting elements by using country-inspired furniture with a delicate canopy, or use a lush canopy made of velvet or chintz in a room with otherwise simple and modern decor.

Tip 3. Use Heavy Drapes for a Victorian-Style Canopy Bed

Heavy materials and drapery have long been considered a sign of class, sophistication, and elegance. If you want to relive the Victorian era and add a bit of elegance to your bedroom, use a canopy made of slightly over-the-top fabric that looks timeless and luxurious. You can also compliment this look by using similar fabrics on your bed and in the rest of your room. We really like this victorian curtain with ruffles.

Tip 4. Keep Things Interesting with a Suspended Frame

If you want a canopy bed but don’t want the boring lines of a traditional canopy bed frame, consider installing a DIY canopy frame that’s roughly the same size as your bed on your ceiling. These are more discreet than a traditional canopy bed, and if you find the imposing lines of canopy beds distracting, this will be an easy alternative that’s perfect for canopy beds on the floor.

A suspended frame can work for any bed size. You can make a suspended frame out of metal rings and wire mounted to the ceiling, or you can build a full metal or plywood frame that’s the same size as the outline of your bed. If you want the frame to blend into the ceiling, choose a light-colored minimal frame so it goes unnoticed. This modern type of canopy is great for giving your bedroom a luxurious and relaxed feel without being overbearing. Team it up with white linens, light walls, and natural materials for a fresh and modern feel.

Take a look at this beautiful suspended frame on Pinterest and imagine adding canopy bed curtains to it! You might also find interest in our related article comparing a sleigh bed vs a canopy bed so be sure to check that out too.

A tall mattress placed on the floor with victorian curtains can give your room a unique look. While this image shows a standard canopy frame, you can also hang curtains from the room with a curtain floor. Image from Amazon.

Related Articles:

• How to convert any bed into a canopy bed
• Canopy bed scarf guide
• Not sold on a canopy bed? Take a look at our best futon mattresses with reviews