How to hang a canopy on a baby bed
The sleeping place for the child should be comfortable. This is the key to healthy sleep for the child, which directly affects his well-being and mood.
Many people buy special canopies that perform not only a decorative function. How the canopy is attached to a crib, what is needed and the subtleties, you need to know. Everything in order.
What is a canopy and why is it needed
First you need to consider in more detail what a canopy is. It is a kind of awning made of different types of fabric. Some people prefer to sew a canopy on their own, while others turn to specialized stores.
Its main function is to protect the child from:
- dust (it is found everywhere, even if the room is regularly wet cleaned);
- insects (especially important in the warm season);
- sun rays;
- extra eyes.
Depending on the type of product, it is determined how to install the canopy on the baby cot. It is important that the fabric for him is not dense. Otherwise, the air will circulate worse.
Varieties
For fabric awnings, there is a conditional division, depending on the type of construction. There are 3 main types of such, namely:
On supporting supports
This type of canopy is considered the most common, in demand among consumers. In this case, curtains are placed above the bed using special supports. The supports themselves are fixed to the bed frame.
The curtains can be fixed on rings, clothespins, or simply lie on the frame of the horizontal upper rails. The support can be made of wood, metal, plastic, combined.
Dome type canopies
Fixed to the cornice above the bed. Due to the specifics of the curtains falling at an angle, forming a dome above the bed (due to the difference in the fixing area and the berth). It mainly performs a decorating function.
On the ceiling cornice
This type involves fixing the frame slats, on which the canopy curtains are hung, directly to the ceiling. The fasteners vary, but the end result is a secure and simplified curtain of the entire bed.
Notes! Understanding the differences in the type of fixation, you can ideally choose a canopy that does not have to be folded into the closet due to the impossibility of installation.
How to sew a canopy for a crib
For a crib, a canopy can be sewn yourself. It all comes down to your ability to handle fabric and the presence of imagination.Developing a plan comes down to determining the desired end result.
An algorithm of actions is offered to your attention:
- We decide on the type and desired appearance.
- Several subsequent ones will depend on the previous point: the development of the scheme, the selection of material and tools for work.
- When everything is ready, we proceed to cutting and sewing the future canopy.
It is important to consider the size of the bed and the possibility of fixing the future canopy. It is proposed to familiarize yourself with a specific example with the rules for the implementation of sewing a canopy with your own hands.
Scheme and dimensions
The lengths of the curtains depend on the chosen fastening method in the future. You can independently, using a tape measure, determine the desired length / width of the segments. Suppose the canopy will be attached over the crib with a cornice. You need to measure the distance from the intended location of the frame, observing the angle of inclination to the floor or the bottom of the bed.
Choose the width according to the length of the bed (if we choose the dome type). In other words, both pieces of fabric should cover the entire area of the crib with a margin of width and length.
Choice of tools and material
Objectives determine the choice of material. For example, if you plan to provide protection from light, then the fabric should be dense. The decorative function is quite feasible due to the transparent fabric.
The same goes for the color options. For girls, they choose gentle tones, often a pink shade. This will create a cozy atmosphere that will delight the child and give a feeling of warmth.
As for the tools, their list may differ, depending on the type of product:
- scissors (make sure they are sharp);
- pencil and paper, tape measure (you will need it both at the stage of developing the scheme and when cutting out);
- threads and a needle (preferably thin so that the seam is invisible, it is important to choose a thread to match the fabric);
- additional materials (stripes, stickers, there are a lot of options).
When you have stocked up with everything you need, you can proceed to the creative process - sewing. Remember the main rule of 7 times measure 1 cut.
The process of creating a canopy
The simplest canopy looks like an ordinary canopy, cape. And it is not important what it will be, but whether the retainer is equipped correctly. How to attach a canopy to a crib is a priority issue that needs to be addressed before starting work. The fabric is sewn along the entire length to each other on one side, or does not interact at all between the halves (the easiest way).
Let's consider the last option as an example:
- we turn the upper part of the fabric and make special loops (they can be purchased or made from nylon thread, fishing line, etc.), with their help the future product will be hung on rings or hooks so as not to lose the opportunity to move / move the curtains;
- if you do not plan to cover all 4 sides of the crib, then you can sew on top of the pieces of fabric and hang out through a suspended frame or a holder on the handrail (it does not matter);
- we decorate with decorative elements: ribbons (along the bottom or along the movable opening) are sewn, all kinds of butterflies and cloth toys (optional) can be pinned with a hairpin.
In fact, you can turn the canopy into a real work of art. Only desire and minimal possession of scissors, thread and needle are important.
Features of fastening the canopy
The canopy can be attached in a variety of ways. Everyone has the right to determine the most convenient for himself, presenting the final result.The choice is made with an emphasis on where the bed is located, what function the product performs, its size, the need to move it back and how to implement this, and so on. Those. you need to take into account a lot of factors. Below we will consider which mounting options are the most popular.
At the headboard
A popular method as it takes into account the ability to move the baby bed. At the headboard, the holder is fixed to a special bracket. 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 legs). During wakefulness, on the contrary - push it apart.
Center
This method assumes the presence of a holder and the ability to fix it to the cornice. Allows you to position the canopy in the shape of a dome, wrapping the entire crib gracefully. Holders can be different, as can the methods of attaching the edges of the canopy (for example, clothespins, rings, loops, hooks, etc.).
Around the perimeter
An equally popular method, sometimes more practical, but for its implementation you need to be confused with the placement of the holder. Consider the two options that are available when choosing this method:
Fixing the supports to the crib body
Outwardly, it looks like 4 slats placed in the corners. At the top between them, 4 more horizontal slats are attached, forming a rectangular holder frame.
To the ceiling
The scheme is similar to the previous one, but such a mount does not imply the presence of supports. Those. the holder frame is suspended from the ceiling above the bed. On the one hand, it looks more elegant, on the other, it complicates the process of moving the sleeping place.
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 by means of a footrest. This simplifies the installation process, minimizing any time investment. If necessary, the stand moves freely wherever you need it.
To the ceiling
Ceiling canopies can be held on the eaves or by twisting fasteners into the ceiling. Despite the fact that this method is not very common, it allows you to achieve the most positive aesthetic appearance. Frames can be formed, edges can be drawn from a rounded holder, and so on.
Pros and cons of a canopy
Each piece of decor or any other product will always have its pros and cons. To give an objective assessment of a thing, it must be considered from all angles, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages.
Let's start with the merits:
- A canopy with a dense fabric will serve as a reliable protection from light (natural or artificial - the source does not matter).
- A feeling of comfort and safety is created. All kids love tents, tree houses and similar structures. With a canopy, the child will be calmer, and this will improve the mood.
- Insects cannot get inside. It is best to use fabrics such as tulle for these purposes, since it is breathable, and this is extremely important for babies.
- Decor element. Of course, creating the right atmosphere is impossible without considering additional elements. And given the variety of canopies, you can choose any!
There are also disadvantages. For example, if the fabric is thick and tied tight, air will not circulate well.Here is another possible problem: if the child woke up and did not attract the attention of the parents, in an attempt to explore the world around him, he may simply become entangled in the tissue. But this drawback is doubtful, because with the same success the child can fall out of bed or face other troubles if he is unattended.
Video: how to sew a canopy on a baby bed