There have been so many projects in Olivia’s bedroom that made us break out into full-on spirit fingers. From a DIY ballet barre to oversized sheet music art, each project added a special touch. The latest — a simple DIY canopy made from a repurposed shelf — might be my favorite yet. It gave us the same look as the high-end RH Baby & Child canopy but cost us a fraction of the price.
I’d wanted a canopy in Olivia’s room from the start, but the price tags on several options felt steep. Then, while browsing Hobby Lobby, I spotted a little decorative shelf that looked like a perfect canopy crown with a bit of imagination. It was on sale at 50% off and I had a coupon, so the project practically happened itself. The total cost, including sheer Teresia curtains from Ikea and a simple tension rod, came to roughly $45 — a fantastic savings compared with the designer version.
The build was delightfully easy. Robert located the studs in the center of the wall behind the bed, positioned the shelf, and screwed it into the studs after checking the level. Mounting into studs is an important safety step for any wall-mounted piece that will support weight or be near a child’s bed. After the shelf was secured, I slid the sheer curtains onto the tension rod, tightened the rod underneath the shelf, and that was it — a canopy crown in about 15 minutes.
Tips if you want to recreate this look:
- Choose a lightweight decorative shelf that has enough depth to hide the tension rod and let the fabric hang naturally.
- Always mount the shelf into studs for the most secure installation — use a level to ensure it sits straight above the bed.
- Use sheer curtains for a light, dreamy canopy; heavier fabrics will create a different, cozier effect but require stronger supports.
- If you can’t find the exact curtain color, look for neutrals or soft pastels that coordinate with bedding. Ikea Teresia sheers are budget-friendly and easy to work with.
- Measure before buying: account for the rod diameter and the way the fabric gathers so the effect looks balanced from below.
Olivia’s reaction was priceless — she looked up and said, “Ooooh princess!” That one sentence made the whole project worth it. We also swapped out the window treatments while we were at it. I spent a little more than usual on curtains from Target because I needed the right shade of pink to match the bedding. Finding a non-Pepto-Bismol pink that coordinates can be tricky, and these were worth the splurge: they’re full, the fabric has a beautiful drape, and they finish the room in a way cheaper curtains wouldn’t.
Another small update that made a big visual difference was DIY molding around the window. Adding molding and curtains instantly made the window feel larger and the room more polished. We still need to add an area rug to finish the space, but the room feels nearly complete and so much more grown-up and intentional than before.
I’ve been debating whether to hang framed art on either side of the canopy. It’s a delicate balance: too many elements can feel cluttered, but the right pieces would complete the vignette. For now I’m leaving the space open until I find artwork that complements the canopy without competing with it. If you’re considering a similar project, think about scale and negative space — sometimes less is more.
This week Olivia is having her first “princess sleepover,” and she couldn’t be more thrilled. Her cousins are just as excited, and honestly, I am too — planning tea parties, blanket forts, and cozy snuggles. Projects like this remind me that small, affordable changes can create unforgettable moments.
Update: See the full bedroom makeover reveal here!
If you’re planning your own canopy crown, keep your build simple: find a shelf with the right profile, make sure it’s anchored safely, choose a lightweight sheer for that ethereal feel, and use a tension rod for an easy, screw-free curtain attachment. The project is fast, budget-friendly, and makes a huge visual impact — perfect for a child’s bedroom or a whimsical corner anywhere in the home.
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