Canopy beds, which were first created to help keep beds dry from leaking roofs, have been changed quite a bit over the last several centuries. From incredibly ornate to pared down and minimal, canopy beds have managed to stick around as a versatile bedroom furniture piece. And it doesn't hurt that these beds make you feel like royalty the minute you lie down in one.

Forget that these four-poster boudoir beauties come in an array of designs, ranging from traditional to modern. Ignore the fact that it's grand and stylish, fitting in to all types of already decorated bedroom furniture. Stop observing its inherent romantic qualities and how it resembles a piece of furniture from a far away time. Now take another look-doesn't that look fit for a king or queen? Imagine yourself as royalty, without the hassle of looking good for the public or the constant barrage of photographers. Just go to sleep and wake up refreshed, ready to guide your lowly subjects with quiet dignity and grace.

Despite how much you might feel the sudden desire to wear a tiara more often, the canopy bed can be a bit much for some. Not because of the imperial side effects, but because of the ornate detail work or the classic vibe it gives off. In a bedroom full of contemporary furniture, a traditional looking canopy bed isn't going to seamlessly fit in. However, there are plenty of modernized, sleek canopy beds available, with slimmer posts and less curvilinear detailing.

The other thing to keep in mind when shopping for a canopy bed is the size of the bedroom, as well as how fanciful you want your bed to look. A canopy bed takes up more space than a platform bed, so if the bedroom is small, you may need to look around for a bit before finding one that will fit in with the dimensions. As far as adding your own touch to the décor, hanging light fabrics or curtains over the side of the bed take the canopy bed from regular to royal in no time. The draping serves as a way to create privacy and as a way to keep light out at night. They're also handy for keeping mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, especially if you live in a humid climate.

Even though royalty did not create the canopy bed, it certainly has that feel to it. Perhaps it's the highly wrought headboard designs or the drapes hanging from the four posters. Either way, get into a canopy bed and you will be practicing your parade wave and for your adoring fans in no time.