This $245 Canopy Bed Looks High-End — And It’s Made from IKEA and Amazon Finds

Living in a studio apartment means accepting that you might sometimes spot the dirty dishes piling up in the sink or see the glow of your partner’s computer as they work from the nearby desk. And while there aren’t traditional rooms, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of separate spaces completely. You just have to get a little creative! That’s exactly what writer Macey Phillips did in her tiny 300-square-foot apartment for less than $250. 

Macey moved to Manhattan after being offered to take over the lease of a friend’s apartment. She was coming from a two-bedroom home, and so her new 315-square-foot studio was a big adjustment. But instead of just accepting the lack of separation, she turned the challenge into a design adventure. By using two items from big-box stores (and absolutely no tools), she turned what was once not a canopy bed into a high-end-looking one that doubles as a room divider. 

“My DIY canopy bed is my favorite. I used eight individual curtain panels from IKEA and two sets of room dividers from Amazon,” Macey said at the time of the House Tour. “It was really simple and made the greatest impact. I am so pleased I was able to find a renter-friendly version of curtains hanging from the ceiling.”

It took Macey less than an hour to install the tension rods and hang the curtains. What makes this project so special is the ease: no tools, no mess, and no fretting about the security deposit. She said it only cost around $245, too. For little effort and not much money, it delivers big results and benefits. 

“It makes the space feel really elevated,” Macey explained at the time of the House Tour. “Also, I close the curtains when I get into bed at night so it feels like a completely separate space, which is nice when I forget to do the dishes or put things away because it completely blocks everything out.” 

When Macey moved into her apartment, her goal was to create a space that felt the opposite of New York City’s “overstimulating” environment. Using light, bright furniture and decor accents — including the white curtains — gives the apartment a lightweight, flowing feel. Plus, the curtains create a designated sleeping area that feels distinct from the living and cooking spaces. 

To see more of Macey’s wonderful home, visit the full House Tour.