Canopy with headboard. In the 13th century the canopy, or tester, was born out of necessity and then popular for its grandeur. The canopy was suspended from the ceiling beams using ropes, and fabric was then draped over to act as insulation against the bitter winter cold.When gentry traveled between their city and country homes, they frequently took beds with them. Portable beds were known as trussing beds. Staff was assigned to dismantle, transport and then assemble them again.The canopy headboard shown is a modern take on a medieval design. The scallop edging on the canopy harmonizes with the timber fretwork on the headboard. The amount of fabric and the detail in the canopy design make this a more expensive style. If you find an inexpensive fabric that you like both sides of, you won't need to line it, which can keep costs down.