How to Hang a Mosquito Net from the Ceiling — Complete Guide

Hanging a mosquito net from the ceiling is much simpler than most people expect. Once you've done it once, the whole process takes about ten minutes — and the result is a beautiful, functional bed canopy that you'll wonder how you ever slept without. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right hook through to getting your net hanging perfectly straight and looking its best.

What You'll Need

One ceiling hook — for round nets and temple nets. Four or six ceiling hooks — for box nets, one at each corner of the bed and the other two midway along the length.

A drill and drill bit — sized to match your hook or rawlplug.

A toggle hook — specifically designed for drywall or plaster cavity ceilings.

A rawlplug — also called a wall anchor or drywall anchor. Essential if you're drilling into concrete.

Cord, string, rope, chain or fishing line — to connect the hook to the top of your net.

A tape measure — to find the centre point above your bed for round nets, or the four corner positions for box nets.

A stepladder — unless you have very high ceilings and very long arms!

Step 1 — Find the Right Position

For Round and Temple Nets — One Central Hook

For a round or temple mosquito net you need a single hook positioned directly above the centre of your bed. Measure the width of your bed and divide by two — this gives you the centre point from the side. Measure the length of your bed and divide by two — this gives you the centre point from the head or foot. Mark this point on the ceiling with a small pencil mark. You can also stand in the middle of your mattress and look up!

The hook should be positioned so the net hangs with equal drape on all sides of the bed. Use line between the fabric tie on the ceiling of the mosquito net and the ceiling hook as this will allow adjustments for height and level.

For Box Nets — Four or Six Hooks

Box nets hang from four corner points — one above each corner of the bed. Measure and mark each corner position on the ceiling, making sure the four points form a rectangle that matches the dimensions of your bed exactly. This ensures the box net hangs with straight, vertical walls on each side.

If using a suspended frame four hooks will be sufficient — however if suspending the box net without a frame, use six or eight hooks so that the ceiling of the mosquito net can be horizontal and the overlapping openings close properly.

Step 2 — Check What's in Your Ceiling

Before drilling, it's important to know what you're drilling into. Most US homes have one of two ceiling types:

Drywall or plaster over timber joists — the most common. Use a stud finder to locate the nearest timber joist. Drilling directly into a joist gives the strongest fixing. If you can't hit a joist, use a drywall toggle hook anchor.

Concrete or solid ceiling — less common in residential homes. Use a masonry drill bit and a masonry rawlplug.

Important safety note: Always check for electrical cables or pipes before drilling. Use a cable detector — available inexpensively from any hardware store — to scan the area before you start. Never drill without checking first.

Step 3 — Install the Hook

Once you've found your position and checked for cables:

If drilling into a timber joist: Drill a pilot hole slightly smaller than your hook diameter. Screw the hook in firmly by hand — no rawlplug needed when going into solid timber.

If drilling into drywall without a joist: Drill a hole sized to match your drywall anchor. Push the anchor into the hole until flush with the ceiling. Screw the hook into the anchor. Choose one rated for at least 10 lbs.

How strong does the hook need to be? Our mosquito nets weigh between 1 and 4 lbs depending on style and fabric. Any standard ceiling hook rated for 10 lbs or more will be more than sufficient.

Step 4 — Hang the Net

Round and Temple Nets

All our round and temple nets have a fabric loop that connects to the ceiling hook. Simply tie the cord or line to the ceiling hook and then loop through the fabric ties and adjust for height. We do not recommend placing the fabric loop directly onto the ceiling hook as it doesn't allow for height or horizontal level adjustments.

Adjust the length of cord so the net hangs at the height you prefer. A longer cord raises the net higher, giving a more dramatic canopy effect. Once hung, spread the net evenly around the bed and tuck the base under the mattress on all sides for complete insect protection.

Some people are looking for a decorative style — if so, suspend the round net towards the head of the bed so that the fabric drapes attractively around the bed head.

Box Nets

Box nets have pairs of ties that can be attached with line to the four ceiling hooks. Attach each corner in turn, adjusting the cord length at each corner until the net hangs level with straight vertical walls. Step back and check all four sides — adjust as needed until the box shape is perfectly level.

Step 5 — Final Adjustments

Once your net is hanging, take a few minutes to make these final checks:

Is it level? Stand at the foot of the bed and check that the net hangs evenly on both sides. Adjust cord lengths if needed.

Are there any gaps? Check that the base of the net meets the mattress surface on all sides with no gaps where insects could enter.

Does it touch the sleeper? Ideally the sides of the net should not touch you while sleeping. If the net is too close, raise the hook slightly or use a longer cord.

Does it look beautiful? Step back and enjoy the transformation! A well-hung mosquito net is one of the most striking bedroom accessories you can add to any room.

No Ceiling Hooks? No Problem

If you rent your home or simply don't want to drill into the ceiling, our Pop Up Freestanding Mosquito Net requires absolutely no ceiling installation — it stands completely independently over your bed. Perfect for renters, apartment dwellers or anyone who wants zero ceiling impact.

Watch Our Installation Videos

Before you start, watch our step-by-step installation guides — we cover every method in detail so you feel completely confident:

Details of our Deluxe Box Mosquito Nets

DIY Tying a Mosquito Net Bed Canopy to a Four Post Bed

DIY Pinning a Mosquito Net Bed Canopy to a Poster Bed

DIY Bed Canopy Mosquito Net Frame using Bamboo or Wood Poles

DIY Mosquito Net Bed Canopy using Hidden Curtain Rod

Pop Up Freestanding Mosquito Net — Features Video

How to Fold the Freestanding Mosquito Net — Step by Step

Ready to Choose Your Net?

We've been helping customers choose and install mosquito nets for over 25 years. We are not on Amazon. Every net we make comes with our full satisfaction guarantee and free shipping throughout mainland USA.

Not sure which style is right for you? Read our guides:

Box vs Round Mosquito Nets — What's the Difference? →

Cotton vs Polyester vs Silk — Which Is Right for You? →

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Shop Round Mosquito Nets →

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