Tester Four Poster
Antique 1650s English Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1810s American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 1760s English George II Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Anglo Raj Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 1770s English Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 19th Century American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Poplar
20th Century American Hepplewhite Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Late 20th Century Indian Moorish Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 1820s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Cherry, Poplar
Antique Early 19th Century Virgin Islands Dutch Colonial Beds and Bed Fr...
Mahogany
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century British Georgian Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants
Wood
2010s French Garden Ornaments
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
1830s Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
2010s French Architectural Elements
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Beds and Bed F...
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Recent Sales
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1780s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1820s Bajan British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Maple
Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Vintage 1940s English Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Early 1800s American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames
Ormolu
Antique Late 17th Century Baroque Furniture
Oak
Antique 19th Century Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 19th Century Cuban British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1810s American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Sheraton Beds and Bed Frames
Poplar, Pine
Antique Early 19th Century Caribbean British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1880s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
20th Century English Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Bone, Teak
Antique 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
Maple
Antique 19th Century British Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 19th Century British Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 19th Century British Regency Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 1780s British Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Mirror, Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Beds and Bed Frames
Tester Four Poster For Sale on 1stDibs
Finding the Right beds-frames for You
We find relaxation and solace in our bedrooms, which are often the most cherished rooms of a home. Your antique, new or vintage bed and bed frame are integral to this oasis of personal comfort.
Beds and bed frames have long been an important part of the sanctuary that is the bedroom. For the upper class in countries such as England, the massive, costly beds of the 16th and 17th centuries were decorative and of the poster variety. Some were characterized by large painted wooden headboards, often made of oak, that featured ornate carvings and richly colored curtains affixed to each of the two or four posts — think of today’s sumptuous upholstered headboards as a distant cousin to these luxurious furnishings. The heavy fabric curtains were drawn across a fringed canopy to close out the sunlight that might’ve warmed your grandiose and opulent bedchambers. This feature could also offer privacy as desired, because, as we all know, a bedroom is for more than just sleeping.
Coiled springs didn’t make their way into mattresses until the 1800s, which likely made for a far more comfortable night’s sleep for many. Bed frames of cast iron and brass were introduced during the mid- to late-19th century. Later, the 20th century brought with it marvelous innovations for slumberland, among them daybeds from the likes of George Nelson and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich as well as convertible sofa beds.
Today, you will find a range of beds geared toward your individual personality and preferred style of decor. When shopping for a bed and bed frame, keep in mind that you’ve got options. Sizes range from twin to California king. At 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, a king-size bed is roughly 16 inches wider than a queen-size mattress, and your bed frame will likely add two to five inches to each side. (The California king bed is 84 inches long.)
From dramatic bedroom designs to uncomplicated, minimalist approaches, the bedroom has evolved into the haven that it should be: a peaceful place of respite, where we begin and end every day. Take the time to create your very own oasis — you deserve it. Rest easy with an expansive collection of antique, new and vintage beds and bed frames available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The tester on a four poster bed is the canopy over the bed. It was usually made of wood and could be covered with cloth. It provided privacy and helped enclose the bed, making it easier to heat the bed area. On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage and contemporary four-poster beds.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022References show that in the 14th and 15th centuries, “four-post” was the correct terminology. However, today it is considered correct to say “four-poster”. You can find a range of vintage and antique four-poster beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Today, the point of a four-poster bed is largely stylistic. People place them in bedrooms due to their elegant decorative appearance. Historically, four-poster beds featured heavy curtains that blocked light, preserved privacy and provided warmth in the winter. You'll find a selection of four-poster beds on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can make a four-poster bed modern in a number of ways. Try refinishing it with matte spray paint or covering the headboard with fabric or wallpaper. You can also hang fabric in contemporary prints from the frame as a canopy. You'll find a collection of four-poster beds on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Across the top of older four-poster beds was a wooden rail that was called the tester. The tester often held a rail where curtains were attached that could be pulled closed. Shop a collection of four-poster beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A four poster bed features four posts, one at each corner. A canopy bed also has four posts, one at each corner, but a canopy bed is covered with a cloth of some sort. They can look similar except for the canopy on top. However, canopy posts are often built differently than four poster beds so they can accommodate the fabric. Shop a collection of four poster and canopy beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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