Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is a tester on a four poster bed?
1 Answer

The 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, 2022
Related Questions
- What is a tester bed?1 Answer
- What is a half tester bed?1 Answer
- What does half-tester bed mean?1 Answer
- What is a panel bed?1 Answer
- What is a bed desk?1 Answer
Shop for Tester Bed on 1stDibs
19th Century Tester Bed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This lavish American tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Silk, Wood
$24,500
Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This lavish American oak and walnut tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut
$44,500
Victorian Mahogany Half Tester Bed with Canopy 1840
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Impressive English Victorian half tester bed in richly figured mahogany
The bed with a substantial carved headboard featuring elegant scrollwork and central foliate cartouche
Turned ...
Category
Antique 1840s Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
American Charleston Mahogany Classical Foliage Barley Twist Tester Bed, C. 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American Charleston Classical mahogany four poster tester bed with flanking carved acanthus foliage, pineapple, and barley twist foot posts, flanking squared tapered head posts, orig...
Category
Antique 1810s American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Pair of American Mahogany Pencil Post and Head Board Twin Tester Beds, C. 1810
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American mahogany pencil and bulbous post twin tester beds with original carved scrolled headboards, brass escutcheons, and side rails.
Category
Antique 1810s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron
$15,000 Sale Price / set
40% Off
MONUMENTAL 3 METER EMPEROR ANTIQUE CiRCA 1880 CARVED ENGLISH BURR OAK TESTER BED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely enormous 9 feet 9 inch tall Antique circa 1880-1900 hand carved English Burr Oak Emperor size Tester bed frame whi...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Oak


