Is it a four-post bed or four-poster bed?

References 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.

What is the point of a four-poster bed?

Today, 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.

What is a tester on a four poster bed?

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.

What is the difference between a canopy bed and a four poster bed?

A 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.

What is the top of a four-poster bed called?

Across 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.

How do I make a four-poster bed modern?

You 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.

Painted Four Poster Bed

Italian Queen Bed

King Wood Bed Frame Antique

Palm Bed

Patina Painted Furniture Italy

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

$7,365 / item

H 91 in W 80 in D 90 in

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

$7,419 / item

H 91 in W 80 in D 90 in

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US Queen

$7,095 / item

H 91 in W 67 in D 90 in

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US Queen

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed. Queen Size. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Roma Ivory King Size Bed

$24,075 / item

H 102.76 in W 85.04 in D 88.98 in

Roma Ivory King Size Bed

By Porte Italia

Located in Milan, IT

Presenting the stunning Roma Bed, a symbol of romance and enduring beauty. This hand-painted four-poster bed in ivory, adorned with elegant framings and delicate rosettes, is designe...

Category

2010s Italian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Carved 'Limestone' Painted Four Poster King Size Bed

$10,527 / item

H 90.5 in W 86 in D 88.25 in

Carved 'Limestone' Painted Four Poster King Size Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

A finely carved mahogany and 'limestone' painted four-poster king-size bed, the serpentine arched and molded edge headboard flanked by acanthus leaf and rice carved baluster turned p...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed

$76,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 88 in W 82 in D 90 in

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed

By John Dickinson

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed John Dickinson (1919–1982) USA, circa 1970’s Two King Beds available A masterwork by John Dickinson (1919–1982), The 'Twig' four post...

Category

20th Century American Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paint

Queen Hale Navy Painted Maple Cannonball Four Poster Bed with Flat Headboard

$4,510 / item

H 48 in W 64.38 in D 86.63 in

Queen Hale Navy Painted Maple Cannonball Four Poster Bed with Flat Headboard

Located in Tiverton, RI

The Classic cannonball bed features the favorite round ball top bed posts with a merry cut-out flat headboard. This timeless Classic is perfect for guest rooms and children's rooms. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Beds and Bed F...

Materials

Wood

21st C. Silvered Reeded Four Poster Bed, Modern Neoclassical/Regency Influences

$3,550

H 84.5 in W 67 in D 85.5 in

21st C. Silvered Reeded Four Poster Bed, Modern Neoclassical/Regency Influences

Located in Morristown, NJ

A contemporary four-poster bed defined by strong vertical articulation and restrained decorative detailing.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

Recent Sales

Italian Carved Four Poster Bed

Unavailable

H 91 in W 70.5 in D 95 in

Italian Carved Four Poster Bed

Located in Chicago, IL

This piece probably dates from the early 1900’s and incorporates earlier elements. The beautifully carved headboard pediment features scrolled elements surrounding a center crown. ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Pine, Paint

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed - Queen

Sold

H 91 in W 67 in D 90 in

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed - Queen

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian design and modern details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

American Sheraton Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed, Circa 1830

Sold

H 85 in W 81 in D 60.5 in

American Sheraton Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed, Circa 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

American Sheraton mahogany four-poster rope bed with painted recessed panels on headboard, floral and barley twist carved post, and terminating on turned bulbous legs.

Category

Antique 1830s American Sheraton Beds and Bed Frames

Italian Hand Painted Four Poster Faux Bamboo Bed by Patina with Birds, King

Sold

H 97 in W 83 in D 90 in

Italian Hand Painted Four Poster Faux Bamboo Bed by Patina with Birds, King

Located in Kennesaw, GA

I love this! It is a lovely hand painted four poster bed by Patina. It is Italian.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Hand Made White & Gold Painted Carved Wooden Four Poster Bed

Sold

H 94.1 in W 83.86 in D 63.98 in

Hand Made White & Gold Painted Carved Wooden Four Poster Bed

Located in Worcester, GB

Elegant Handcrafted Four Poster Bed in White & Gold with Bespoke Silk Drapery A handsome and finely made four poster bed of mid-twentieth century date, recently refurbished to a...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Neo-Classical Style Tole Painted Metal Framed Four Poster Bed, Queen

Sold

H 86.5 in W 62 in D 83.25 in

Neo-Classical Style Tole Painted Metal Framed Four Poster Bed, Queen

By Niermann Weeks

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a queen size neo-classical style tole painted metal four poster bed that is attributed to Niermann Weeks.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Maitland Smith Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Iron Four Poster Queen Size Bed

Sold

H 83.5 in W 63 in D 89 in

Maitland Smith Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Iron Four Poster Queen Size Bed

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century 4 poster bed by Lineage Home Furnishings for Maitland Smith. Made from wrought iron with a gridded form. The camelback headboard is centered by a large laurel wreat...

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Federal Style Carved Mahogany Four Poster Bed in Manner of Samuel McIntire

Sold

H 99 in W 79 in L 99 in

Federal Style Carved Mahogany Four Poster Bed in Manner of Samuel McIntire

By Phillip Lowe

Located in Essex, MA

Incredible Handcrafted Four Poster Bed in Style of McIntire. Made by Phillip Lowe, Beverly, Massachusetts. Illustrated in "The Magazine Antiques," April 2003, "Living with Antiques...

Category

20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany, Birch

RARE ORIGINAL BLUE 19THC CHILDS POSTER BED

Sold

H 37 in W 70 in D 36 in

RARE ORIGINAL BLUE 19THC CHILDS POSTER BED

Located in Los Angeles, CA

RARE EARLY 19THC ORIGINAL BLUE PAINTED CHILDS FOUR POSTER BED FROM NEW ENGLAND-WONDERFUL PATINA AND SURFACE W/ ROPE TIES ,THE CUSTOM MADE MATTRESS IS FROM 19THC HOMSPUN SHEETS AND FI...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Linen, Down

Italian Hand Painted Regency Style Queen Bed W/ Palm Fronds By Patina

Sold

H 91.5 in W 68 in D 88 in

Italian Hand Painted Regency Style Queen Bed W/ Palm Fronds By Patina

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Fantastic hand painted regency style queen size four poster bed with palm frond finials.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

20th C. Hand Painted Regency Style Bed with Palm Fronds Att. to Patina, Queen

Sold

H 92 in W 65.5 in D 81 in

20th C. Hand Painted Regency Style Bed with Palm Fronds Att. to Patina, Queen

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a hand painted regency style queen size four poster bed with palm frond finials.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Sirmos King Size Arbor Bed

Sold

H 88 in W 85 in D 81 in

Sirmos King Size Arbor Bed

By Sirmos

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A painted plaster four poster bed in the form of twigs and branches.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Beds and Bed Frames

Italian Four Poster Bed 19th Century

Sold

H 68.51 in W 82.68 in D 61.03 in

Italian Four Poster Bed 19th Century

Located in Buxton, GB

We are delighted to offer for sale this Fabulous Italian x4 Poster Bed This Bed is so Artistic & Unique! Solid Wood Great Condition Painted in Green Lacquer The Headboard has a C...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Beautifully Patinated 19th Century Four-Poster Bed with Hand-Painted Headboard

Sold

H 75 in W 40 in D 78 in

Beautifully Patinated 19th Century Four-Poster Bed with Hand-Painted Headboard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a rare and beautiful example of a 19th century European twin bed with hand-painted headboard... this piece is a beautiful addition to any guest room or would also be stunning...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Regency Style Carved and Painted Four Poster Tester Bed with Palm Fronds, King

Sold

H 87 in W 84 in D 87.75 in

Regency Style Carved and Painted Four Poster Tester Bed with Palm Fronds, King

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This wonderful regency style carved and painted four poster tester bed with carved palm fronds on each post.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

Black Painted and Parcel-Gilt King Size Four Poster Bed by Julia Gray

Sold

H 91.75 in W 86 in D 90 in

Black Painted and Parcel-Gilt King Size Four Poster Bed by Julia Gray

By Julia Gray

Located in Southampton, NY

Black painted and parcel-gilt four-poster bed by Julia Gray.

Category

Late 20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Paint, Wood

Hollywood Regency Queen-Size Floral Four Poster Bed Frame

Sold

H 88 in W 67 in D 88 in

Hollywood Regency Queen-Size Floral Four Poster Bed Frame

Located in New York, NY

Hollywood Regency queen-size floral four poster bed frame. Solid wood with a painted finish.

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos

Sold

H 88.5 in W 66 in D 87 in

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos

Located in New York, NY

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos, from the 1970’s, in the form of twigs and branches.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Beds and Bed Frames

George III Period Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed

Sold

H 94 in W 79 in D 64 in

George III Period Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

George III period mahogany and painted four-poster bed, formerly the property of the Lord Menuhin.

Category

Antique 1780s British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

French Louis XVI Painted Four Poster bed

Sold

H 91.5 in W 78 in D 48 in

French Louis XVI Painted Four Poster bed

Located in Hudson, NY

PRICE REDUCTION A Louis XVI four poster bed in flaky old yellow paint, with carved a decorated head and footboard ends,posts,rails and baldachine.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Beds and Bed Frames

Pair of Red Painted Four Poster Single Bed Frames

Sold

H 92 in W 42.5 in D 79 in

Pair of Red Painted Four Poster Single Bed Frames

Located in Hudson, NY

Pair of red painted four-poster bed single canopy bed frames.

Category

Late 20th Century American George III Beds and Bed Frames

An exceptional four poster painted mahogany bed

Sold

H 98.43 in W 90.16 in D 90.16 in

An exceptional four poster painted mahogany bed

By Jonathan Sainsbury

Located in Blandford Forum, Dorset

A cream and green painted four poster bed after a design by Robert Adam.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Anglo-Indian Carved Four Poster Bed Painted White

Sold

H 83 in W 60 in D 80 in

Anglo-Indian Carved Four Poster Bed Painted White

Located in Richmond, CA

Anglo-Indian solid teak bed that has been newly painted white. Elaborate carved details on headboard, spiral posts and canopy. Fits a full size mattress (bed measured dimensions for ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Teak, Paint

Superb Sheraton Revival Satinwood Painted Single Four-Poster Bed with Canopy

Sold

H 81 in W 83 in D 42 in

Superb Sheraton Revival Satinwood Painted Single Four-Poster Bed with Canopy

Located in Darwen, GB

A superb Sheraton Revival satinwood painted single four-poster bed with canopy originally purchased from Harrods in London.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames

Late 20th Century Black Distressed Transitional Queen Four Poster Canopy Bed

Sold

H 94.5 in W 70 in D 92 in

Late 20th Century Black Distressed Transitional Queen Four Poster Canopy Bed

Located in Charlotte, NC

A Transitional style queen size four poster paneled bed with canopy, unbranded. Solid hardwood with a black painted distressed finish, arched paneled headboard, four turned posts wit...

Category

Late 20th Century Indonesian Other Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

English Four-Poster Painted Tester Bed, circa 1880

Sold

H 89 in W 61 in D 79 in

English Four-Poster Painted Tester Bed, circa 1880

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This late 19th century painted English tester bed with distressed finish features four carved posters and designed headboard.

Category

Antique 1880s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

French Country Four-Poster, Painted King-Size Bed

Sold

H 67 in W 82 in D 86 in

French Country Four-Poster, Painted King-Size Bed

Located in Glendale, CA

Four poster bed in white antique washed finish. Accepts standard King-size mattress. Comes with slats not shown.

Category

Late 20th Century Country Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Six Foot Wide Black Four Poster Bed ALH5

Sold

H 98 in W 72 in D 84 in

Six Foot Wide Black Four Poster Bed ALH5

Located in Wrexham, GB

A made-to-order bespoke four poster bed with ornate brass castings, tentacle canopy and brass crown. This hand crafted bed is a bespoke piece designed with specific dimensions. The b...

Category

2010s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

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$16,454 / item

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Painted Four Poster Bed For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal painted four poster bed for your home. A painted four poster bed — often made from wood, paint and mahogany — can elevate any home. Find 10 options for an antique or vintage painted four poster bed now, or shop our selection of 4 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer painted four poster bed, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A painted four poster bed, designed in the Neoclassical, Georgian or Hollywood Regency style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made painted four poster bed has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Julia Gray, Niermann Weeks and Phillip Lowe are consistently popular.

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.

Questions About Painted Four Poster Bed

Is it a four-post bed or four-poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
References 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.
What is the point of a four-poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Today, 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.
What is a tester on a four poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What is the difference between a canopy bed and a four poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A 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.
What is the top of a four-poster bed called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Across 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.
How do I make a four-poster bed modern?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
You 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.

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