4 Poster Tester Bed
Antique Early 19th Century Anglo Raj Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s British Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Velvet, Oak
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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin
Antique 19th Century Asian Architectural Elements
Wood
Antique 19th Century Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1980s American Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1810s European Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
Vintage 1920s British Books
Fabric
Antique 19th Century German Louis XVI Musical Instruments
Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Vases
Blown Glass
Antique 17th Century French Baroque Tapestries
Tapestry
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Sectional Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Games
Wood, Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Tableware
Silver Plate
Antique 1870s Belgian Renaissance Revival Bookcases
Brass
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Wood
4 Poster Tester Bed 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.
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