Question 1

What are canopy beds for?

Accepted Answer

Canopy beds were traditionally used to retain warmth at bedtime and create a sense of privacy within the bed, though now are popular for their luxurious design. Canopy beds usually have four posters and draped fabric over the top and sides.

Question 2

What is a canopy over a bed called?

Accepted Answer

A canopy over a bed is called a canopy bed. This type of bed is very similar to a 4-poster bed. Decorative fabric is draped upon the upper spaced between the posts.

Question 3

What is the canopy above a bed called?

Accepted Answer

The canopy above a bed is called a tester. Antique testers were most often made of wood. Contemporary testers may also be made of metal, or simply draped cloth. There are also half-size testers that cover the upper half of the bed. On 1stDibs, find an array of canopy beds featuring testers.

Question 4

How do I make a canopy for a bed?

Accepted Answer

To make a canopy for your bed, extend the four posts of your frame using metal or wood. You can then use drapes or fabric to create the canopy. Alternatively, buy your own by shopping a collection of canopy beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Why were colonial beds so high?

Accepted Answer

Colonial beds are so high to avoid cool drafts that were close to the ground. Typically, the higher the bed off the ground, the closer it would be to the warmer air.

Question 6

What was the original purpose of a canopy bed?

Accepted Answer

Canopy beds were initially designed to conserve warmth and to offer privacy. Now, the four-poster frame offers plentiful design opportunities, from classic drapes to dramatic tassels. Shop a collection of canopy beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Are canopy beds still made?

Accepted Answer

Yes, canopy beds are still made. A canopy bed features four posts, one at each corner, and affixed to the top of the post is a canopy. The canopy is frequently made of fabric, but it can be made of wood or another solid object and carved to look like fabric. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary canopy beds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Colonial Canopy Bed

Recent Sales

David T Smith Early American Colonial Pine Pencil Post 4 Poster Full Canopy Bed

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

David T Smith Early American Colonial Pencil Post 4 Poster Full Size Canopy Bed

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Midcentury Bamboo and Grasscloth Twin Canopy Bed Frame

20th Century Philippine British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Baker Furniture Colonial Williamsburg Mahogany Queen Size 4 Poster Canopy Bed

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

British Colonial West Indies Style Queen-Size Canopy Bed

20th Century American British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Primitive Early American Colonial Revival Pencil Post 4 Poster Queen Canopy Bed

20th Century American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Antique Early American Colonial Maple Jenny Lind Spool 4 Poster Full Canopy Bed

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

David T Smith Early American Colonial Queen Size Pencil Post 4 Poster Canopy Bed

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

CRAFTIQUE Solid Mahogany Pencil Post Queen Size Bed with Canopy

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Four Post Mahogany Canopy Bed from British India

Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Read More

Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns

More Ways To Browse