Colonial Four Poster
Antique Early 19th Century Anglo Raj Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Virgin Islands Dutch Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1820s Caribbean British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Pine
Antique Early 1800s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Virgin Islands Dutch Colonial Beds and Bed Fr...
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Jamaican British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Poplar
Antique Early 1800s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century American Hepplewhite Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Beds and Bed ...
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Vases
Gold Leaf, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Benches
Enamel, Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 1720s Spanish Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Beds and Bed Frames
Birdseye Maple
Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Indian British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 19th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Early 20th Century Sri Lankan Dutch Colonial Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 19th Century British Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Antique Early 19th Century Caribbean British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 19th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century Caribbean British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Rosewood
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 19th Century Cuban British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Antique 1780s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1820s Bajan British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Maple
20th Century Beds and Bed Frames
Teak, Cane
Early 2000s American Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 1810s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass, Iron
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s American British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Mid-20th Century American British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Late 20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique 1820s Jamaican British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Poplar
Antique Late 19th Century British Beds and Bed Frames
Brass, Steel, Iron
20th Century Philippine British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Antique Early 19th Century North American Louis Philippe Beds and Bed Fr...
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Teak
Antique Late 19th Century American British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Indian British Colonial Furniture
Bone, Teak
Late 20th Century Unknown Colonial Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Fruitwood
Antique 1850s American American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century American Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Late 20th Century British Colonial Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames
Teak
Colonial 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, 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 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 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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