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.

Cream Four Poster Beds

King Wood Bed Frame Antique

Victorian Queen Size Bed Frame

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

5ft Wide Cast Iron Four Poster with Sunburst Design Finished in Cream, M4P57

Unavailable

H 82 in W 60 in D 85 in

5ft Wide Cast Iron Four Poster with Sunburst Design Finished in Cream, M4P57

Located in Wrexham, GB

An superb iron four poster bed with sunburst design head and foot panels finished in soft cream

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Cream Metal Four Poster Bed

Sold

H 84 in W 60 in D 84 in

Cream Metal Four Poster Bed

Located in Wrexham, GB

A brass and iron four poster bed adapted from an original Victorian frame, finished in cream, with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Four-Poster Bed in Cream, M4P27

Sold

H 80 in W 59 in D 85 in

Antique Four-Poster Bed in Cream, M4P27

Located in Wrexham, GB

A mid-Victorian four-poster bedstead with attractive central brass plaque and serpentine top rail

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Late Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

Cream Victorian Four Poster Single Bed MS47

Sold

H 79 in W 38 in D 80 in

Cream Victorian Four Poster Single Bed MS47

Located in Wrexham, GB

A traditional style Victorian antique bed adapted to be a four poster bed, with brass collars on

Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

5ft Wide Cast Iron Four Poster Bed in Cream, M4P49

Sold

H 86 in W 60 in D 88 in

5ft Wide Cast Iron Four Poster Bed in Cream, M4P49

Located in Wrexham, GB

A 5ft wide cast iron antique four poster bed with ornate castings and original brass decoration

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

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. The original was made by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

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French Metal Canopy Bed, King

$11,070 / item

H 89 in W 82.5 in D 86 in

French Metal Canopy Bed, King

Located in Westwood, NJ

French Metal Canopy Bed, King Size, with a bronze finish metal canopy frame with a padded upholstered headboard in a neutral linen fabric. The frame with finials, square posts, and r...

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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Canopy Bed - US King

$10,080 / item

H 88 in W 83 in D 87 in

Mid-Century Modern Canopy Bed - US King

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Mid-Century Modern style canopy bed with a dramatic vertical slat back design. It has an architecturally inspired design that features Rich Walnut vertical slats, warmly contrasted...

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21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

King Size Mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall

$3,995 / item

H 87 in W 83 in D 90 in

King Size Mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall

By Leighton Hall Furniture

Located in Suwanee, GA

This is a new traditional king size mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall Furniture. It’s design was inspired by poster beds from the Regency period and features simple round tap...

Category

2010s American Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Chippendale Mahogany Four-Post Bed

$16,454 / item

H 92.5 in W 82.75 in D 91.25 in

Chippendale Mahogany Four-Post Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

Chippendale style four-post bed US King, finest mahogany flame veneers and satinwood crossbanding on the head and footboard, high turned and reeded posts on square carved fretwork le...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Queen Size Blue Roma Bed

$16,298 / item

H 102.76 in W 68.9 in D 88.98 in

18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Queen Size Blue Roma Bed

By Porte Italia

Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT

From our Hand-Painted Furniture Collection, our blue Roma bed, full posts with raised gesso details and white lotus finials. We try to not play favourites, but we do have a few! The...

Category

2010s Italian Other Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed

$3,595

H 91.5 in W 64.75 in D 88 in

Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed

By Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style four poster queen Size bed By Henredon USA, circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 64.75"W x 88"D x 91....

Category

Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

$187,500

H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

$13,924 / set

H 87.01 in W 41.34 in D 88.59 in

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XVI style bunk beds, exclusive to La Maison London: Hand carved featuring a band of intricate laurel leaves along the side bars and hand finished to order (picture shows a pale...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Greyed Oak Four Post King Bed

$10,535 / item

H 94.5 in W 83.25 in D 87.25 in

Greyed Oak Four Post King Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

English greyed oak four poster bed with an elegantly carved canopy, with gothic motifs, urn finials and turned and carved posts. Dimensions: 83.25" W x 87.25" D x 94.5" H Other...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Georgian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

King Size Mahogany Poster Bed

$4,125 / item

H 72 in W 83 in D 89 in

King Size Mahogany Poster Bed

Located in Annville, PA

A King Size Mahogany Poster Bed. A Solid Mahogany Frame and the finest mahogany veneered headboard panel combine together to create a beautiful and elegant bed suitable to be the cen...

Category

2010s Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

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

RARE VINTAGE RALPH LAUREN AMERICAN KiNG HUDSON STREET BED

$11,663

H 54.34 in W 85.83 in D 88.19 in

RARE VINTAGE RALPH LAUREN AMERICAN KiNG HUDSON STREET BED

By Ralph Lauren

Located in Pulborough, GB

We are delighted to offer for sale this rare Vintage Ralph Lauren American King Hudson Street Bed in rosewood-stained mahogany. A truly exceptional piece of furniture. Originally l...

Category

20th Century British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Hardwood

Plaza Bed King Queen, Black Lacquer Upholstered Canopy Headboard Four-Posts

$21,275 / item

H 107 in W 91 in D 92 in

Plaza Bed King Queen, Black Lacquer Upholstered Canopy Headboard Four-Posts

Located in Ridgewood, NY

Boasting grand and spectacular dimensions, the flagship Plaza bed is a modern yet not overstated take on Classic four-post luxury. A focal point for any space, it is the pinnacle of ...

Category

2010s American Other Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fabric, Lacquer

Joe Cariati Emerald Green Glass Collection, 2024

$3,495 / set

H 24 in Dm 8.25 in

Joe Cariati Emerald Green Glass Collection, 2024

By Joe Cariati

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary American glass artist Joe Cariati's Emerald Green Glass Collection, consisting of seven pieces, is quintessentially modern in both function and style, showcasing a purit...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid Century Chinoiserie King Bed

$8,077 / item

H 72.5 in W 81.68 in D 85.5 in

Mid Century Chinoiserie King Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

The headboard, a stunning half-moon shape, showcases a hand-painted Chinoiserie silver leaf panel, adding an element of refined elegance to your space. The frame's silver lacquered f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed...

Materials

Silver Leaf

Traditional King Poster Bed

$6,550 / item

H 91 in W 84.25 in D 87.75 in

Traditional King Poster Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

This exquisite piece features four tapered posts that transition gracefully from square to round, embodying classic craftsmanship and sophistication. Crafted and finished in a rich ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Rustic Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

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Questions About Cream Four Poster Beds

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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