What are canopy beds for?

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.

How do I make a canopy for a bed?

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.

What is a canopy over a bed called?

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.

What is the canopy above a bed called?

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.

Are canopy beds still made?

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.

What was the original purpose of a canopy bed?

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.

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.

English Canopy Bed

Style Avenue

Beds With Canopies

Curved Headboards

19th Century Four Poster Bed

Chippendale Twin Bed Frames

Amanda Lindroth

Antique Bed Frames Mahogany

Queen Size Brass Bed

Late 19th Century English Satinwood Twin Canopy Bed

$3,500

H 74 in W 76 in D 36 in

Late 19th Century English Satinwood Twin Canopy Bed

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th-century English twin canopy bed in the campaign style, featuring dark satinwood straining and a simple curved headboard.

Category

Antique 1880s English Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Satinwood

Recent Sales

Antique English Painted Chinese Chippendale Canopy Bed

Sold

H 88 in W 57.5 in D 81.5 in

Antique English Painted Chinese Chippendale Canopy Bed

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Wow! This is a wonderful bed. It is a hand painted antique English Chinese Chippendale style canopy bed.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Chinese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

Island Hopping Amanda Lindroth Design Book by Amanda Lindroth

Sold

H 11.75 in W 9.75 in D 3 in

Island Hopping Amanda Lindroth Design Book by Amanda Lindroth

By Lindroth

Located in New York, NY

Island Hopping Amanda Lindroth Design By: Amanda Lindroth Photography by Tria Giovan Illustrations by Aldous Bertram NOW WITH 16 NEW PAGES White duck, boldly colored fabrics in soli...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Books

Materials

Paper

Antique Painted Satinwood Domed Canopy Bed

Sold

H 104 in W 88 in D 74 in

Antique Painted Satinwood Domed Canopy Bed

Located in Kensington, MD

English polychromed-painted Satinwood Domed Canopy Bed with white feather and green tobacco leaves above entwined floral wreaths and garlands.

Category

Early 20th Century English Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Satinwood, Paint, Upholstery

Early 19th Century English Regency Salesmen Sample Four Poster Bed with Canopy

Sold

H 25.5 in W 19.75 in D 27 in

Early 19th Century English Regency Salesmen Sample Four Poster Bed with Canopy

Located in Charleston, SC

T. Pratt Cabinet & Chair manufacturer, Upholsterer (Please see picture of label for reference) No. 10, Rose Hill, East, (Near the level) Brighton,: Orders Received at No. 136, Lo...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

English Queen Size Brass Bed

Sold

H 87 in W 84 in D 60 in

English Queen Size Brass Bed

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Fantastic English brass canopy bed that has been made into a queen size that will take both box spring and mattress.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames

Pair Beds

Sold

H 93 in W 81 in D 42 in

Pair Beds

Located in San Francisco, CA

A Pair of English Chippendale Style Twin Mahogany Canopy Bed Frames

Category

20th Century English Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

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Rosso Wall Mirror

$1,395 / item

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 1.97 in

Rosso Wall Mirror

By Specchi Veneziani

Located in Milan, IT

Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...

Category

2010s Italian Renaissance Wall Mirrors

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Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

$4,554 / set

H 28.5 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables

By Theodore Alexander

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.

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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables

Materials

Wood

Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture

$2,774

H 20 in W 15.3 in D 9.4 in

Fine Art Antique Hand Carved Wooden Black Forest Trophy-Like Deer Wall Sculpture

Located in Lisse, NL

Finest quality carved, Victorian era, Black Forest deer / stag wall sculpture. One of the main reasons for people wanting to own and enjoy antiques is for their decorative appeal an...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Black Forest Animal Sculptures

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Pair of French Louis XVI Style Creme Paint Decorated Twin Beds

$2,916Sale Price|20% Off

H 35 in W 46.5 in D 20.25 in

Pair of French Louis XVI Style Creme Paint Decorated Twin Beds

By Maison Jansen

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 44 3/8 in W: 41 3/4 in D: 81 3/4 in Interior Dimensions For Mattress - W: 39 in D: 75 3/4 in This stunning pair of French Louis XVI-style twin beds showcases exqui...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

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Pair Neoclassical Style Black Iron Twin Campaign Canopy Beds

$9,800 / set

H 95 in W 40 in D 77 in

Pair Neoclassical Style Black Iron Twin Campaign Canopy Beds

Located in Houston, TX

Pair of wonderful 20th Century campaign style canopy black iron twin beds.

Category

20th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Vintage Traditional Full Brass Bed.

$2,450

H 63.5 in W 57.5 in D 83.5 in

Vintage Traditional Full Brass Bed.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Anchor your bedroom with the timeless elegance of this stunning vintage full-size brass bed. Expertly crafted from solid, high-quality brass, this bed frame features substantial turn...

Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

Antique 19th Century Cherry Colonial Non Traditional 3/4 Cannonball Post Bed

$1,500

H 53.5 in W 79 in D 60 in

Antique 19th Century Cherry Colonial Non Traditional 3/4 Cannonball Post Bed

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique 19th century cannonball post bed. Made of cherry with traditional Colonial styling that features reticulated headboard with serpentine crest and tall turned posts. Dimensio...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

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20th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Style Four-Poster Bed

$2,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 78.75 in W 59.06 in D 74.81 in

20th Century French Walnut Louis XVI Style Four-Poster Bed

Located in LEGNY, FR

Beautiful and rare 20th century French walnut between Louis XV and Louis XVI style four poster bed. The bed is upholstered with pink silk fabric but we think it needs to be changed. ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

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Original 19th-century canopy bed, 19th, Italy

Sold|~~$5,902~~

H 93.31 in W 78.75 in D 55.12 in

Original 19th-century canopy bed, 19th, Italy

Located in Milano, IT

Original 19th-century canopy bed, 19th, Italy Canopy bed, iron frame with brass decorations and original gilding, 19th century, Italy. Measurements length 200, width 140, canopy hei...

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Antique Early 1800s European Beaux Arts Beds and Bed Frames

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Charles Dudouyt 1940s French Carved Wood Bed

$1,850 / item

H 39.5 in W 80.5 in D 37.75 in

Charles Dudouyt 1940s French Carved Wood Bed

By Charles Dudouyt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Incredible and rare vintage twin bed frame by Charles Dudouyt, circa 1940's France. Long oak wood frame with carved spindle and circle detail. Original finish shows nice age and pati...

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20th Century George III Style Carved Mahogany Semi-Poster Full Size Bed

$1,995

H 56 in W 58 in D 82.5 in

20th Century George III Style Carved Mahogany Semi-Poster Full Size Bed

Located in Germantown, MD

20th Century George III Style Carved Mahogany Semi-Poster Full Size Bed. Measures 58" in width, 82.5" in length, 56" in height at the tip of the finials. Headboard is 42" in height ...

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American Mahogany Classical Acanthus Carved Four Poster Tester Bed. Circa 1815

$36,000Sale Price|40% Off

H 119 in W 82.5 in D 60 in

American Mahogany Classical Acanthus Carved Four Poster Tester Bed. Circa 1815

By Anthony Gabriel Quervelle

Located in Charleston, SC

American mahogany Classical carved four poster bed with molded edge tester, flanking swan necks headboard, acanthus carved bulbous post, original rails, and terminating on brass cup ...

Category

Antique 1810s American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

Oak and Walnut Tester Bed

$44,500

H 117 in W 79 in D 93.5 in

Oak and Walnut Tester Bed

Located in New Orleans, LA

This lavish American oak and walnut tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail. The design is embellished by elaborate carving throughout in a neoclassical motif the inclu...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

Rare Pair English Satinwood Paint Decorated Adams Style Twin Single Size Beds

$2,795 / set

H 43.25 in W 38.75 in D 81.75 in

Rare Pair English Satinwood Paint Decorated Adams Style Twin Single Size Beds

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This rare pair of English satinwood paint decorated Adams Style twin or single size beds exudes timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Beautifully constructed in satinwood, these antiq...

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Vintage 1920s English Adam Style Beds and Bed Frames

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MONUMENTAL 3 METER EMPEROR ANTIQUE CiRCA 1880 CARVED ENGLISH BURR OAK TESTER BED

$82,063

H 118.51 in W 103.15 in D 102.76 in

MONUMENTAL 3 METER EMPEROR ANTIQUE CiRCA 1880 CARVED ENGLISH BURR OAK TESTER BED

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely enormous 9 feet 9 inch tall Antique circa 1880-1900 hand carved English Burr Oak Emperor size Tester bed frame whi...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

Portuguese Canopy Bed

$47,219

H 110.24 in W 59.45 in D 80.71 in

Portuguese Canopy Bed

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Rare Canopy bed in mahogany, richly carved with palm leaves, foliage and plants. The headboard is decorated with a nice painting representing the Virgin surrounded by putti. The four...

Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

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English Canopy Bed For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal English canopy bed for your home. An English canopy bed — often made from wood, mahogany and fabric — can elevate any home. There are 9 variations of the antique or vintage English canopy bed you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without an English canopy bed — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. An English canopy bed, designed in the Victorian or Georgian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made English canopy bed has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Carlo Zappa 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 English Canopy Bed

What are canopy beds for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
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.
How do I make a canopy for a bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What is a canopy over a bed called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
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.
What is the canopy above a bed called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
Are canopy beds still made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What was the original purpose of a canopy bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
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.

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