English Tester Bed
Antique 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames
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Upholstery, Mahogany
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Mahogany
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Brass
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Oak
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Oak
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Oak
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Late 20th Century English Regency Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
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Hardwood
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Oak
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Linen, Upholstery, Wood
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English 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.
- What is a tester bed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021Also known as a canopy bed, a tester bed is supported with a headboard and two posts. A tester bed usually features a full-sized suspended canopy with curtains on the top, back and sides. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary tester beds from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a half tester bed?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A half tester bed is a low-foot bed — which means there is no footboard and it won’t look as imposing in your bedroom, particularly if space is a concern. A half tester bed’s canopy only covers the headboard. It is known as a “half” tester bed because the canopy extends only to half the length of the bed. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary half tester beds from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What does half-tester bed mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A half-tester bed means that the bed features a half a canopy above it. This half-tester may be used to suspend curtains that could help provide more privacy and retain more warmth around the head of the bed. Shop 1stDibs for a collection of beds featuring half-testers.
- 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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