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 bed with four posts called?

A bed with four posts is called a four-poster bed. Many attach to awnings called canopies. Historical records trace the beds back to the 3rd century, but they became especially popular during the Middle Ages. Find a selection of antique and vintage four-poster beds 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.

Four Pillar Bed

Italian Renaissance Chest Of Drawers

American Georgian Furniture

Late 17th Century Oak Chest Of Drawers

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Circa 1800 American Federal Hardwood Four Poster Bed Frame with Carved Pillars

$23,565

H 66.93 in W 39.77 in D 80.52 in

Circa 1800 American Federal Hardwood Four Poster Bed Frame with Carved Pillars

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

four post bed with heavily carved and fluted columns. These beds are about as rare and collectable

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17th Century Italian Renaissance Walnut Credenza or Cabinet

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H 16 in W 44 in L 16 in

17th Century Italian Renaissance Walnut Credenza or Cabinet

Located in Dallas, TX

. Canopy beds with four pillars became popular among the wealthy. On the other hand, many people still

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Louise Alix1930's French Impressionist Maiden Lying On Four Pillar Bed Watercolour Painting, 1930's

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H 9.5 in W 6.5 in

1930's French Impressionist Maiden Lying On Four Pillar Bed Watercolour Painting

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

condition: overall very good and sound, a few scuffs and marks to the surface and wear to the four corners

Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

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ANTIQUE ROYAL HAND CARVED ENGLISH OAK ARMORIAL COAT OF ARMS CROWNS EAGLEs

$3,972

H 16.15 in W 13.39 in D 1.19 in

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Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

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An impressive sissoo wood Anglo-Indian four poster bed

$37,368

H 100 in W 91.5 in D 72 in

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Located in Lymington, Hampshire

An impressive sissoo wood Anglo-Indian four poster bed, of rectangular form with a central openwork cresting, and splat, showing a naïve carving of the Coat of Arms of Great Britain,...

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

$1,050Sale Price|30% Off

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...

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Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase

$4,812Sale Price|46% Off

H 77 in W 44.25 in D 21 in

Rare Antique Federal American Mahogany Secretary Writing Desk Gothic Bookcase

Located in Dayton, OH

A fine and impressive Federal Period Mahogany secretary and bookcase, circa 1830s. The bookcase features an eighteen pane gothic arched cabinet front that opens to two shelves, cubbi...

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Pair of American Mahogany Pencil Post and Head Board Twin Tester Beds, C. 1810

$15,000Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 80.5 in W 80 in D 44.75 in

Pair of American Mahogany Pencil Post and Head Board Twin Tester Beds, C. 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of American mahogany pencil and bulbous post twin tester beds with original carved scrolled headboards, brass escutcheons, and side rails. Fits Standard twin mattress and box s...

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Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Three Pedestal Dining Table

$75,000

H 29 in W 127 in D 55 in

Early 19th Century Regency Mahogany Three Pedestal Dining Table

Located in Long Island City, NY

This early 19th century English Regency dining table, of a rich and lovely grained mahogany, has a reeded edge and two center leaves, and is supported by three turned pedestal bases,...

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IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

$161,929

H 90.95 in W 61.03 in D 77.56 in

IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, English Tudor King Henry VII Oak tester bed made for an...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

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NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

$12,500

H 90.25 in W 82 in D 61.25 in

NYC Federal Full Tester Bed Attributable to Lannuier w Four Floral-Carved Posts

By Charles-Honoré Lannuier

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

An exceptional American Federal sleigh bed with tester in fine West Indies/ Cuban mahogany with beautifully-articulated floral and acanthus-leaf carvings, along the crest of the head...

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Francesco GuardiShipping in Stormy Waters, Attributed to Italian Artist Francesco Guardi, 18th Century

$69,330

H 25.79 in W 29.14 in

Shipping in Stormy Waters, Attributed to Italian Artist Francesco Guardi

By Francesco Guardi

Located in Stockholm, SE

The splendour of the tragic sea Francesco Guardi and maritime painting in Venetian art No Venetian painter was a stranger to the sea. After all, Venice was not only one of the mos...

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Charleston Mahogany Urn Finial Four-Poster Crib with Caning, Circa 1800

$35,000

H 69.5 in W 67 in D 29.75 in

Charleston Mahogany Urn Finial Four-Poster Crib with Caning, Circa 1800

Located in Charleston, SC

Charleston mahogany crib with flanking scrolled cane headboards, four urn finial bulbous turned ringed post, hinged finger locked swing down side panels, original side rails with sup...

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18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase China Cabinet

$20,199

H 94 in W 42 in D 23 in

18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase China Cabinet

Located in Lymington, GB

A fine English mid-18th century mahogany secretaire / secretary / bookcase / china cabinet. Of lovely, deep, rich color, patina and quality. George III-period, circa 1760. The bold...

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Extremely Rare Victorian Chandelier of Exceptional Quality and Size by F&C Osler

$403,981

H 86.03 in Dm 51.97 in

Extremely Rare Victorian Chandelier of Exceptional Quality and Size by F&C Osler

By F. & C. Osler

Located in Steyning, West sussex

An extremely rare early Victorian 20-light cut-glass silvered mounted chandelier of exceptional quality the baluster thumb and radial cut shaft with lower shaft canopy and draping pa...

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LARGE & IMPORTANT ANTiQUE CIRCA 1600 CHARLES I DOCUMENTED ENGLISH OAK TESTER BED

$107,728

H 95.08 in W 69.89 in D 95.28 in

LARGE & IMPORTANT ANTiQUE CIRCA 1600 CHARLES I DOCUMENTED ENGLISH OAK TESTER BED

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

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19th Century Tester Bed

$24,500

H 124 in W 82 in D 89.5 in

19th Century Tester Bed

Located in New Orleans, LA

This lavish American tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail. The design is embellished with elaborate carvings on the headboard and sides. The stunning wood grain enha...

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Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

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Silk, Wood

King George I Ambassadorial Secrétaire-Cabinet

$348,500

H 89.75 in W 42.5 in D 21 in

King George I Ambassadorial Secrétaire-Cabinet

Located in New Orleans, LA

This highly important secrétaire-cabinet was crafted for and specially ordered by King George I for the British Ambassador to Russia. From its craftsmanship and materials to its exce...

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Antique 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

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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...

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Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

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Silk, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut

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Four Pillar Bed For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the four pillar bed you’re looking for. Each four pillar bed for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and natural fiber. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer four pillar bed, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. A four pillar bed made by Georgian designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — is very popular. A well-made four pillar bed has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Henri-Auguste Fourdinois and Thomas Weeks are consistently popular.