French Four Poster Bed
Antique Late 19th Century French Country Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames
Mid-20th Century French Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 1880s French Louis XIII Bedroom Sets
Walnut
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Silk, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 1830s French William IV Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1860s Belgian Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century North American Louis Philippe Beds and Bed Fr...
Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Beds and Bed Frames
20th Century Unknown Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Vintage 1970s French Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames
Iron, Brass
20th Century Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Late 20th Century Country Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century Italian Romantic Settees
Silver Leaf
Vintage 1950s English Georgian Fireplaces and Mantels
Statuary Marble
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Paint
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Velvet, Wood, Leather, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen
Vintage 1980s American Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Empire Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s English Settees
Velvet, Giltwood
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Fabric
Antique 18th Century English Georgian Sofas
Beech
Antique 1830s European Jacobean Bookcases
Oak
French Four Poster 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.
- 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 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, 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 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.
- 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, 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.
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