Half Tester
19th C English Half Tester Double Brass Bed Frame
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1890
19thC English half tester double brass bed frame with lattice swing brackets to the
Category
Antique 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Half Tester Bed in Mahogany, M4P13
Located in Wrexham, GB
A magnificent mahogany Victorian half tester bed with flame veneer in the shaped foot panel, and
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
Cast Iron Half Tester Antique Bed finished in Blue Verdigris, M4P46
Located in Wrexham, GB
A 5ft wide cast iron antique half tester bed with half-round canopy supported by tall back posts
Category
Antique 1880s Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron
Magnificent Exhibition Quality Antique Gilded Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
Located in Suffolk, GB
Magnificent exhibition quality antique Victorian gilded solid brass half tester double bed having a
Category
Antique 1860s English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass
H 88.98 in W 55.91 in D 81.89 in
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1860 HAND CARVED BURR WALNUT HALF TESTER CANOPY BEd
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely handmade in England Burr Walnut ornately carved Half
Category
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Hardwood
H 93.31 in W 56.5 in D 84.65 in
Pia Manu Unique Handcrafted Double Bed in Wrought Iron
By Pia Manu
Located in Waalwijk, NL
feature. A half tester iron canopy is prominently placed above the bed, giving this bed an almost medieval
Category
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique English Victorian High Back Mahogany & Upholstered Bed
Located in Glasgow, GB
A handsome Victorian mahogany and upholstered double bed dating to circa 1880. With a tall half
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Metal
Antique Anglo Indian Colonial Raj Mahogany Carved Officers 4 Poster Tester Bed
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental and Rare antique Anglo Indian Raj tester or canopy bed, circa first half 19th century. A
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Anglo Raj Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
H 89.5 in W 72 in D 84 in
Pair of Beds, 19th Century, American Colonial-Style, Mahogany, ‘Antiquarian’
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
This pair of half-tester beds were acquired for the guest suite at Douglas Fairbanks Sr and Mary
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century North American American Colonial Beds and Bed F...
Materials
Mahogany
H 75.99 in W 83.86 in D 42.92 in
St. Croix Danish West Indies Mahogany King Size Four-Poster Bed, 19th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
A Regal St. Croix Danish West Indies Mahogany King size four-poster bed made in the first-half of
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Virgin Islands Dutch Colonial Beds and Bed Fr...
Materials
Mahogany
H 88.5 in W 83 in D 90 in
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'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö.
This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
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1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
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Over-Sized Queen Size Carved Italian Vernis Martin Painted Rococo Bed
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This is a gorgeous Vernis Martin paint decorated bed with a courtship scene. This bed is beautifully carved and has absolutely gorgeous paint decorated scenery. The bed dates to the ...
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French 19th Century Gothic Revival Hand Carved, Lacquered, Parcel Giltwood Spire
Located in Firenze, IT
An impressively large and well detailed French late 19th century architectural model of a Gothic inspired transept-spire or church pinnacle.
This Neo Gothic decorative finial is han...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Materials
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H 68.12 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Late 19th Century King Size American Mahogany Four Poster Bed
Located in Charleston, SC
This wonderful New York Four Poster bed has a simple poplar headboard and tester for draping. The mahogany foot post have a block spade foot below the bed bolts. The post continue up...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Federal Beds and Bed Frames
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RARE and SPECTACULAR 19th Century ITALIAN BED
By Europa Antiques
Located in Madrid, ES
RARE and SPECTACULAR 19th Century ITALIAN BED
Italian, 19th Century
in walnut wood with carvings, inlaid fillets, . Compositions with "allegorical figures”.
Dim.: 228 x 172 x 198 cm...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Bed Coronas
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Rare Seven-Piece Louis XIV Style Giltwood Salon Suite from France, circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
This majestic giltwood Chateau salon suite is from France and dates to circa 1880. There are four side chairs, two armchairs (fauteuils), and a canapé. All have square baluster legs ...
Category
Antique 1880s French Louis XIV Living Room Sets
Materials
Textile, Wood, Giltwood, Upholstery
H 54.13 in W 84.25 in D 34 in
Bespoke Brass and Iron Tangier Bed
Located in Wrexham, GB
A stunning bespoke made-to-measure brass and iron bed with ornate brass castings, faithfully copying an original antique bed.
The width can be ordered at 60 inches (UK King or US Qu...
Category
2010s British Beds and Bed Frames
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Brass, Steel
Sling Hanging Swing Chair Genuine Brown Leather 21st Century Modern
By Joanina and David Pastoll
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
Stripped away from all excess, this hanging chair has a circular frame with a sheet of natural thick leather hanging loose within it, to create a sleek, sexy, and oh so comfortable e...
Category
2010s South African Modern Chairs
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Steel
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Iron Large Single Bed with Hand Paintings
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Delicious Italian antique large single bed in iron, 1800. An elaborate wrought iron decoration with many curls and swirls. Internal dimensions inch W 58,26 D 77,16 cm W 148, D 196. A...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Iron
H 58.67 in W 59.06 in D 78.75 in
Swedish Late 18th Century Neoclassical Painted Bed with Medallions
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish neoclassical period painted rams head bed from the late 18th century, with new mattress, box spring and upholstery. Created in Sweden during the later years of the 18th cen...
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Wood
The Rosace Bed: Hand Carved In The Louis XVI Style By La Maison London
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
The Rosace bed is an elegant example of the French LXVI style, with its classic columns and restrained ornamentation the bedstead stands tall and exudes a nobel confidence. The apex ...
Category
2010s English Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Cane, Wood
H 57.09 in W 76.78 in D 84.65 in
Swedish 19th Century Louis XVI Style Settee
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A vibrant upholstered Louis XVI style settee from Sweden, circa 1840. The green-ish blue paint is original to the frame, worn in few spots adding to the overall antique charm. The hi...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Settees
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1920's Chinese Export Oriental Heavily Carved Camphor Wood Wardrobe Part Suite
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand made Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 Camphor wood wardrobe which is part of a set
I have the matching super rare chest of draw...
Category
Vintage 1920s Chinese Chinese Export Bedroom Sets
Materials
Wood
H 71.46 in W 41.15 in D 18.51 in
French Louis XV Style Ciel de Lit or Bed Canopy, 19th Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Louis XV style 19th century Chapeau de gendarme bed canopy, was formerly the top of a Provencal armoire.
This beautifully carved piece has been repurposed as a bed canopy. ...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Bed Coronas
Materials
Wood
The Howard, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection.
A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium.
Has been used by many influent...
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Recent Sales
Late Victorian Iron and Brass Half Tester Bed, circa 1880
Located in Avington, Hampshire
Late Victorian iron and brass half tester bed, circa 1880
Mattress not included, please enquire if
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames
Antique Carved Oak Tester Bed
Located in Culver City, CA
An antique oak tester bed with a molded and pierced carved cornice, a carved frieze and a
Category
Antique 17th Century French Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Oak
Blue Verdigris Half Tester Bed, M4P28
Located in Wrexham, GB
5ft wide attractive cast iron half tester bed finished in blue Verdigris.
The price includes a
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Iron
Half Tester Bed in Mahogany, WK111
Located in Wrexham, GB
Magnificent mahogany Victorian half tester bed with arched foot panel and serpentine canopy.
The
Category
Antique Early 19th Century European Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
Scottish Half Tester Bedstead
Located in Wrexham, GB
A superb light maplewood Scottish half tester bedstead with moire effect panels and turned posts
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Maple, Satinwood
Victorian Mahogany Half Tester Bed
Located in Wrexham, GB
A magnificent Victorian mahogany half tester bedstead with shaped foot panel and tall canopy. The
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
Brass & Iron Half Tester Bed, M4P39
Located in Wrexham, GB
Beautifully painted Victorian half tester bedstead in our hand painted blue verdigris with
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron
Prudent Mallard Half-Tester Bed
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional American Rococo Revival half-tester bed displays the hallmarks of the great New
Category
Antique 19th Century American Rococo Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Rosewood
Gold Double Half Tester Bed - M4P22
Located in Wrexham, GB
A cast iron half tester bed from the mid-Victorian era finished in gold with decorative brass
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Painted Cast Iron Half Tester Bed M4P34
Located in Wrexham, GB
This superb original mid-Victorian cast iron half tester bed has the original floral painted
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Iron
Mid-Victorian Iron Half Tester Bed
Located in Wrexham, GB
A fine example of a cast iron half tester bed in its original condition. The ornate iron work on
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Iron, Steel
Mid-Victorian Cast Iron Half Tester Bed - MHT1
Located in Wrexham, GB
A fine example of a cast iron half tester bed finished in white. The ornate iron work on the panel
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
Mid-Victorian Cast Iron Half Tester Bed - MHT2
Located in Wrexham, GB
A superb and rare example of a mid-Victorian half tester bed in original condition. The tapered
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron, Steel
An Arts & Crafts Cast Brass Half Tester Double Bed with Stylised Floral Details
Located in London, GB
An Arts and Crafts lacquered cast brass half tester double bedstead, with stylised plant and floral
Category
20th Century English Arts and Crafts Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass
H 87 in W 53.5 in D 78 in
Victorian Mahogany Half Tester Bed, Sunburst Canopy Barley Twist Columns
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
This Victorian mahogany half tester bed is superb, it dates from around 1860 it has a half canopy
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
Mahogany Half Tester Bedstead - WHT1
Located in Wrexham, GB
A magnificent Victorian bedstead with flame mahogany arched foot board and shaped canopy.
The side runners and the back posts have been replaced and the arched back board has been ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
CB-17 Antique Scottish '1870' Victorian Queen Size Half Tester Brass Bed
Located in Vancouver, BC
CB-17 antique Scottish Victorian queen-size half tester brass bed,
Scotland, 1870.
All
Category
Antique 1870s Scottish Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass
Antique 19th Century American Carved Walnut Doll Bed
Located in New Orleans, LA
for your beloved pet. The half tester now upholstered in a tapestry and the bedding is a king size
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Eastlake Children's Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Tapestry
Victorian Mahogany Half Tester Bed
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Victorian Mahogany half tester bed with well figured arched footboard and upholstered headboard
Category
Antique 1880s Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
Gothic Mahogany Half Tester Bed
Located in Wrexham, GB
This magnificent Gothic half tester bed has linenfold carved decoration on the back panels, the
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Gothic Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
All Brass Half Tester Bed, MHT3
Located in Wrexham, GB
A superb example of a late Victorian half tester bed with ornate cast brass fittings, barley twist
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Half Tester Bed in Mahogany, WHT2
Located in Wrexham, GB
A magnificent mahogany Victorian half tester bed with flame veneer in the shaped foot panel
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
half tester press bed
Located in Hudson, NY
birch half tester press bed from the north shore of Boston, MA
old refinished - retains some
Category
Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Birch
Unusual Antique Victorian Miniature Oak Half Tester Bed
Located in Stutton, GB
Unusual antique victorian miniature oak half tester bed
All original lovely color and condition
9
Category
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Architectural Models
Materials
Oak
The Heron Bed
Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire
The Heron Bed, a magnificent mahogany Half Tester Bed, attributed to Blanes of Liverpool and
Category
Antique 19th Century English Beds and Bed Frames
Antique Bed
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Antique bed, this type is often referred to as a half tester. This one is unusually large at 5 feet
Category
Antique 19th Century British Beds and Bed Frames
Carved Mahogany Tall Post Tester Bed
Located in Great Barrington, MA
and wrenches to set up and take down. The tester and rails are hinged in the middle and fold in half
Category
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Brass
Important Carved Mahogany Classical Bed, with Elaborate Eagle, Standing on a Globe with Cornstalk Columns, c.1830/40
Located in Providence, RI
governor’s mansion. The eagle sits on a well defined globe with the American shield on the bottom half of
Category
Antique 19th Century American Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Materials
Mahogany
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Half Tester For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the half tester you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, wood and iron, every half tester was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer half tester, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each half tester bearing Victorian or Arts and Crafts hallmarks is very 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 Half Tester
- 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.
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