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.

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 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 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.

Painted Poster Bed

Bed Finials

King Wood Bed Frame Antique

Patina Painted Furniture Italy

Patina Bed

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

$7,365 / item

H 91 in W 80 in D 90 in

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

$7,419 / item

H 91 in W 80 in D 90 in

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US King

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US Queen

$7,095 / item

H 91 in W 67 in D 90 in

Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed, US Queen

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Grey Painted Four Poster Bed. Queen Size. A wonderful combination of antique

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Carved 'Limestone' Painted Four Poster King Size Bed

$10,527 / item

H 90.5 in W 86 in D 88.25 in

Carved 'Limestone' Painted Four Poster King Size Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

A finely carved mahogany and 'limestone' painted four-poster king-size bed, the serpentine arched

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Queen Hale Navy Painted Maple Cannonball Four Poster Bed with Flat Headboard

$4,510 / item

H 48 in W 64.38 in D 86.63 in

Queen Hale Navy Painted Maple Cannonball Four Poster Bed with Flat Headboard

Located in Tiverton, RI

The Classic cannonball bed features the favorite round ball top bed posts with a merry cut-out flat

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American American Classical Beds and Bed F...

Materials

Wood

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed

$76,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 88 in W 82 in D 90 in

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed

By John Dickinson

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

John Dickinson ‘Twig’ King Size Four Poster Bed John Dickinson (1919–1982) USA, circa 1970’s Two

Category

20th Century American Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paint

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

$18,995

H 84.65 in W 71.26 in D 83.86 in

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

A unique design of master carving from La Maison London. A hand carved Four Poster bed frame, in

Category

2010s British Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

$18,937

H 84.26 in W 64.97 in D 78.75 in

Rococo Style Hand Carved 4 Poster & Bunk Bed

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

A unique design of master carving from La Maison London. A hand carved Four Poster bed frame, in

Category

2010s British Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

19th Century Rare Neoclassical Style Iron King Poster Bed

$11,950

H 85 in W 90 in D 90 in

19th Century Rare Neoclassical Style Iron King Poster Bed

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

king poster bed you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

21st C. Silvered Reeded Four Poster Bed, Modern Neoclassical/Regency Influences

$3,550

H 84.5 in W 67 in D 85.5 in

21st C. Silvered Reeded Four Poster Bed, Modern Neoclassical/Regency Influences

Located in Morristown, NJ

A contemporary four-poster bed defined by strong vertical articulation and restrained decorative

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rare 19th century mahogany and porcelain inlaid 4 poster bed

$52,848

H 103.25 in W 75 in D 90 in

Rare 19th century mahogany and porcelain inlaid 4 poster bed

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Rare 19th century mahogany and porcelain 4 poster bed circa 1889. Debenham antiques are pleased to

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

Vintage White Wash French Provincial Full Size Urn Poster Bed

$1,096

H 67 in W 55 in D 81 in

Vintage White Wash French Provincial Full Size Urn Poster Bed

Located in Germantown, MD

Vintage French Provincial cottage full size poster bed. Beautiful urn finials. Whitewash distress

Category

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Mid-Century American Classical Yellow Painted Maple Twin Poster Bedframe

$1,710

H 74.5 in W 41 in D 81 in

Mid-Century American Classical Yellow Painted Maple Twin Poster Bedframe

Located in Germantown, MD

Mid-Century American Classical light Yellow Painted Maple Twin Poster Bedframe. Measures 41.5" in

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Maple, Paint

Roma Ivory King Size Bed

$23,685 / item

H 102.76 in W 85.04 in D 88.98 in

Roma Ivory King Size Bed

By Porte Italia

Located in Milan, IT

Presenting the stunning Roma Bed, a symbol of romance and enduring beauty. This hand-painted four

Category

2010s Italian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

Italian Carved Four Poster Bed

Unavailable

H 91 in W 70.5 in D 95 in

Italian Carved Four Poster Bed

Located in Chicago, IL

rail are beautifully carved and the bed is beautifully presented in a gessoed, painted, filigreed and

Category

20th Century Unknown Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Pine, Paint

Italian Hand Painted Poster Bed by Patina Furniture Company, 1980s

Sold

H 93.25 in W 60.5 in D 82.5 in

Italian Hand Painted Poster Bed by Patina Furniture Company, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, PA

A lovely Italian Hand-painted Poster Bed by Patina furniture company, 1980s. This Italian bed has a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Bohemian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed - Queen

Sold

H 91 in W 67 in D 90 in

Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed - Queen

Located in Westwood, NJ

A Modern Gustavian Cream Painted Four Poster Bed. A wonderful combination of antique Gustavian

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Neo-Classical Style Tole Painted Metal Framed Four Poster Bed, Queen

Sold

H 86.5 in W 62 in D 83.25 in

Neo-Classical Style Tole Painted Metal Framed Four Poster Bed, Queen

By Niermann Weeks

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a queen size neo-classical style tole painted metal four poster bed that is attributed to

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

American Sheraton Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed, Circa 1830

Sold

H 85 in W 81 in D 60.5 in

American Sheraton Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed, Circa 1830

Located in Charleston, SC

American Sheraton mahogany four-poster rope bed with painted recessed panels on headboard, floral

Category

Antique 1830s American Sheraton Beds and Bed Frames

Hand Made White & Gold Painted Carved Wooden Four Poster Bed

Sold

H 94.1 in W 83.86 in D 63.98 in

Hand Made White & Gold Painted Carved Wooden Four Poster Bed

Located in Worcester, GB

Elegant Handcrafted Four Poster Bed in White & Gold with Bespoke Silk Drapery A handsome and

Category

Mid-20th Century British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Sculpted White Poster Bed Headboard

Sold

H 79 in W 87 in D 7 in

Sculpted White Poster Bed Headboard

By John Dickinson

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Very solid and heavy poster headboard. Metal frame finished with textured white paint.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Italian Hand Painted Four Poster Faux Bamboo Bed by Patina with Birds, King

Sold

H 97 in W 83 in D 90 in

Italian Hand Painted Four Poster Faux Bamboo Bed by Patina with Birds, King

Located in Kennesaw, GA

I love this! It is a lovely hand painted four poster bed by Patina. It is Italian. The four posts

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

RARE ORIGINAL BLUE 19THC CHILDS POSTER BED

Sold

H 37 in W 70 in D 36 in

RARE ORIGINAL BLUE 19THC CHILDS POSTER BED

Located in Los Angeles, CA

RARE EARLY 19THC ORIGINAL BLUE PAINTED CHILDS FOUR POSTER BED FROM NEW ENGLAND-WONDERFUL PATINA AND

Category

Antique 19th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Linen, Down

Vintage French Provincial Urn Poster Twin Size Beds, a Pair

Sold

H 67 in W 40 in D 81 in

Vintage French Provincial Urn Poster Twin Size Beds, a Pair

Located in Germantown, MD

Vintage French Provincial cottage twin size poster bed. Beautiful urn finials. Whitewash distress

Category

Mid-20th Century American French Provincial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Maitland Smith Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Iron Four Poster Queen Size Bed

Sold

H 83.5 in W 63 in D 89 in

Maitland Smith Neoclassical Laurel Wreath Iron Four Poster Queen Size Bed

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century 4 poster bed by Lineage Home Furnishings for Maitland Smith. Made from wrought

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Federal Style Carved Mahogany Four Poster Bed in Manner of Samuel McIntire

Sold

H 99 in W 79 in L 99 in

Federal Style Carved Mahogany Four Poster Bed in Manner of Samuel McIntire

By Phillip Lowe

Located in Essex, MA

Incredible Handcrafted Four Poster Bed in Style of McIntire. Made by Phillip Lowe, Beverly

Category

20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany, Birch

Italian Iron Bed

Sold

H 89 in W 81 in D 64 in

Italian Iron Bed

Located in Chireno, TX

Beautiful Iron Four Poster Bed With Paint and Gilt.

Category

20th Century Italian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Iron

Sirmos King Size Arbor Bed

Sold

H 88 in W 85 in D 81 in

Sirmos King Size Arbor Bed

By Sirmos

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A painted plaster four poster bed in the form of twigs and branches.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Beds and Bed Frames

Patina Furniture Company Italian Painted Poster Bed, 1980s

Sold

H 98.5 in W 89.5 in D 70 in

Patina Furniture Company Italian Painted Poster Bed, 1980s

By Patina

Located in Hamburg, PA

A Queen size Bohemian Italian painted poster bed by Patina Furniture Company, makers of fine

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Bohemian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

Italian Hand Painted Poster Bed by Patina Furniture Company, 1980s

Sold

H 93.25 in W 60.5 in D 82.5 in

Italian Hand Painted Poster Bed by Patina Furniture Company, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, PA

A lovely Italian Hand-painted Poster Bed by Patina furniture company, 1980s. This Italian bed has a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Bohemian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Hand Painted King Size Poster Bed by Patina, Italy, 1980s

Sold

H 102 in W 85 in D 88 in

Hand Painted King Size Poster Bed by Patina, Italy, 1980s

Located in Hamburg, PA

A lovely Italian Hand-painted Poster Bed by Patina furniture company, 1980s. This Italian bed has a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Bohemian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Antique Full Size Painted Iron Poster Bed

Sold

H 63 in W 54 in D 80 in

Antique Full Size Painted Iron Poster Bed

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Beautiful antique iron bed from the mid-1800s in a distressed black painted finish. The paint is

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century Venetian Carved & Painted Pine Poster Bed

Sold

H 84 in W 74.5 in D 56.5 in

19th Century Venetian Carved & Painted Pine Poster Bed

Located in Forney, TX

A charming Venetian hand carved, lacquered, and paint decorated pine double / full pencil poster

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

American 1940s Solid Mahogany 4 Poster Bed with Italian Hand Painted Canopy

Sold

H 83.5 in W 90.5 in D 92.25 in

American 1940s Solid Mahogany 4 Poster Bed with Italian Hand Painted Canopy

Located in Santa Monica, CA

American 1940s solid mahogany 4 poster bed, with 19th century Italian canopy. It needs a custom

Category

Mid-20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Mahogany

Beautifully Patinated 19th Century Four-Poster Bed with Hand-Painted Headboard

Sold

H 75 in W 40 in D 78 in

Beautifully Patinated 19th Century Four-Poster Bed with Hand-Painted Headboard

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a rare and beautiful example of a 19th century European twin bed with hand-painted

Category

Antique 19th Century European Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Regency Style Carved and Painted Four Poster Tester Bed with Palm Fronds, King

Sold

H 87 in W 84 in D 87.75 in

Regency Style Carved and Painted Four Poster Tester Bed with Palm Fronds, King

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This wonderful regency style carved and painted four poster tester bed with carved palm fronds on

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

Black Painted and Parcel-Gilt King Size Four Poster Bed by Julia Gray

Sold

H 91.75 in W 86 in D 90 in

Black Painted and Parcel-Gilt King Size Four Poster Bed by Julia Gray

By Julia Gray

Located in Southampton, NY

Black painted and parcel-gilt four-poster bed by Julia Gray. King-size, solid wood frame in black

Category

Late 20th Century American Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Paint, Wood

Italian Four Poster Bed 19th Century

Sold

H 68.51 in W 82.68 in D 61.03 in

Italian Four Poster Bed 19th Century

Located in Buxton, GB

We are delighted to offer for sale this Fabulous Italian x4 Poster Bed This Bed is so Artistic

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Hollywood Regency Queen-Size Floral Four Poster Bed Frame

Sold

H 88 in W 67 in D 88 in

Hollywood Regency Queen-Size Floral Four Poster Bed Frame

Located in New York, NY

Hollywood Regency queen-size floral four poster bed frame. Solid wood with a painted finish

Category

Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

David T Smith Early American Colonial Queen Size Pencil Post 4 Poster Canopy Bed

Sold

H 85 in W 63 in D 81.5 in

David T Smith Early American Colonial Queen Size Pencil Post 4 Poster Canopy Bed

By David Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Early American painted queen size pencil post canopy bed by David T Smith, circa 1987. A style

Category

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos

Sold

H 88.5 in W 66 in D 87 in

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos

Located in New York, NY

A Painted Plaster Four-Poster Bed by Sirmos, from the 1970’s, in the form of twigs and branches.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Beds and Bed Frames

French Louis XVI Painted Four Poster bed

Sold

H 91.5 in W 78 in D 48 in

French Louis XVI Painted Four Poster bed

Located in Hudson, NY

PRICE REDUCTION A Louis XVI four poster bed in flaky old yellow paint, with carved a

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Beds and Bed Frames

Anglo-Indian Carved Four Poster Bed Painted White

Sold

H 83 in W 60 in D 80 in

Anglo-Indian Carved Four Poster Bed Painted White

Located in Richmond, CA

Anglo-Indian solid teak bed that has been newly painted white. Elaborate carved details on

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Teak, Paint

An exceptional four poster painted mahogany bed

Sold

H 98.43 in W 90.16 in D 90.16 in

An exceptional four poster painted mahogany bed

By Jonathan Sainsbury

Located in Blandford Forum, Dorset

A cream and green painted four poster bed after a design by Robert Adam. The original was made by

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Pair of Red Painted Four Poster Single Bed Frames

Sold

H 92 in W 42.5 in D 79 in

Pair of Red Painted Four Poster Single Bed Frames

Located in Hudson, NY

Pair of red painted four-poster bed single canopy bed frames. The beds with four turned bed posts

Category

Late 20th Century American George III Beds and Bed Frames

George III Period Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed

Sold

H 94 in W 79 in D 64 in

George III Period Mahogany and Painted Four-Poster Bed

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

George III period mahogany and painted four-poster bed, formerly the property of the Lord Menuhin

Category

Antique 1780s British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Superb Sheraton Revival Satinwood Painted Single Four-Poster Bed with Canopy

Sold

H 81 in W 83 in D 42 in

Superb Sheraton Revival Satinwood Painted Single Four-Poster Bed with Canopy

Located in Darwen, GB

A superb Sheraton Revival satinwood painted single four-poster bed with canopy originally purchased

Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames

Australian Queen Size Alhambra Poster Bed

Sold

H 98.43 in W 60.24 in D 86.62 in

Australian Queen Size Alhambra Poster Bed

Located in Wrexham, GB

A made-to-order bespoke four poster bed with ornate brass castings, tentacle canopy and brass crown

Category

2010s British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Late 20th Century Black Distressed Transitional Queen Four Poster Canopy Bed

Sold

H 94.5 in W 70 in D 92 in

Late 20th Century Black Distressed Transitional Queen Four Poster Canopy Bed

Located in Charlotte, NC

A Transitional style queen size four poster paneled bed with canopy, unbranded. Solid hardwood with

Category

Late 20th Century Indonesian Other Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Paint

English Four-Poster Painted Tester Bed, circa 1880

Sold

H 89 in W 61 in D 79 in

English Four-Poster Painted Tester Bed, circa 1880

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This late 19th century painted English tester bed with distressed finish features four carved

Category

Antique 1880s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood

French Country Four-Poster, Painted King-Size Bed

Sold

H 67 in W 82 in D 86 in

French Country Four-Poster, Painted King-Size Bed

Located in Glendale, CA

Four poster bed in white antique washed finish. Accepts standard King-size mattress. Comes with

Category

Late 20th Century Country Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Six Foot Wide Alhambra Poster Bed

Sold

H 98 in W 72 in D 84 in

Six Foot Wide Alhambra Poster Bed

Located in Wrexham, GB

A made-to-order bespoke four poster bed with ornate brass castings, tentacle canopy and brass crown

Category

2010s British Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Six Foot Wide Alhambra Poster Bed

Sold

H 98 in W 72 in D 84 in

Six Foot Wide Alhambra Poster Bed

Located in Wrexham, GB

A made-to-order bespoke four poster bed with ornate brass castings, tentacle canopy and brass crown

Category

2010s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

Six Foot Wide Black Four Poster Bed ALH5

Sold

H 98 in W 72 in D 84 in

Six Foot Wide Black Four Poster Bed ALH5

Located in Wrexham, GB

A made-to-order bespoke four poster bed with ornate brass castings, tentacle canopy and brass crown

Category

2010s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass, Steel

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French Metal Canopy Bed, King

$11,070 / item

H 89 in W 82.5 in D 86 in

French Metal Canopy Bed, King

Located in Westwood, NJ

French Metal Canopy Bed, King Size, with a bronze finish metal canopy frame with a padded upholstered headboard in a neutral linen fabric. The frame with finials, square posts, and r...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Metal

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

$4,900 / item

H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off

H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in

'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 “...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

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Textile

King Size Mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall

$3,995 / item

H 87 in W 83 in D 90 in

King Size Mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall

By Leighton Hall Furniture

Located in Suwanee, GA

This is a new traditional king size mahogany Pencil Post Bed by Leighton Hall Furniture. It’s design was inspired by poster beds from the Regency period and features simple round tap...

Category

2010s American Regency Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

$1,750 / item

H 33 in W 18.5 in D 19 in

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool

By Bertu Furniture

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

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Wood, Oak

FINE GEORGE SMITH HOWARD SiGNATURE SCROLL ARM SOFA MULBERRY FLYING DUCKS VELVET

$18,261

H 32.49 in W 83.08 in D 44.49 in

FINE GEORGE SMITH HOWARD SiGNATURE SCROLL ARM SOFA MULBERRY FLYING DUCKS VELVET

By George Smith, Mulberry

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this brand new, George Smith Signature Scroll Arm large sofa with feather filled back and base cushions upho...

Category

20th Century English Country Sofas

Materials

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19th Century Italian Carved Marble Column Capital

$4,550

H 15 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

19th Century Italian Carved Marble Column Capital

Located in Austin, TX

A stately and well carved marble Corinthian column capital, 19th century, Italy. Presented and displayed inverted, with a typical decorative motif of acanthus and volute. Perfect f...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Classical Roman Architectural Elements

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Marble

18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Queen Size Blue Roma Bed

$16,001 / item

H 102.76 in W 68.9 in D 88.98 in

18th Century Hand-Painted Venetian Style Queen Size Blue Roma Bed

By Porte Italia

Located in Ronchi dei Legionari, IT

From our Hand-Painted Furniture Collection, our blue Roma bed, full posts with raised gesso details and white lotus finials. We try to not play favourites, but we do have a few! The...

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The Albert, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair

$4,905 / item

H 31.5 in W 33.47 in D 43.31 in

The Albert, 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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2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs

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Large Water Fountain in Ceramic Mineral Finish

$16,410

H 61.03 in W 118.12 in D 118.12 in

Large Water Fountain in Ceramic Mineral Finish

Located in Madrid, ES

Water fountain in hand painted ceramic. Decorative ceramic fountain antique finish.

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Exceptional Crystal and Bronze Chandelier, L-A Marquis, France, C. 1860

$992,775

H 82.68 in Dm 76.78 in

Exceptional Crystal and Bronze Chandelier, L-A Marquis, France, C. 1860

By Maison Marquis

Located in PARIS, FR

This very important 96-lights chandelier made entirely in chiseled and gilded bronze in the Renaissance style, is composed at the lower part of six large sets of ten light-arms, ador...

Category

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Crystal, Bronze

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Daybed

$5,743 / item

H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 70.87 in

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Daybed

Located in Jesteburg, DE

Introducing the home collection. An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium....

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Magnificent Pair of Green Murano Glass Bedside Tables Made in Italy Available

$3,938Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 27.56 in W 19.69 in D 15.75 in

Magnificent Pair of Green Murano Glass Bedside Tables Made in Italy Available

Located in Guazzora, IT

Magnificent Pair of Green Murano Glass Bedside Tables Made in Italy Available These exquisite Green Murano Glass Nightstands, produced for the first time in 2022, are a stunning add...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

$227,754Sale Price|33% Off

H 51.19 in W 55.12 in D 201.58 in

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

By Henry Ward

Located in Amsterdam, NL

England, third quarter of the 19th century On two scrolling foliate feet with casters, above which a rectangular two-side glazed frame, with on top a two-sided shield with initial...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Materials

Other

"Ceci" Minimalist Swing Chair Outdoor

$2,200 / item

H 14.97 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in

"Ceci" Minimalist Swing Chair Outdoor

By Samuel Lamas

Located in Brasilia, DF

Ceci Swing Chair by Samuel Lamas, 2022 Introducing the Ceci Swing Chair, a minimalist outdoor masterpiece inspired by the circular forms of floating celestial objects. This elegant ...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Ralph Lauren Antique Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman

$11,500

H 37 in W 36 in D 36 in

Ralph Lauren Antique Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Located in New York, NY

Ralph Lauren antique style lounge chair and ottoman. The frame of the chair and ottoman is giltwood. Chair and ottoman is newly upholstered. Measures (chair) 37 H x 36 W x 36 D. Sea...

Category

Vintage 1980s Neoclassical Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Giltwood

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Painted Poster Bed For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the painted poster bed you’re looking for. Each painted poster bed for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, metal and paint. If you’re shopping for a painted poster bed, we have 16 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the painted poster bed you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A painted poster bed, designed in the Victorian, Neoclassical or Georgian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. A well-made painted poster bed has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Julia Gray, Niermann Weeks and Phillip Lowe 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 Painted Poster Bed

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.
Is it a four-post bed or four-poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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 point of a four-poster bed?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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 top of a four-poster bed called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.

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