Empire Four Poster Bed
Antique 1820s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Cherry, Poplar
Antique 19th Century American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique 1810s American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 1830s British William IV Beds and Bed Frames
Brass, Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century North American Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany, Poplar, Hardwood
Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Maple
Antique 1880s American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
People Also Browsed
20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze, Wire
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Other
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Brazilian Neoclassical Revival Benches
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Doors and Gates
Early 2000s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century Musical Instruments
Oak
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities
Pottery
Mid-20th Century English Victorian Benches
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Antique 1870s British Victorian Books
Paper
Antique 19th Century Paintings
Paper
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Sculptures and Carvings
Terracotta
Empire 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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