Four Poster Beds Buying Guide
Ever wondered how it feels to be a king or queen? You do not have to be a royalty to experience it! To have a luxurious sleep and a stately appeal in your bedroom, all that you need is to invest in a four poster bed.
With too many options, however, which four poster bed will work best for your needs. From the design to the material, there are different considerations. That said, read on, and we’ll discuss some of the things that you have to know, making it easier to come up with the right decision.
What is a Four-Poster Bed?
To begin with, let us first discuss what exactly a four-post bed is, in case it is not yet obvious for you. As the name implies, it is a traditional bed style that comes with four vertical columns in every corner. Often, there is a tester or upper panel, which is usually rectangular in shape. These testers can have rails for the placement of curtains or drapes.
It is a style that has been popular in as early as the 16th century, with some claiming that it has been around even earlier. Historically, the four poster bed was a symbol of wealth. Royals and nobles, during the medieval times, were coveted for having four-poster beds. Four poster beds have been popular during a time when bedrooms were communal. The latter is the case even amongst rich people. The servants and the masters are sleeping in the same room. For privacy, the master sleeps in a four-poster bed that is covered with drapes.
More than privacy, these beds were also used in ancient times for practical reasons. Bedchambers during those times are known for being chilly, and hence, a curtain at night will be good for a restful sleep. This was when the beds started to have four posters as part of its design.
Today, four poster beds are no longer exclusive to the Royals. They are made affordable and accessible to everyone. It has also evolved in terms of design and materials. Most of the early designs have ornate details and vintage appeal. In recent years, however, they are available in a variety of materials other than wood and are available even in minimalist and contemporary styles.
Top Sites to Buy a Four-Poster Bed
Now that you know what four-poster beds entail, some of the best websites where you can buy four poster bed include:
Amazon
If you are an avid online shopper, you will surely agree with me that this is one of the best websites to check out. They carry some of the best brands available. They also have resellers, and you can buy used items if you want to save money. Meanwhile, with Amazon Home Services, you can rely on the help of a professional for the installation of the bed.
eBay
Compared to Amazon, most of the four-poster beds that we have seen at eBay seems to be traditional in terms of design using wood as the main material. They can go for as slow as $150 for a simple bed frame to as high as $2,500 for those who do not mind going on a splurge.
Walmart
One thing that we love about Walmart is that they have the option to pick up the bed on your own, which is a great way to save from shipping cost. You can shop by the size of the four poster bed, material, finish, or price range, among other parameters.
Wayfair
Their selection may be limited compared to the three options above, but they offer free shipping on many of their items. Whether you want one that has a vintage design or a bed that is upholstered for a more contemporary appeal, you can find a bed that is sure to make you smile.
Important Features
What to Look for in a Four Poster Bed
Aside from where to buy a four-poster bed, there are other important factors that you have to take into consideration, including those that are mentioned below.
Material
The four poster bed frame is usually made of two materials – wood and metal. Wood is preferred by many because of its vintage appeal, which is exactly the reason why a lot of people choose a four-poster bed. Metal, on the other hand, is durable and contemporary.
Design
To evaluate the design, it is important to look at its different parts. One of the most important is the headboard. Attached to the back, this is the main decorative element of the bed. There are two main types – upholstered or extended. Upholstered is wrapped with fabric, including leather and can be quite hard to maintain. Extended headboard, as the name implies, will extend beyond the width of the bed.
Speaking of the design, you should also consider the shape of the headboard. There are four main types of headboard shapes – square, camelback, scalloped, and cut-out. Square is good for a modern bedroom with geometric elements. If you want the headboard to be curved, camelback will be a good choice. Scalloped, on the other hand, is a subtler curve compared to camelback. With cut-outs, they usually have a net-like design.
The design of the base is also important as it will complement the overall look. Some of the most popular choices are slatted bases, sprung edge divans, and platform divans. You can even have a base that provides additional storage space.
Size
A lot of the four-poster beds are known for being large, hence, if you have space limitations in the bedroom, you might want to reconsider.
Why Do You Need a Four Poster Bed in your Room?
There are many reasons to consider buying the best four poster beds available. Among others, it is a great way to have a stately and luxurious bedroom. Being around since the 16th century, it makes a good choice to give the room a traditional feel. It perfectly complements medieval or Renaissance-era décor. Buy this bed for your room if you want to feel like a queen or a king. However, this type of bed is usually best only for rooms with a large space to spare.
What is the Best Style of Four Poster Beds?
Some of the most popular styles that you might want to take into account while in the hunt for a four poster bed include:
Traditional
When you mention a four poster bed, this is what most people have in mind. Often made of wood, it has four columns, one in each corner.
Half-testers
This bed comes with a low foot and a small canopy that projects from the bed.
Pencil Post Beds
It is a bed with a typical colonial style, which does not come with a tester or a canopy. The top rails of this bed can be arched or straight. It adds style and elegance to the bedroom.
Canopy Beds
One thing that makes this different is that there is a canopy. The drapes will add a decorative touch to the bed and will make it feel cosy. It will make you feel like a royalty when you sleep.
All Related Topics
Bed Styles & Types
Upholstered bed | Camping bed | Swing bed | Triple bunk bed | Low loft bed | Pull out bed | Sleigh bed | Cot bed | Round bed | Floating bed | Captain's bed | Floor bed | panel bed | Portable bed | Princess bed | Fold up bed | Four poster bed | Futon bunk bed | Indoor hammock bed | Wood bed frame
Bed Sizes
Twin over queen bunk bed | Twin platform bed | Twin XL bed | Queen storage bed | King platform bed | Full size platform bed | Full size loft bed | Twin XL bed frame | Queen size loft bed
Bed Accessories
Bed table | Bed desk | Bed tray | Bed rest pillow | Toddler bed rails | Bed bench | Bed slats
