fourposter

A fourposter, or four-poster bed, is a bed frame supported by four vertical posts at each corner, typically connected at the top by a rail or frame. The posts often support a canopy or are draped with curtains, which can be drawn to provide privacy and insulation from drafts.

The design has medieval and early modern roots in Europe, where canopies and testers were used to insulate from drafts and to display wealth. Four-post frames became more elaborate and common among the nobility and in colonial households from the 16th to the 18th century, with posts carved from hardwoods such as oak, walnut, or maple and finished to elaborate effect. The form persists as a symbol of luxury and tradition in some regions and periods.

Construction and features typically include tall, square or turned posts at each corner, connected by a top frame that supports a fabric canopy. The space between the posts is often filled with curtains or drapes, which can be opened or closed as desired. Modern reproductions vary widely, ranging from faithful period pieces to simplified wooden or metal frames that maintain the four-post silhouette.

Variants and related terms: the broader term “poster bed” or “canopy bed” is often used interchangeably, though some distinctions exist among designers. A tester bed is a related variant where the top canopy is mounted directly to the posts to create a ceiling-like effect.

In contemporary design, four-poster beds are used as focal points in bedrooms, as well as in hotels and period-style interiors, often balancing traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.