Stately and elegant, a four-poster bed attracts an upscale appearance to practically any bedroom setting. The design of the frame, the material it is constructed from, and the method by which in which the frame is styled assist the bed become a focal point that complements a wide range of decorating schemes.
Timeless Appeal
During medieval Europe, elaborately constructed four-poster beds with enormous carved posts and luxurious fabrics were prized possessions of imperial families, noblemen and people of great riches. Canopies and drapes surrounding and covering the bed provided both heat and solitude. Today, fabric-draped four-poster frames include a sense of love and a female touch to the room. A simple panel of gauzy fabric draped over the top rails softens the appearance of the bed frame. Provide a dreamy appearance with layers of material draped or hung out of the rails or tied to corners articles. Heavier, patterned fabrics, silk or satin drapes and canopies make a look of grandeur and elegance in formal or traditional-style rooms. Sheer, white fabric draped above a dark wood frame conveys a tropical feel, reminiscent of the mosquito netting used on Colonial plantation beds made from mahogany or rosewood.
Topless Frames
Create a sense of visual height in a room using the vertical lines of a topless four-poster bed frame. Corner posts are produced in a broad assortment of styles, from enormous, stately columns to narrow, tapering poles. Asymmetrical frames feature taller posts at the head of the bed and shorter articles at the foot of the bed. Spiral turned twists known as “barley twists” bring 17th-century styling while adding visual interest to the bed frame. Four-poster frames may be stained or painted to match any colour scheme.
Contemporary Styling
To get a clean, modern look, leave the top rails of a four-poster frame uncovered. The sharp, angular lines of a black or dark-stained wood frame imply a masculine feel. Insert a traditional twist in a contemporary setting with a campaign-style canopy bed frame, featuring slim, iron shirt rails that curve gracefully upward to your central crown. Use this type of frame just like to highlight a high or vaulted ceiling while making an open, airy feel in your bedroom.
Dialed-in Design
Create a statement bed by selecting a four-poster frame that complements and enhances the style of the room. In a shabby chic or French Country setting, consider a distressed wood or wrought-iron bed frame left as is or accented with ruffled, frilly fabrics in grey or white floral prints. Create a stunning appearance in a room using Old World or Mediterranean influences with a oversized bed frame featuring big column-like posts and gold or silver gilding on carved accents. A light, natural wood finish adds a comfortable, relaxed feel in a coastal or beach-inspired setting. For the eco-friendly decorator, look for frames made from renewable wood, such as rattan or teak, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.