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Nowadays, the four poster bed is seen as the ultimate in romance. This was then replaced by light weight iron frames. Gradually, the large and heavy wooden bed frame was replaced with a lighter, slender more elegant French design. It also had curtain rails attached to it, from which beautifully ornate silk or embroidered material curtains could be hung. It would be decorated with tapestries and gold tassels. The tester was the rectangular panel that was placed above the bed and supported by the four pillars. Many earlier beds had a ‘tester’ that was hung from the ceiling, but with a four poster bed though, the tester became an integral part of the frame. Ornately carved, painted and decorated with coat of arms, the four poster was a bed designed to be passed down through the family. (You can read more about that, over on the Four Poster Bed Company’s website: ). Known as the ‘Bed of Kings’, it is documented that Richard III brought one to Leicester in 1485. By the 15th Century, the four post, or great standing bed, was introduced. The arrival of the four poster bedĪlthough the origins of the four poster bed are a little vague, it is believed to have originated in Austria. Not only did they keep out the drafts, they also helped contain any illnesses! Not only that, but with many people sleeping in one room, the curtains could afford people some privacy. The curtains were a purely function addition.
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However, with the introduction of canopies and curtains, the bed became a static piece of furniture – and the bedchamber was born. Walnut and oak were used for the construction, whilst ornate carvings and paintings were used to decorate them.Ī bed was made every night in the same place, and this became known as the bed ‘stead’ (place) where the bed was placed. The larger and heavier the frame, the more successful or important the owner was. Royalty, noblemen, and very successful business owners could illustrate their wealth by the type of bed they had. The bed as a status symbolĪ bed was more than a functional piece of furniture – it was also a status symbol. It was only the wealthy or those with a higher status, that slept off the floor, on beds created from tree stumps or trestles, with boards laid across them, and covered with fur throws and quilted rugs.
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In Saxon and Norman times, most people slept on the floor around the fire. The better a style and quality of bed, the wealthier its owner was. This is a stylish yet simple design for those who want all the elegance of a four-poster bed but without the room feeling too cluttered and enclosed or like they have a bed which is too high or too large.The bed has long been used as a symbol of money and power. One alternative option is to have a frame of the ceiling around the top of the bed – this is still very different from the design above since the hollow upper frame prevents it from being enclosed. You can still enjoy the comfort and benefits of a four-poster king size bed without the top piece. This is a less expensive but also simpler version of this design. This style is very much like the fully enclosed four-poster bed but doesn't have the top piece. This is ideal if you are looking for something cozy for your bedroom and you want to feel like you are enveloped by your bed. This has four tall posts around seven feet high and a 'ceiling' which goes across the top for the fully enclosed design. The most commonly-seen design is the four poster bed which is completely enclosed within its frame.