Classic Pieces: The Four-Poster Bed
The four-poster bed has sustained its popularity for centuries. It is
believed that it was first designed in the 1400s in Austria, and that
its popularity spread across Europe and eventually to the rest of the
world. Popular with the Tudors in England, the four-poster became known
as "the bed of kings." Elaborate bedding of ornate silks, satins and
even plumes of feathers followed, and the bed became a status symbol.
Perhaps the most famous four-poster bed is The Bed of Ware, which is part of The Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Crafted circa 1590, it is believed to have once been a curiosity at a bed and breakfast and was made famous by a mention in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
While bed curtains had been used to keep out drafts even before the first four-poster was designed, the style gave this sheltering function a much more regal look.
Last to go were the outer canopy rails, leaving four tall vertical posts. This look is especially great for a bed that needs to stand up to the large scale of a high ceiling or a grand master bedroom.
Read more of this article here.
Perhaps the most famous four-poster bed is The Bed of Ware, which is part of The Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Crafted circa 1590, it is believed to have once been a curiosity at a bed and breakfast and was made famous by a mention in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
While bed curtains had been used to keep out drafts even before the first four-poster was designed, the style gave this sheltering function a much more regal look.
Last to go were the outer canopy rails, leaving four tall vertical posts. This look is especially great for a bed that needs to stand up to the large scale of a high ceiling or a grand master bedroom.
Read more of this article here.
