Seeing as your bed frame takes up the majority of your bedroom, it’s only right that you love where you sleep. For those looking for a sense of grandeur, skip the platforms and Japanese joinery for something with a bit more visual heft, like a four-poster bed.
First gaining popularity in the 15th century, four-poster frames have given bedrooms a striking focal point for hundreds of years. Named for their quartet of corner posts, they can be as simple as a short, turned wood knob on each end, or as extravagant as a ceiling-height canopy frame (drapes are optional). Beloved for their craftsmanship, these silhouettes are traditionally made in solid wood with turned, bobbin, and hand-carved details. Some, like those you might see in an episode of Game of Thrones, feature curtains used to block light and insulate against winter temperatures.
AD's Top Picks
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You don’t have to be a knight of the seven kingdoms to achieve that castle-like aesthetic, though; There are plenty of modern iterations and Shaker frames made with 21st-century comforts (like plush upholstered headboards and material variety). Whether you choose to coordinate your bedroom furniture with similar wood tones or intentionally contrast with a bold upholstery color, the best four-poster frames make rest the focus of your space.
For the Modern Romantic
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Not your traditional four poster bed, Crate and Barrel’s king-size iteration has a slim metal frame and high-piled upholstery, with the option to add drapes to the canopy bars. We especially love the modern design of the posts’ round finials. Two slat settings can accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses, without needing a box spring.
For the Farmhouse Devotee
A classic farmhouse silhouette, this wood bed frame features traditional bobbin posts and a cutaway corner headboard. Kiln-dried solid wood provides additional durability, while the deep walnut stain gives this piece a rustic, Americana lean. Pair it with a patchwork quilt and your favorite period drama.
For a Ceiling-Height Statement
With sky-high posts and brass finishing accents, the Laurent bed frame is a dramatic addition to your sleep routine. The tapered posts and dark wood stain lean slightly midcentury, but when paired with the cream headboard, we envision this in a ski chalet or moody modern apartment. For those with small spaces, this frame still has plenty of floor clearance for under-the-bed storage.
A Streamlined Choice
Leave it to The Citizenry to offer a more minimalist take on the four poster bed. The Potomac frame forgoes sharp lines fora curved cutout headboard and tapered posts. The diamond accents also prevent the wood finish from being too visually overbearing. This Shaker silhouette is destined to become your family’s next heirloom and comes in all five standard sizes, from twin to California king.
An Upholstered Pick
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If your coastal aesthetics lean more Atlantic than Mediterranean, opt for a four poster bed decked out in a woven raffia fabric. This Serena & Lily pick has a lighter, more summery style that comes in several upholstery options: Choose from performance linen, cotton stripes, velvet mohair, and even leather for a customized look.
For the Canopy Lovers
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If your ideal bedroom is laden with breezy drapery, look for a combined four poster canopy bed frame. This one from West Elm boasts the brand’s signature warm, wood tone and clean lines. For those looking to add drama incrementally, consider this midcentury-modern bed an introduction to statement furniture. The hardwood build will last you for years to come, even as your style evolves.
A Regal Option
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There’s a certain regal quality to the Lacourte bed frame. Its ultra-tall posts and carved headboard detail were inspired by the oversized proportions of 1940s French design (like Dior’s playful New Look). It wouldn’t look out of place in a five-star hotel suite, with its brass finishes and high gloss lacquer.
