Fit for a queen
If you dream of catching up on your beauty sleep in a fantastic four-poster bed, look no further for inspiration!
It’s the ultimate purchase for ensuring your sleep zone has maximum appeal, and throughout history has been considered as an indication of the societal and financial status of its owners. So, what exactly is it about the four-poster bed that never fails to attract style-savvy homeowners, season after season? Well, as the traditional oak version has evolved to offer an amazing array of luxe materials and finishes thanks to quality designs and craftsmanship, it’s little wonder that this bedstead is still in fashion.
Buyers’ guide
But, where do you start when shopping for the perfect centrepiece for your scheme? Firstly consider the overall aesthetic of your room. Is it classic or contemporary, Parisian or Oriental, minimalist or extravagant? Whatever your design ideal, there’s a style to suit. Look out for sleek mahogany lines, ornate silver leaf detailing and statement-making curvy frames.
Commonly, 16th-century bedsteads included enclosed frames, known as testers, from which heavy curtains were hung in order to keep draughts at bay. However, with the introduction of central heating and more effective property insulation, modern day versions are mostly without drapes.
As a compromise, you could have a delicate canopy overhead, or opt for a more open look with simple, slender frames – or even no tester at all. Which selection best works for you – an ornate, regal affair, or its more contemporary counterpart?
Material matters
If you’re keen to introduce the king of all beds to your slumber space, you don’t even require a room of super-sized proportions to take on this trend. While the traditional four-poster conjures up visions of an imposing, intricately carved bedstead, the latest offerings now come in a host of exotic woods, shiny metals and glossy lacquer finishes to bring each piece bang up-to-date. These often unadorned and delicately proportioned frames are perfect for a more modest setting. Will you be tempted by Chinese elm for a nod to the Far East? Or, perhaps you long for French-inspired furniture with a distressed cream finish? Why not go back to black with a sleek ebony patina? 
Best dressed
With many of us keen to recreate the allure of the most luxurious boutique hotels in our own homes, the four-poster will add charm in extra measure. According to Tim Lowry, Director of Indigo Furniture, “This classic bed is still as popular today as it was in the castles and manor houses of yesteryear due to its full-on opulence.”
If you have settled on an overtly ornate, high impact bed, let it take centre stage by keeping clutter to a minimum, with only a few carefully chosen pieces of furniture, such as an armoire or over-sized leather trunk, to store your garments and accessories in style. The bolder the frame, the more it can take when it comes to bedlinen, but be careful not to go over the top. Have fun with vivid shades or bold pattern – but perhaps not both.
If a more contemporary purchase has won your heart, keep it simple and elegant with a neutral backdrop ensuring a serene sanctuary. Shop for crisp white linens worthy of the finest five-star establishments, and avoid any gaudy prints or bright, brash tints. Why not drape a lightweight voile of muslin or cotton over your frame, for a whisper of romance?
Whatever your taste, it is certainly time to be tempted by a fabulous four-poster.
