Bedroom Inspiration: Four Poster Beds
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2 months ago
Get ready to sleep like a king
Want to inject a bit of elegance into your bedroom? A four poster bed is guaranteed to make a statement. Read on for some inspiration…
Are Four Poster Beds Still In Style?
If you’re thinking about revamping your bedroom, a four poster bed isn’t likely to be the first thing that springs to mind. While they may seem lavish and over-the-top (and they might even conjure images of dusty rooms in crumbling castles), four poster beds are still very much in vogue. In fact, they’re often used by interior designers to totally transform a room. We asked Henriette von Stockhausen, founder and creative director of VSP Interiors, to give us the rundown.
VSP Interiors (c) Paul Massey
The History Of The Four Poster Bed
While it’s difficult to trace the origins of four poster beds, it’s believed that they were first introduced in Austria during the 15th century (although they were allegedly referenced in Irish manuscripts as far back as the 12th century). Canopies were initially attached to the ceiling and draped over the bed before four poster frames were conceived, allowing curtains to be hung from beams surrounding the mattress. These curtains served a purely practical purpose – retaining warmth in cold bedchambers – but royals and rich nobles soon began to opt for more elaborate designs and luxurious fabrics.
‘Historically, four poster beds were a sign of wealth,’ says Henriette. ‘The richer the owner, the more elaborate the bed’s hangings or carvings. There were many different styles: some early versions were like cabin beds (raised up on platforms), while others featured rails projecting from the walls. The more over-the-top beds could be dressed in the finest gold embroidered silks and trimmings, and some were even adorned with precious stones.’
VSP Interiors (c) Paul Massey
How To Incorporate A Four Poster Bed Into Your Bedroom
Deciding on your own four poster style? Henriette’s projects often feature gorgeous four poster beds (you can hear her chat about them with C&TH Interiors Editor, Carole Annett, on our House Guest podcast). ‘We do a lot of four poster beds for clients,’ Henriette explains. ‘Some are more detailed, while others are more simple and contemporary. In essence, however, they all do the same thing: create extra comfort. Think of these beds like a sanctuary – a room within a room.’
It seems the Tudors really did have the right idea when it came to using four poster beds to create a cosy cocoon. ‘This is particularly relevant in country houses, where rooms tend to be large and cavernous, with high ceilings,’ Henriette adds. ‘You could otherwise feel quite lost in such a vast space – so I like to compound the feeling of cosiness and comfort by using darker colours on the inside of the bed, as it helps to create a real feeling of security.’
Both the type and amount of fabric is, of course, crucial – but where do you begin? ‘Whether I use a full set of curtains to all sides of the bed or just at the headboard end depends on the size of the room and the client’s requirements,’ says Henriette. ‘I adore using antique fabrics or bed hangings, if possible, as a nod to the historical four poster beds, preventing it all from looking too newly done. Sometimes a tapestry hung on the interior back of the bed creates an extra special vintage effect.
VSP Interiors (c) Paul Massey
‘Pay special attention to the inner ceiling options; this is what you’ll be looking at when in bed, so it’s rather important!’ Henriette continues. ‘You can have more traditional starburst and rosette ceilings. or a simpler gathered linear treatment. For a more contemporary look, a flat upholstered ceiling with some trimmed detail works very well. We always work with an expert curtain maker for the drapes. as it’s quite complicated and requires a lot of knowledge to avoid costly mistakes.’
It all sounds rather indulgent – but creating your dream bed doesn’t have to break the bank. ‘One tip to keep the budget down is to opt for a cheaper fabric for the inside, since it needs a lot of meterage, and select a more expensive fabric for the outside, where less is required,’ Henriette advises.
And what about the bed frame itself? ‘We mainly custom-make our own range of four poster beds, which can be designed with elaborate carvings or in simple Georgian style. Our beds can be fully upholstered or bare, painted or lacquered, metal, mirrored or wrapped in fabric – anything is possible! You can also find an amazing range by Beaudesert, whose beds are exquisite. My personal favourite is their faux bamboo four poster style.’
Four Poster Bed Inspiration
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