For the Love of Four-Posters

A couple of years ago, friends of mine moved into a new house and, just before they moved, bought a new bed: a big, fabulous four-poster.

Of course, they measured their new bedroom, making sure the bed was an appropriate size for the room. What they didn't measure were the steps. Which meant that on moving day, they spent some time cutting up their beautiful bed, only to reassemble it in their room.

That's what I think of when I think about four-posters (well, that and Tudor castles). They require some planning and they often work best in vast spaces (unlike my renovated Cape Cod). They're not really practical for me personally.

But that doesn't mean I don't find them dramatic and fantastic. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Kit Pollard

Photo

This room is a great example of how a four-poster can grace a girl's bedroom without overpowering the space with girliness.

Photo

I love the combination of the traditional four-poster and modern metal.

Photo

I'm not sure which I like more - this bed's low profile or the sleek design of the posts.

Photo

This dark wood makes for a perfect, dramatic four-poster, and I especially like the way it works with crisp white linens.

Photo

This room is just great for a four-poster. The vaulted ceilings give the room a scale that can handle the big bed.

Photo

I love the detail on the top of this bedframe - it's so modern and coo.

Photo

This cottage bedroom proves that four-posters need not reach the ceiling to make a statement.

Photo

I really like the slight detail on this bed and the way it adds interest to the clean shape of the frame overall.

Photo

This is a great bed for a tropical retreat. I love that the fabric isn't overly feminine or frilly.

Photo

When I think of four-posters, this is what comes to mind - ornate carving, dark wood, strong presence.

Photo

This bed certainly is regal - a fact that's emphasized by its pairing with purple walls.