The four poster bed is regarded by many to be the king of beds. A four poster bed as the name suggests, has a vertical column or post in each corner and usually features a rectangular panel called a tester or upper fixed to the top.
The primary function of tester or upper was to hold bed curtains, which would surround the whole bed keeping out the cold and providing a good night’s sleep.
The four poster bed dates back to around the 13th century and were owned by the rich and noble. The wealthier the family, the better the bed and many of the early examples seen today are carved with intricate designs out of the finest hardwoods.
As building techniques and draft exclusion methods began to improve, the need for a four poster bed became redundant, with many people in the 19th century choosing much cheaper post-less beds.
The popularity of the four poster bed has seen revival over the past few years, and is once again a popular choice for its traditional and extravagant appearance.