One of the few furniture items that can transform the look and feel of a whole room when they are installed is the four poster bed. Four tall posts stand at each corner, providing the room height, structure and adding a sense of occasion. The four poster bed has been adopted as a home furniture by Indians even today, in their modern apartments, farmhouse and villas, which were originally used for palaces and heritage havelis.
Today's buyers aren't satisfied with just looks, however. They want a bed that will endure rainy monsoons, scorching summers in Rajasthan, use day after day and year after year, and is movable between rented and owned homes. This article covers everything you need to know before you purchase it: styles, wood options, sizes, finishes, canopy options, budget and care. At the end, you'll be able to tell what to expect and what not to expect.
What Makes a Four Poster Bed Different
A regular bed frame features a foot board as well as a head board. A four poster is a bed that has a post at each corner, typically around six feet tall. These posts can remain bare for an architectural appearance or held up by a canopy of fabric, a light metal frame or even curtains. The result is a room inside of a room, making four poster beds perfect for large master bedrooms, particularly with high ceilings.
The practical advantage in Indian houses. The canopy is appropriate for mosquito nets that are still being used by many families during the wet season. The well-constructed four poster bed may then be a fashion accessory and a functional addition to normal furniture.
Popular Four Poster Bed Styles
Classic carved. Motivated and influenced by colonial and royal Indian design, these beds have turned or carved posts, fancy head boards and decorative finials. Works great in traditional houses and are a wonderful shade in teak or rosewood.
Modern minimal. Narrow square posts, straight lines and no carving. These beds are ideal for modern apartments, neutral hues and are easier to dust and clean.
Rustic farmhouse. Sturdily constructed, chunky posts finished with a natural or distressed finish. These are terrific for holiday house, resorts and large bedrooms with exposed brick or stone.
Low-profile and platform. The shorter, newer posts, about four feet, were more appropriate for small rooms or fans. It's not just height, but ceiling height, too, and don't be taken aback by a tall design until you've had a chance to measure.
Choosing the Right Wood
Your bed is determined by the wood for its length, appearance and price. The most popular woods are teak, sheesham, mango wood, acacia and engineered wood in India. They all act differently in our climate. Unlike wood made from veneer, particleboard or MDF, solid wood beds are made from whole planks.
They will carry heavy loads, retain screws tightly for many years and can be sanded and buffed back to their original condition if they are scratched. Teak is the high-quality one which is naturally resistant to moisture and termites. Sheesham has good grain combined with greater durability at a more palatable price.
For those who would like to experience mango wood but not willing to invest a lot, mango wood is the perfect choice. Engineered wood is cheaper and uniform, but swells very quickly in humid coastal cities such as Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi, and seldom makes a second move.
Solid timbers are almost always the better option for a four poster, especially because they're subjected to stress at the joints. Inquire about seasoning from the seller. Kiln dried wood is much less prone to warping and cracking as it does not have as much moisture content. Also ask if the posts are a single piece or joined; joined posts should be mortise and tenon or dowel; do not join posts with glue alone.
Getting the Size Right
There is a lot of space in terms of visual and physical space used by four poster beds. Generally, space two feet from the sides of the bed and from the foot of the bed. In India, a king size mattress is approximately 72 x 78 inches, and the frame of the bed extends several inches on every side, thus a king four poster needs a space of about 12 x 12 feet to be comfortable.
When using 10 x 12 feet rooms, queen size beds are used. Don't overlook the width of the door and stairs. Many buyers overlook the fact that tall posts and heavy beds are required to go through narrow lifts and corridors. Select a bed that fully breaks down to posts, rails and bed board.
Canopy, Finish and Hardware
The personality in it is in the canopy. Sheer: Cotton or voile gives a soft and airy appearance. Winter bedrooms and traditional decorations are in heavier brocade or velvet. A metal or wooden top rail that doesn't have any fabric on it is just as elegant as a clean frame. A matte PU or melamine polish is used to finish and retains the grain and is waterproof.
Dark walnut, honey are popular with dark-toned wood or painted finishes for white and grey for Scandinavian and coastal styles. Do not go for extremely shiny surfaces in wet rooms as they tend to mark with water and fingerprints easily. Not only the hardware, but also brass or stainless steel fittings will last longer than inexpensive zinc alloy fittings.
Complete the Bedroom with Matching Pieces
A four-poster bed is best used in a room that has the other elements in harmony with it. Wooden bedside tables that are of the same wood and finish as the other items in the room tie it all together and provide you a space for your lamps, phone chargers and a glass of water. Choose tables which are somewhat below the height of the mattress top, to avoid blocking the posts.
Small items will generally fit in two drawers or in one drawer with a shelf. Match the hardware and polish, the set looks planned and not assembled. For instance, a bench at the bottom of the bed, a wardrobe in the same color and a rug that goes over the bed's sides. Avoid bright wall colours as it's not necessary and posts and canopy are sufficient to give them interest.
Setting a Realistic Budget
Prices vary widely. The price range of a basic engineered wood four poster bed begins from 25,000 and it can cross 1,50,000 for a carved teak king size bed. The price of most good quality sheesham or mango wood designs is approximately Rs 45,000 – 95,000. Keep in mind that there are costs involved besides the mattress – the platform, storage drawers, delivery and assembly – inquire for a lovely breakdown prior to paying.
Don't delay, wait for the cheapest price. It's true that a wobbly bed will end up costing you more down the road than a solid bed purchased at one time. Look at the warranty – preferably at least 5 years on the structure, and read the terms and conditions.
Caring for Your Four Poster Bed
Clean posts by using a soft dry cloth periodically (weekly) and clean spills up immediately. Don't make the bed against a wet wall or keep the bed level to it, allow a small space for air circulation. Apply a light wood polish once or twice a year to help keep surface nourished. Swelling may be prevented in very humid rooms by a few silica gel packets in the drawers and a dehumidifier in the room in monsoon season. Tighten frequently as tall posts may end up a bit loose during the day.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
Determine the measurements of your room, ceiling and doorways. Make a choice of canopy or open frame. Ensure wood type and seasoning are confirmed. Visit the locations personally to inspect and complete the job if possible. Do some research and compare warranties and delivery dates; and check for feedback from past customers.
Final Thoughts
An investment in comfort and character: a four-poster bed. Even though engineered beds are cheap and readily available, most Indian households prefer solid wood beds as they can withstand climate, high usage and house relocation and are the best option available. Select a style that will match the interior of your room, a size that will allow ample breathing room and a finish that will be loved in 10 years. Then your four poster will not only hold your bed together, it will be the one that will be remembered by your guests and the one on which your family will sleep happily for years.
