10 best four-poster beds, tried and tested by an interiors editor

This is a bit of a show-off design, in the best possible way. Swooping arms and elegant curves add just the right level of drama to the bedroom – think less over the top and more effortlessly stylish. Made from solid iron, this four-poster bed has a vintage feel, but the minimalist frame keeps it modern enough for contemporary spaces.

With finishes such as pewter, satin black, glossy ivory and satin white, you can lean into a moody industrial vibe or keep it fresh and airy. As for the upholstered headboard and footboard, it’s totally customisable with a range of fabrics, so you can make it as bold or as subtle as you like. Available in sizes from single to super king, and with an array of customisable options, including under-bed storage, this one’s as practical as it is pretty – and proof that functionality and flair can indeed go hand in hand.

At less than £500, this contemporary noir number from Habitat is relatively affordable yet high quality. The Blissford boasts a sturdy wooden frame, which is painted in jet black, bringing glamour and dark drama to the bedroom. Despite its price tag, this one feels sufficiently robust, thanks to its strong make-up and impressive joints. You won’t find any wobbles here. The classic four-poster bed is pleasingly simple in design and features an integrated headboard in the same material, as well as subtly tapered legs. Contemporary grandeur on a budget.

We’re not all blessed with the proportions of a grand period property, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the grandeur of a four-poster. This low-lying bed frame essentially forgoes the legs and any under-bed space to achieve its striking height. Without legs, the bed is pleasingly cubic, which gives it a cool, contemporary feel – not to mention a laidback aesthetic.

Really impressive, though, is the brand’s choice of 17 frame sizes – from small single up to super Caesar, and including some EU dimensions – meaning you can choose a frame that’s just right for your space. Chunky and sturdy in feel, the bed comes in solid pine or hardwood, is available in a comprehensive range of finishes, from the rich and warm coffee bean to the chic and fashion-forward black, and even has options for accessories such as drapes and floating shelves – it’s practically bespoke.

You wouldn’t usually associate mid-century modern design with a four-poster bed but Heal’s has pulled it off perfectly with this lofty frame in dark wood. The handiwork of industrial designer Tim Rundle, the bed is crafted from a rich and warm solid walnut (a staple of Sixties furniture) and features subtly curved joints and beautifully smooth and rounded posts. Its integrated headboard, upholstered in a smart grey cotton/linen blend, complements the mid-century stylings, while the frame itself is elegantly elevated off the ground, giving the illusion of extra floor space. Of course, this one’s all about the barely there joinery, making it a feat of craftsmanship.

If your property features magnificent high ceilings, why not flaunt them? This architecturally styled four-poster bed plays on its impressive height even further with sloping rafters at the top. What I love most about the Hester is its mix of contemporary design and its undeniable romanticism: you can sleep under the eaves of this house-like frame and dress it up with drapes to soften the silhouette.

While it’s a striking aesthetic feature, the ‘roof’ is also there to keep the piece nice and sturdy, with added support. For those who appreciate the beauty of natural wood, this handmade oak frame features natural swirling grain, which awards it even more homely warmth, while its tall comfy headboard, upholstered in natural linen, offers a touch of luxury.

If you ever find yourself envious of your kid’s bunk bed, complete with integrated storage spaces and nifty shelving, this rather more grown-up affair will appeal. Contemporary and unapologetically chunky in design, the bed features a wealth of storage nooks on all four sides, ideal for housing books, trinkets and boxes of bits and bobs.

Here, the ladders aren’t for climbing up, rather, they’re designed for hanging trailing house plants, lighting, or whatever your imagination allows, and that’s the beauty of it. There’s even the option of a raised mattress mechanism for additional storage space in the centre of the piece. Crafted from durable laminated board, and finished in smooth white, it feels fresh and modern, too.

For a truly palatial boudoir, a Louis XVI-style four-poster bed is an obvious choice but this gilded number from And So To Bed is equally grand, with its clean, contemporary lines. Available in king and super king sizes, the Hoxton is fashioned from luxurious brushed brass and boasts hidden fittings, so as not to interrupt the smooth silhouette of the canopy frame.

This one’s all about the imposing headboard, which is made up of three large rectangular panels and comes in a choice of sumptuous fabrics. Of course, this matches the panelling of the bed itself, which brings the luxurious look together. One for homemakers with deep pockets, the bed isn’t cheap, but it promises to be a future heirloom.

Raft is a brand synonymous with top-quality, handcrafted wooden furniture, and the Milbrook four-poster bed is entirely to type. Imposing and chunky in design, the frame certainly demands some space but it brings a wonderfully rustic feel to the bedroom, thanks to its beautiful dark stained teak – complete with all the naturally occurring swirls, grains and knots.

Scoring points on sustainability, the wood is responsibly sourced, too, enabling us to sleep soundly knowing we’re doing our bit for the planet. Best of all is its timeless quality. You wouldn’t be able to date this handsome bed frame, thanks to its fuss-free design that simply celebrates exceptional woodwork and craftsmanship.

This Morocco-inspired four-poster impressed with its choice of customisable features. Made to order, it’s available in no less than 17 finishes – the dark coffee bean hue stood out for its warmth and depth, but lighter options such as whitewashed and rustic oak offer a completely different vibe. As with all of Get Laid Beds’s offerings, this one comes in a huge range of sizes, including European dimensions.

The petite double with its slightly scaled-down frame works beautifully in a smaller room, proving that a four-poster doesn’t have to dominate a space. The minimalist open frame, with its clean lines and subtle nod to the Arabian style, feels equally suited to both contemporary and eclectic interiors. It was straightforward to assemble, and the solid wood frame feels sturdy and durable.

This is a total scene-stealer, combining traditional French elegance with an industrial edge. Its hand-crafted iron frame is relatively slender, but don’t be fooled – this one’s sturdy enough to last a lifetime. The upholstered headboard and footboard add a soft, romantic feel, while the pole-like posts award it a minimalist, modern vibe.

It’s available in The Original Bed Co’s standard finishes, but for an extra £149 you can have it colour-matched to your favourite paint shade from a number of paint brands, including Dulux and Farrow & Ball – I think that’s well worth it for a one-off furniture piece. And the same goes for bespoke fabric choices. This bed frame comes in sizes single to super king, so whether you’re going full-on Parisian chic in a principal bedroom or just sprucing up a guest room, there’s a frame to suit.