7 best four-poster beds to give your room the royal treatment

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.

At less than £500, our most affordable pick is this contemporary noir number from Habitat. The Blissford boasts a sturdy wooden frame, which is painted in jet black, bringing glamour and dark drama to the bedroom. Despite its purse-friendly 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.

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 we 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, trickets 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.