The Four Poster Bed.

The first four poster beds were made to guard the sleeper from bugs, insects and drafts.  Now a favorite among designers, the four poster bed brings romance and elegance to a bedroom.  Available in a variety of materials and styles, there is a size and design to complement any decor.  Here are a few delightful renditions.

To sleep in this four poster bed you would first need to travel to Africa.  At the Shumba Camp in Kafue National Park in Zambia, this bed is complete with mosquito netting.  Can you imagine relaxing here after a day full of wildlife activities?

This very traditional four poster bed is by Hickory Chair.  The bed has been impeccably fitted with elegant linens.  A chandelier in a bedroom, along with floor to ceiling window treatments, is always a lovely addition.  I love the soft and serene color palette.

This traditional Italian-style four poster bed has arch details at the base which were inspired by Venice's Rialto bridge.  The crisply carved barley twist posts are topped with carved flames.  The brick wall adds authenticity and rustic charm to the room.

Four poster canopy beds came into existence more for utilitarian means than for extravagance.  The earliest canopy beds were most likely those of common people seeking shelter beyond merely their precarious thatch roof.

  

This sleek ebony modern four poster bed is juxtaposed against a rustic brick wall.  The interest level was heightened by adding another layer of contrast, textural white bedding.  A unique chandelier hangs from a glossy white ceiling.

This bedroom subscribes to the theory "less is more".  The sleek black iron four poster bed rests in an all-white room with minimal shots of color and pattern.  In this clean lined bedroom, there is enough detail to capture the attention without being superflurous. 

In this bedroom designed by Stephen Sills, a modern four poster bed bridges the gap between past and present. The room is breezy and relaxing.

This wood colonial four poster bed looks at home in the room.  Weathered green painted walls, shutters, an antique light fixture and bare hardwood floors, all contribute to the ambience of the bedroom.

 This bedroom, designed by Tom Scheerer, is easy on the eyes.  The contemporary four poster bed makes a dramatic statement.  Dashes of bold colored accessories enliven the space.  White paint freshens the room and maintains the modern vibe.

Rightly referred to as "The King of Bed and The Bed of Kings", the four poster bed makes a dramatic statment in any bedroom.