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Four Poster Beds - The King Of Beds
and the Bed Of Kings
 Four
poster beds were originally built to protect the sleeper from drafts,
insects and vermin. The first real four poster bed with four posts and a
canopy was a Tudor Four Poster Bed. A Tudor Four Poster Bed had an
elaborately carved back which was sometimes fastened to the paneling of
the wall behind and its low heavy ceiling was supported by the massive
carved posts actually standing away from the bed. In Tudor and earlier
Stuart times the bedstead was considered to be the most important item of
furniture in the home, whether of rich or poor status.
Even today, 600 years later, up market hotels realise the value of the
four poster bed, they know their guests will never forget their visit and
the special nights spent in such an impressive bed. What can be a more
prestigious be than a four poster bed, the ultimate in beds The King Of
Beds and the Bed Of Kings.
Antique four poster beds specialise in searching out the larger beds,
most of our stock are original antique four poster beds with a few top
quality reproduction antique style four poster beds. We have many
satisfied customers and take great pride in our reputation, we are
committed to giving an honest and accurate description of all our four
poster beds.
We also supply top quality luxury hypo allergenic Mattresses
and Bed Bases - the Which guide award
winning "Health Beds". Our mattresses and bases can be made in
unusual sizes so if you have already acquired an antique four poster bed
and need a special size mattress and bed base, have a look at our range
and email us for a quote.
Please
click here to go straight to our Four
Poster Beds.
Colonial Four Poster Beds - The History
From the 17th century to 1911 The British East India Company had a
colony in India, especially in the then capital city Calcutta. Calcutta
was a very important city and trading port to protect the British
interests, so a large contingent of British troops were also posted here.
In 1858 the rule of the East India Company was transferred to the Crown,
The British Raj. These rulers had grand tastes and wanted British
style in their homes, they were very wealthy people so commissioned the
finest craftsmen to make impressive pieces of furniture including beds,
none more impressive than four poster beds. The local Nawabs (land-owners)
and maharajahs were also greatly influenced by European lifestyles and
also commissioned furniture for their palaces.
The magnificent colonial antique four poster beds on this site are
completely original, no replacement parts and date around 1850. They were
built in India for the Generals and officers of the British Raj and the
Indian nobility. Due to trading restriction these antique four poster beds
have been stored away for over a hundred years. They are carved from very
hard wood usually mahogany or rosewood in the Victorian style demanded by
Queen Victoria's high ranking officers.
Four poster beds were made in various sizes sometimes very large. The
large size is probably because you would have wanted to spread out during
the heat of an Indian summer. Originally these four poster beds would have
been covered with mosquito net, but look fabulous with traditional drapes
or muslin for a modern touch. The beds are restored sympathetically,
carefully cleaned preserving their natural patina then wax polished giving
them a natural sheen. |
