Bedded bliss: The return of the four-poster bed

Next month, an exhibition curated by Max Rollitt will explore the decorative possibilities of the four- poster. In this preview, he uses the designs to breathe new life into the interiors at Grange Park, William Wilkins’ Greek Revival masterpiece in Hampshire.

four-poster bed
(Image credit: Tom Mannion)
By
published
in Features

In its heyday, the four-poster wasn’t just a status symbol – it was also a practical piece of kit that acted as insulation on chilly nights.

In the days of double glazing and central heating, the thermal properties of four-posters are no longer necessary, but there’s no doubt that they lend more drama to a scheme than any other item of furniture. Inspiration for Max Rollitt’s collection includes a mahogany four-poster from Stoneythorpe Hall in Warwickshire, a military-campaign bed designed by Thomas Butler as well as designs inspired by the Indian and Shaker originals.

The four-poster is also a vehicle for colour, pattern and texture and a foundation for a plethora of looks, from tailored simplicity to decorative excess, as demonstrated here by hangings created with fabrics from Claremont, de Le Cuona, Bennison and George Spencer Designs.

Bala bed, £12,500, Max Rollitt

four-poster bed

(Image credit: Tom Mannion)

Drapes in Echo, in Mist, £140 per m; bed sheets and pillows in Artist Canvas, £160 per m, in Lake and Origami in Petal, £135 per m; cushions in Kasbah in Saffron, £214 per m, and Artist Canvas in Bloom, £135 per m; bed throw in Antique Paisley in Burgundy, £235 per m, all from de Le Cuona (www.delecuona.com)

New Gloucester bed, £10,850, Max Rollitt

four-poster bed

(Image credit: Tom Mannion)

Curtain in Phoenix, mid blue on Oyster, £192 per m; headboard and pillows in Morocco in indigo blue on Oyster, £192 per m; bolster cushion in Honfleur in Green Blue on Oyster, £192 per m; bedspread in Kazak stripe in yellow blue charcoal, £192 per m, all from Bennison Fabrics (www.bennisonfabrics.com); bedlinen, from the Secret Linen Store (www.secretlinenstore.com)

Chamberlayne bed, £16,800, Max Rollitt

four-poster bed

(Image credit: Tom Mannion)

Bed curtains in Claremont SFJ gold silk, lined with Faille Hamilton Havane; swag tie drops in Claremont Amelia crackle; rouge tassles made to order; headboard in Claremont Serge Antique Valance, trimmed with Galon Guipure chenille; bedspread in Claremont Amelia crackle, trimmed in Claremont Galon Regence (special turquoise), price on application, all from Claremont (www.claremontfurnishing.com)

Campaign Bed, £12,000, Max Rollitt

four-poster bed

(Image credit: Tom Mannion)

Bed curtains in Hamptons linen in Harvest Yellow, £136 per m, trimmed with Spencer velvet, Cranberry £144 per m; headboard in Imogen, Red Desert £134 per m; bedspread and Bolster cushion in Amadea, Pumpernickel trimmed with Spencer Velvet, Cranberry Amadea £136 per m; screen wallpapered in Quercus in Windswept, Moss £58 per m, all George Spencer (www.georgespencer.com).

Four poster bed and bathtub in the bedroom – lovely for a decadent long weekend, but would you want it in your house?

Four poster bed and bathtub in the bedroom – lovely for a decadent long weekend, but would you want it in your house?
(Image credit: Foxhill Manor)

Bathtub in the bedroom: Should you try it at home?

Arabella Youens examines the growing trend for baths in bedrooms.

bedding

Beautiful bedding ideas for a luxurious night’s sleep

The simplest way to infuse colour, pattern and texture into your bedroom.

Credit: Leporello

Country Life Top 10: Beds – The best night’s sleep you can buy

From four posters to luxurious divans, we pick out the finest beds on the market.

Country Life
Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.
Latest