Venetian four-poster by And So To Bed (andsotobed.co.uk)
Of all the trends to emerge in the first weeks of 2021, one of the more unexpected ones is a revival of the four-poster bed. But, partly thanks to the Bridgerton effect, full-on furniture is in demand, and the bedroom is no exception.
The four-poster, the earliest examples of which date from the 15th century, has its origins in practical concerns: to keep out draughts, and provide privacy at a time when the wealthy often shared a bedroom with staff. For the royals, up until the late 18th century, it also offered a chance to display their power and taste, the state bed being a relatively public arena.