Interior Trend: FOUR-POSTER BED

"Four-poster beds are hardly new, but like many classic furniture designs, they are having a moment. Why now? People love the romance of the pillared pieces. Plus, their cubelike form suggests four walls, which gives loungers a feeling of privacy and sanctuary, especially in loftlike spaces." - Houzz.Com Editor Sheila Schmitz

The four-poster bed originated in the 15th century, and is thought to have come from Austria. They where used to fend off bugs, keep warmth, as well as create privacy. Heavy drapery and curtains in the winter time were a must, while lighter, sheer fabrics were used or taken off in the summer months.

In Tudor households, ladies often used their bedrooms as living rooms, hosting social gatherings and receiving friends. When a nobleman died, he usually left his best bed to his widow. She had a lot of memories attached to the bed, as it was her husband's deathbed, and she probably gave birth to his children in it. The bed was worth a great deal of money, and so was more than just a sentimental inheritance.

The Great Bed of Ware arguably is the most famous four-poster bed. It is on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. It dates back to the 16th century and comes from an inn in Ware, Hertfordshire, England.

"Today, the canopy and four poster bed trend continues and it’s stronger than ever! If you have ever dreamed of having a heavenly nights sleep, I guarantee you that a canopy bed is the way to go!" - Suzy Q/Better Decorating Bible

"The four poster bed is back. Originally hung with curtains to keep out drafts and insects, four poster beds no longer serve the same purpose as they once did, but their height and presence has kept them popular over the years. They're a dramatic choice for the bedroom, which made them seem incompatible with modern decor for a while. Recent designs have scaled back from the ornate carvings of antique models." - Apartment Therapy

"It’s one of those pieces which has become so unexpected in modern homes but, to be perfectly honest, who doesn’t love the idea of a four poster bed? As the main piece of a bedroom, a bed can afford to make a statement so it’s with excitement that we look forward to the revival of the silhouette in everything from modern to decorative styles." - Jade Thomson/Spinocchia Freund

"The drama of these super stylish beds is back – and better than ever. We love the rich look of wood four poster beds, but also really enjoy the non-traditional – like branches." - Evolution Home

"When you choose the bed, the classic and romantic four-poster bed is the hot trend this year. This is not the bed with too much sentimental style that is completed with canopy. Make sure you choose four-poster bed without canopy. This kind of bed will never fail to keep you warm and comfortable at night." - Fahmy Ramanda/Decorate Ideas

"What makes this new wave of four poster beds so successful is the fact that they've been stripped down to the essentials. No more thick and meaty posts that suck the life out of rooms, now there's sleek and trim posts that draw your attention to them without completely overwhelming the space." - Apartment Therapy

"Four-poster beds are back! But instead of outdated oak spindles, we’ll see more simplified, modern versions. Clean columns bring interest and flow to the bedroom. Contrasting furniture will continue to trend -- no need for a matching nightstand, headboard, and dresser. Instead, mix things up and aim for interesting pieces that match your personal style." - Sandy Agar-Studelska

"The Hi-Can Bed, which is also referred to as the Canopy 3.0, is an extremely high-tech and pricy four-poster bed. It comes with an Xbox 360 gaming console, an HD video projector, as well as a built-in multimedia PC. This modern bed also comes with retractable privacy blinds, which will allow to achieve pitch black darkness in broad daylight. To add icing to the cake, you can also adjust the mattress level as well as the lighting." - Calvin Adams

The four-poster bed has inspired a completely new concept for a hanging dinning experience. DuffyLondon’s Swing Table turns even the most boring board meeting or an everyday meal into a fun affair