Interior designers have spent years finding new ways to bring fabulously ruffled four-poster beds back into modern spaces. First when low beds became fashionable in 2017, and then again when modern wholesalers offered their interpretations in 2023. Now design professionals are interpreting the 16th-century bedroom classics in a way that honors their historical roots, with beautiful fabric details reminiscent of the Renaissance.
The burgeoning craze for four-poster beds makes perfect sense, as interior designers are ushering in an era in which unabashed romance is celebrated and hardware stores are turning away from industrial-looking four-poster beds. That's why Rococo-style furniture is so popular and why even fashion trends are dominated by mentions of figures like Marie Antoinette (even in… fashion!).
Credit: Design: Megan Molten | Photo: Annie Böser
“Canopy beds instantly add a sense of charm and architecture to a room, creating a sense of comfort that is both playful and cozy,” explains Cate Gutter, owner and principal designer at CWG Design in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I love how a four-poster bed can visually anchor a room while providing the opportunity to layer patterns and textures in a way that feels intentional – yet carefree.”
The best part is that some designers are interpreting this trend as a smaller footprint – an exciting development for those who don't have enough room for a full four-poster bed. Read on to learn more about how to achieve the look in even the smallest bedroom.
Credit: Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
What four-poster bed styles are trending right now?
In a word, the hottest four-poster beds are spectacular—they're designed to take your breath away, make you feel weak in the knees, and transform your bedroom into a space that feels, well, magical.
Many designers create four-poster beds that are upholstered in fabrics that deliberately harmonize and clash with other elements of the room as well as the bedding itself. It's a style reminiscent of maximalism and helps heighten the sense of wonder when someone enters a bedroom for the first time. There is also the option of tying fabrics to other elements of the room: wallpaper, pillows, throws, and even furniture itself.
Credit: Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
And not all four-poster beds use the same draping techniques to get the same “Wow!” to achieve. Effect. According to Gutter, many have chosen to reduce the amount of fabric used to make the actual canopy that hangs over the sleeping space – while still choosing fabrics that offer bright colors and clean patterns.
“For rooms we've designed in the past, I've designed four-poster beds with simple frames that add structure without feeling heavy,” she says. “The soft canopy fabric and bunting add movement and personality while balancing the bed's clean geometry. The mix of cheerful colors, classic stripes and tailored details ensure it doesn't feel out of place excessive thematic…but still full of personality.”
Photo credit: Photo: Baxter Miller; Design: CWG design
Traditionally, four-poster beds are laid out with the fabrics spread out between four posts. But designers are also experimenting with the shapes of four-poster beds, making them smaller to create what some call “mini” four-poster beds.
Jenny Bova, interior designer and owner of Ohio-based Bova Creative, is one of the designers transforming a traditional four-poster bed into a small, space-saving piece that still feels luxurious. This type of canopy bed is often referred to as a “half tester” bed by people in the design industry.
“It's effective because it feels cozy, frames the head of the bed, and is less intrusive than a full canopy,” says Bova. “This is our usual choice when it comes to creating a four-poster bed.”
Photo credit: Design: Courtney Smith
How to design a four-poster bed in a small space
Whether you choose a full canopy or are considering a semi-tester style, designers say you first need to consider whether your ceilings are high enough to achieve the look. Both Bova and Gutter say a sloping ceiling or a tub ceiling can hinder canopies, even if you go for a modified half-tester look. You'll need at least 8 feet of height in a bedroom to place a four-poster bed (otherwise a tall headboard may be best!).
In the small bedroom pictured below, Bova had just enough space to create a modified four-poster bed. And she did this with the help of a window covering made of cornice boards, mounted directly under the ceiling, with curtains extending down to the bed below. This is just one of the ways people with limited space can create a canopy look without needing a full bed frame.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Jenna Bova Design
“Using modified canopies—essentially upholstered cornice boards with curtain panels on the sides and back—is a great way to add a focal point to a small space,” adds Bova. “They have a small footprint but are very effective…They give you more height and drama than a typical headboard and feel softer and more feminine.”
When done correctly, four-poster beds (either full-size or half-height!) can make your bedroom seem much larger than it is, as their design naturally draws the eye upward and makes the ceiling appear much higher than it actually is.
“The key is to choose a frame that doesn’t overwhelm the space. [an option] Light colors or open structure to make it feel airy,” Gutter adds. “Even in a small room, a four-poster bed can beautifully define the space if scaled appropriately and balanced with simpler surrounding furniture.”
What to look for in a four-poster bed
Whether you're looking to purchase a fabric-covered canopy frame or working with a designer to create a custom DIY look, you'll want to take advantage of this new feature to add instant character to your bedroom.
“I prefer clean frames with classic textiles like stripes, gingham or small-format prints that feel traditional yet fresh,” says Gutter. “Retailers have really elevated the four-poster bed in recent years, embracing simple shapes and sophisticated details… I love when a four-poster bed feels architectural, yet whimsical, more playful than formal.”
Beyond ceiling height, you'll also want to make sure there's enough floor space for fabrics to hang gently on your bed frame—the design requires open space to be successful, says Bova.
“Make sure there is enough room for the side panels to drape properly. We always make sure there is enough room in the floor plan so we don't have to squeeze the side panels between the bed and the nightstand, which is just a few extra inches,” she adds.
Looking for chic options that are ready to purchase now? Check out some options from major retailers below — as well as some high-end options that designers themselves are using!
AT Four Poster Beds October 2025
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Luxury upholstered four poster bed from House of Hampton
Luxury upholstered four poster bed from House of Hampton
Wayfair
$465
Buy now
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Calistoga four poster bed
Calistoga four poster bed
Pottery Barn
$1,725 (was $2,299)
Buy now
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The four poster bed, queen
The four poster bed, queen
Coley Home
$5,600
Buy now
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Lily four poster bed
Lily four poster bed
Ballard Designs
$3,266 (was $4,082)
Buy now
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