Few sleep setups feel as luxurious and regal as a four-poster bed. Whether you choose a traditional design with intricate detailing or prefer a more contemporary look with clean, minimalist lines, there’s a four-poster bed to suit every taste, space and budget.
Once considered a luxury reserved for sprawling master bedrooms, modern options now cater to smaller spaces, too, with slimline frames and pared-back features that don’t overwhelm a room.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, today’s four-poster beds offer impressive versatility. From solid wood frames that bring natural warmth to industrial-inspired metal designs with a chic edge, these beds can be styled to complement virtually any interior scheme. Think draped fabrics for a cosy, romantic feel or bare frames for an effortlessly modern vibe. Some even come with practical features such as under-bed storage or customisable finishes, enabling you to make them truly your own.
Whether you’re after a high-end statement piece or a more affordable frame, I’ve found the best options that deliver on quality, design, and practicality. My favourite design overall is The Original Bed Co’s Waterloo bed frame (£949, Obc-uk.net) but there are plenty of other great options that impressed during testing. So read on for my full review and get ready to transform your bedroom (and your sleep) in style.
How I tested
I tested a mix of ready-to-buy frames and made-to-order options by visiting showrooms where I could get a proper feel for their quality and finish. When picking out the best four-poster beds, I considered the following…
- Craftsmanship: I tested the quality of the materials, the sturdiness of the frame, and the attention to detail in the construction and finish.
- Design: I checked to see how well each bed balanced aesthetics. I looked at proportions, detailing, and how it would fit into a range of bedroom styles.
- Durability: I tested the overall sturdiness and stability of the bed once assembled.
- Value for money: I tested whether the quality, design, and materials matched up to the price point, and if the bed felt like a long-term investment.
- Assembly: I tested how straightforward each bed was to put together, including the clarity of instructions and how many tools or people were needed.
- Practicality: I tested how much space each bed required and whether the canopy design affected comfort or accessibility.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews section, IndyBest, employs knowledgeable reviewers to test products as you would use them in your own home, to bring you an impartial list of the very best.
Ali Howard has been a go-to interiors expert for The Independent’s product review section since she began writing for IndyBest in 2019. She has reviewed beds of all types, including the best storage beds, best sofa beds, and best bunk beds for kids. She champions lesser-known designers and furniture-makers wherever she can, and when testing four-poster beds, she has considered important factors such as style and build.
The best four-poster beds for 2025 are:
- Best overall – The Original Bed Co Waterloo bed frame: £949, Obc-uk.net
- Best budget buy – Habitat Blissford four-poster double wooden bed frame: £400, Habitat.co.uk
- Best for high ceilings – Oka Hester four-poster bed, super king size: £3,295, Oka.com
- Best for integrated storage – Vox 4 You four-poster bed with storage, king: £1,255, Cuckooland.com
- Best for quality craftmanship – Raft Milbrook four-poster bed: From £2,425, Raftfurniture.co.uk
