Welcome to our gallery featuring a number of primary bedrooms with four poster or canopy beds.

The difference between four-poster and canopy beds may be slight, but it’s a detail that can’t be missed when you’re talking about designing a bedroom. These beds each have the same basic shape, and have four large posts on each corner of the bed frame. These posts typically extend four feet from the floor, and can be ornately carved.

Canopy beds are different only in the aspect of decoration. While four poster beds may have connected posts forming an open top, as the bed above shows, canopy beds drape fabrics over the top and down the posts.

These fabrics can be thick to hold in heat or to provide privacy, or they can be sheer, used for decoration and elegance. In this gallery, you will see examples of both–some with sheer, white drapes, others with thick, velvety and tasseled fabrics.

The use of the canopy for warmth and privacy actually dates back to Medieval ages, where the thicker canopies on nobles’ beds helped keep warmth from escaping into the rest of the room, and provided privacy, as attendants often slept in the same quarters in case their employers had need of them during the night.

As the centuries passed, these canopy beds became much more ornate, transforming into the elegant pieces we have come to know today.

Modern canopy beds come in every style, from rustic to minimalist, though most of the examples you’ll see have a more traditional flair.

We hope you’ll enjoy this fantastic gallery and find some unique inspiration for your own home.

Rustic double doors provide entrance to this lovely traditional primary bedroom with a touch of rustic charm. A passthrough fireplace is shared with the primary bathroom beyond. A half-canopy rises above the headboard, adding further elegance with thick cream drapes.

See more of this home here. Designed by Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro Architects.

Drapes are abundant in this primary suite, which features a large marble soaking tub enclosure. While this canopy bed is not traditional, since it is missing the four posts, the purpose of the heavy draperies is the same. The oval shape they create allows more space between the canopy and the bed, and feels less enclosing.

Source: Zillow Digs^TM

The dark wood four poster bed provides height to the space, as all the other furniture is somewhat squat. The height complements the raised ornate fireplace, which is viewable from the primary bathroom and the patio outside.

A spacious primary bedroom with a lovely foliage motif carpet arranged in a diamond pattern. Sleek black furniture contrasts sharply with the traditional white canopy bed. The canopy is trimmed with small golden tassels.

The sheer enormity of this primary suite is awe-inspiring. Exposed beams throughout add an architectural detail that is difficult to ignore. A large glass enclosure in the center of the room leads to the stairs.

Source: Zillow Digs^TM

Even the simplest four poster bed can add height and a sense of lofty sophistication to a bedroom. This particular room is otherwise very neutral and modern in design.

For an elegant, slim look, a wrought iron four poster bed is a wonderful addition to the space. If you prefer not to have a full canopy on your bed, you can simply place a few smaller curtains, as shown in this bedroom.

A stately four poster bed in rich dark wood and leather inlays. Wrought iron bars create an X above the bed and add a lighter element to this heavy, imposing piece.

The arched ceiling of this bedroom is perfect for this abnormally tall canopy bed. A simple sheer white curtain is draped across the center of the bed, drawing the eye back down from the ceiling.

See more of this home here. Designed by Webb & Brown Neaves.

Bold color and texture are the focal points of this eclectic bedroom. The light blue metallic four poster bed is topped by small winged figures.

See more of this home here. Designed by Vick Vanlian.

The wooden tray ceiling provides height to this Asian-inspired primary suite. Shoji doors can close off the lovely zen primary bathroom on suite. The lovely slim wooden four poster bed has an ornate headboard and storage.

See more of this home here. Designed by Webb & Brown Neaves.

The thin light wood frame of this four poster bed draws color from the natural fiber area rug and a curtained light wood closet. The rest of the room is in darker shades.

See more of this home here. Designed by SAOTA.

The focal point of this traditional-contemporary primary bedroom is the ornately carved canopy bed with lace drapes and valances. All the storage ever needed is contained within a wall of built-ins.

The incredible luxury of this bed is centered on the thick, gathered velvet curtains. The tiebacks are dark chocolate and tasseled, barely visible from beneath the billowing curtains. The same fabric and textures are in the bedding as well.

Light cotton curtains add tropical flair to this lovely primary bedroom. A curved three-quarter wall separates the doorway from the main section of the bedroom.

While the exposed brick and metalwork throughout this space gives it an industrial air, the button-tufted headboard and light, sheer white drapes add a softer element into the room.

The thin white posts of this four poster bed draw attention to the large bed and add visual interest and light contrast to the light gray walls. Mirrored night stands and a small desk add further texture and light to the room.

See more of this home here. Designed by Wick Designs. Photography by Lisa Romerein.