Orleans T4P.

A French-style 4-poster bed that oozes romance

If you thought the short 4 post Orleans bed was the most romantic bed, then just wait till you see the tall four poster version. It features all the natural shaping, curves and hand carvings of the original with the addition of hand-turned posts and an exquisite canopy. Made from solid wood, it's popular in a patina wax finish, especially for the more traditionally styled bedroom - or when you want a bed that blends nicely with the odd bit of antique furniture like an old wardrobe or chest of drawers. The wood is painstakingly distressed to create an aged feel. It's carefully waxed and then given a 'patina' finish to create the impression of a build-up of grime in the crevices. It sounds pretty awful, but the result is spectacular!

Or opt for a hand-painted finish. It's never simply a case of painting the bare wood. After careful preparation, it's then hand painted. The bed is then slightly distressed and aged to create an antique feel. Then dress with floaty voile drapes (not supplied) and you have the kind of bed you've dreamed of owning since you were small. When the craftsmen at the manufacturers think of the Orleans 4-poster bed, they always picture it in a hand-painted finish. We have a picture of that to, that's how we've shown it in a larger image.

The hand-painted finish is extremely popular with French-style furniture which is why it works brilliantly with the Louis-style Orleans bed. And of course the French style also conjures up images of floaty voiles, sumptuous fluffy, satin or silk cushions and bedding. As romantic painted four posters go, the Orleans takes some beating.