French, Baroque & New England Beds

Our range of beautiful French beds will ensure that whichever side of the bed you get out of, it’s the right one. From carved white painted beds, Fleur Double bed to our seductive black bed, Baroque Black bed you will feel like you have just stepped into a fairytale. If fairytales are not your thing maybe our traditional wooden slat beds New England willl suit you. One thing is for sure - whether you go for sentiment or sophistication, Carter and Rose have carefully selected only the most beautifully made beds to satisfy our most discerning clientele.

In the 17th century furniture was an expression of wealth and power. Louis XIV furniture used lavish materials, exotic woods, silver and gilt, lacquer and marquetry. The bedroom became a place where guests were received. The finest beds had a plume of feathers, known as a panache, at each corner, and a balustrade separating the occupant from the visitors. Louis XIV's bed was also raised on a dais.

Fashions in larger pieces of furniture changed slowly as they were expensive items, and beds were often handed down as heirlooms through families, which meant that beds rarely changed in style. The Empire style arose during the 18th century from the art and political aspirations in the post-Revolution atmosphere. It was mostly shaped by Napoleon’s strong personality, and his understanding that formal grandeur had great propaganda value. This new French style included tented beds, day beds and the lit en bateau which often had scrolled ends was raised on a dais, and draped in fabric. The Lit droit was popular in less wealthy households, it was a bed with a headboard under a triangular ornament from which fabric was draped. Bedrooms started to be furnished with mirrors and they became places to sleep, rather than places to receive one's guests!