What is the name of this bed?

• A. Lit en bateau
• B. four-poster bed
• C. tester bed
• D. canopy bed

Answer: (A)

The name refers to a bed shape that looks like a boat hull. This bed features long, curved side rails that run smoothly from headboard to footboard, with a low profile and no tall posts or overhead canopy. That hull-like silhouette is the defining clue, which is why it’s called lit en bateau—literally “bed in a boat.” It originated in France and was popular in the 18th century, often upholstered and used in salons for lounging as well as sleeping.

The other options don’t fit this shape: a four-poster bed has tall vertical posts at the corners supporting a canopy or tester, and a tester or canopy bed clearly includes overhead fabric and posts. So the bed’s continuous curved sides and absence of posts/ canopy point to lit en bateau.