The Aristocratic and Authentic Antique Iron Beds
At the beginning of the aristocratic iron furniture was introduced to American homes. Until then iron is commonly used in garden areas for urns, polar light benches and especially in household banisters, and architectural uses, such as domes, porch fences on terraces, etc. With this dramatic introduction of utilitarian and antique iron beds born some of the most beautiful and well made, as well as the durable goods is clearly that century as well as today.
One of the most useful, durable and beautiful items of this is iron bedding in my opinion. With the Nouveau graceful curve of the bedtime to the Straits supporting structure of the mission period, the iron bed is dictated to the look of the room, but can be used with any style furniture, from pine rosewood. Although I admit that the Victorian era iron beds are my favorites, many missions and country beds also quench my thirst for this beautiful piece of our history and the future.
It is a strong belief that the bed will bear the suffering and trials of the future, as they have for a hundred and sixty years. One of the true pleasures in using an iron bed is the ability to change colors to match your room decor. Let's face it; we decorate the changes from time to time. The antique iron beds will always blend in nicely with any decor even modern. Even baby iron beds which I do not recommend for babies unless it's already converted into safety rules that have their use in and out of the house. They make lovely loveseats, daybed sofas, etc. Be sure to coat with clear sea finish if used outdoors like Terrace bench, or crop holders.
While authentic antique iron beds are the most popular, metal beds come on strong. I do not mean foreign made cheap bed material, but rather 1910 through 1940 era, which is very sturdy in most cases, and makes cheap additions to your home. The bed was given a respectable mention just because it fell into an antique or a classroom sleeping collection. Be careful if you sandblast a metal bed because the thickness of the metal can be cut easily by sandblasting. This is not the case with iron beds because they are a lot of thick material.
Three quarters of iron beds were in great demand in the late 1800's as most people either made their own coverlets, etc. or they can buy almost any place. Today they can still be purchased, but generally from Select Company, not every department store. The three quarters of the bed are 48 inches and need a custom mattress. Again these mattresses can also be purchased but generally from firm mattresses rather than department stores. Sometimes the length of the bed is also shorter than the modern bed. There are many iron bed reproductions but cannot include the distinct beauty or durability of an authentic antique iron beds. True antique iron bed stands to honor roll all their own.
