Antique Beds

A good nights sleep is priceless, there is nothing better than sinking into a sumptuous mattress at the end of a hard day. A bedroom should be a space of tranquillity and calm, a haven away from the stresses of life; an antique bed is a beautiful item of furniture and is sure to make the lure of sleep even more appealing.

History of the Bed

In ancient times, 1000 BC, beds consisted of little more than a pile of straw and mud and other natural materials such as animal skins and leaves. It is thought that around 27BC mattresses of hay and feathers were being used commonly for beds. 

The Egyptians were the first culture that are thought to have raised their beds above ground level, with the elite of Egyptian society having beds made from wood, they may have also featured gilding and during this period many of the beds had headsteads. The ancient Medes and Persians had similar beds, decorated with ivory, mother of pearl and precious metals. It was a time of opulence for sleeping arrangements.

Later Medieval Europe stuffed mattresses and lay on the floor but it was not until the 12th Century that more beds began to be made in Europe; they were made from wood and decorated. By the 14th Century people understood the benefits of sleeping above the ground and basic bed frames were constructed of wood slats and rope straps with straw or hay on top, hence where the phrase ‘hitting the hay originated’.

From here bed strings replaced the rope and an intricate threading process held the bed up, however these became loose and weakened and needed tightening, thus the other popular saying ‘night night sleep tight’ originates from this time.

By the end of the 14th Century the four-posted bed was manufactured and it was the Tudors who introduced the four-posted bed to the UK. Four-posted beds during this period were as elaborate and intricate as possible, they were demonstrative of wealth and often made of solid oak. Queen Elizabeth I was the owner of some of the most lavish beds of all during this time, she had several magnificent beds in her various abodes and even travelled with her favourite.

By the 15th Century beds increased in size and were generally large, and by the 16th Century there was an increase in decoration although now the frames were lighter. The bed evolved throughout the ages and by the 17th Century there was the introduction of ‘La Duchesse’ and Louis XIV beds, both were extravagant and luxurious beds. By the 18th Century cast iron beds were in existence and in 1865 the coil-sprung mattress was developed. 

Styles of Antique Beds

Antique brass beds first appeared in the UK in the 1820’s, during the Victorian era they became increasingly popular. There are a large number of antique brass beds to choose from. Whimsical curves and scrolls were often features of Victorian brass beds, they were opulent with intricate and exquisite looking headboards and footboards, often decorated with floral designs. There were four posts, which supported testers, which held fabric canopies and protected from illness, cold and insects.

Edwardian brass beds were not so heavily decorated; they were more feminine and light with softer designs. An Oxford antique brass bed is very classical and elegant with curved headboards and footboards and fluid lines. An Art Nouveau brass bed from the early 1880’s is an attractive antique bed with flowers, leaves, vines, grapes and insects, water lilies and poppies, the design represents the creation of life, with flowing lines and curves the style of the bed has a natural rhythm. Art Deco brass beds are more angular and geometric with zigzags in the design. Harry and Lou Epstein produced some striking Art Deco beds, some of which featured cabinets. Antique brass beds are expensive, however they are also very valuable. 

Other antique beds of note include French antique wooden beds, a Louis XV style double bedstead is a popular choice, French antique wooden beds can be upholstered, and the structure uses curved lines and often has cabriole legs. 

Day beds from the William and Mary period have clean lines with straight backs often in a baroque style. Antique beds from the Queen Anne period will often feature cabriole legs and curved backs in their design.

French rococo antique beds, Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI antique beds are all nice pieces. 18th Century rococo, neoclassical and empire styles are favoured if you would like a more feminine antique bed.

An antique bed frame is a true investment, both visually appealing and valuable, they will positively impact the bedroom and your sleeping space. An antique bed is an attractive option for arguably the most important time of the day- bedtime.