The double bed is probably the most universally accepted size and remains highly practical even today. Bed sizes did not begin to be properly standardized until the mid-19th Century when sprung mattresses were invented. Before this, stuffed mats were used which of course can be sized with ease. However the double is a practical size based on the space needed for two people laying beside each other. The standard double became associated with more humble middle-class needs instead. At around the same time that spring mattresses first appeared, bed design branched out from purely solid wood (often with drapes) to new cast iron and brass designs as well. These new metal designs were deemed far more hygienic as they allowed better air flow and well as being less prone to collecting dust. Beside this shift simpler foot and headboards emerged which focussed the decoration away from carving to veneer inlays which also collected less dust.
Today the Victorian Mahogany double bed and the cast iron double bed are both firm classics among many people and still suit our modern bedrooms well. At LoveAntiques we have a great selection of Antique and Vintage double beds for all your sleeping needs.
Vintage World
Vintage French Double Bed with Bedside Tables
£ 599
£ 1,550
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 299
London City Antiques
Magnificent Exhibition Quality Antique Victorian Gilded Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
£ 8,845
Magnificent Exhibition Quality Antique Victorian Gilded Solid Brass Half Tester Double Bed
£ 8,845
London City Antiques
Antique Furniture Direct
Art Deco Burr Walnut Double Bed
£ 350
The Vintage Interiors
Carved Oak French Henry II Style Bed
£ 1,295
The Vintage Interiors
Painted French Carved Bed
£ 695
The Vintage Interiors
Painted French Upholstered Bed
£ 995
Pear Tree Antiques
French Carved Walnut Bed
£ 1,195
Beau French Boutique
French Chesterfield Style Double Bed Frame
£ 425
£ 1,195
The Vintage Interiors
Mahogany French Upholstered Bed
£ 995
The Vintage Interiors
Carved French Oak Bergere Bed
£ 1,495
The Vintage Interiors
Carved French Upholstered Bed
£ 1,295
The Vintage Interiors
French Painted Double Bed With Brass Embellishments
£ 1,295
Debenham Antiques Ltd
American 19th Century Ornate Brass Double Bed
£ 4,695
£ 995
£ 1,950
£ 1,150
Town House Traders Ltd
Victorian Brass & Iron Double Bed
£ 340
Paul Watson Antiques & Interiors Norfolk
Victorian Brass & Iron Bed 4ft 6in with Slatted Pine Base
£ 950
Victorian Brass & Iron Bed 4ft 6in with Slatted Pine Base
£ 950
Paul Watson Antiques & Interiors Norfolk
Bedsteads
Attractive All Iron Irish Double Bed
£ 1,295
£ 1,195
£ 695
£ 1,450
Carradale Farm Antiques Ltd
Antique French Bedstead
£ 1,650
Antique Furniture Direct
Victorian Arts & Crafts Brass Double Bed by Hoskins & Sewell
£ 695
Antique Furniture Direct
Victorian Ebonised Small Double Iron Bed (4ft)
£ 395
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Double Bed
£ 199
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Golden Oak Double Bed
£ 249
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 199
Vintage World
Amazing Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 249
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 349
Vintage World
Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 347
Vintage World
Louis XV Style French Double Bed with Bedside Tables
£ 299
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Double Bed
£ 249
Vintage World
Louis XV Style Vintage French Golden Oak Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
French Double Bed with Bedside Tables
Vintage World
Amazing Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
Amazing Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 399