Over the years, I’ve come across a good amount of the old 3/4 size bed frames. You might ask yourself what possible purpose did they have and their usage. A 3/4 size iron bed measures between 44″ and 49″ wide. An antique twin size measure between 38″ to approximately 41″. A Full/Double size measures right at 53″ wide. So the 3/4 was an odd size in between a Twin and a Full/Double .
To put this all in perspective, you have to realize the largest size bed frame being made back in the 1800’s was a Full/Double. People were smaller and heat was an issue that was helped by two warm bodies being closer together than in today’s larger Queen and King sizes.
Families tended to be bigger and multiple siblings were the norm, not the exception. It was more rare to have only one or two children. You might think it would be difficult having enough bedrooms to accommodate such large families. Not necessarily. It was more common for siblings to sleep in the same bed than to have their own. A Full/Double, being 53″ wide could actually accommodate three children up until their height surpassed that 53″. Then they might get their own bed with another sibling.
Today 3/4 size antique iron beds can be used for a host of applications. None of which require having the “dreaded” custom mattress made.
The first thing to remember is that a 3/4 size is only slightly smaller than a double, by a couple inches on both sides. The length of a 3/4 is the same as a double/full and a twin, 75″. So if you use wooden 2″ x 4″ bed slats and set a standard Full/Double box spring and mattress on top of them and the side rails, the mattress will hang over a negligible amount on both sides. Once the bed is dressed with a comforter and appropriately made “dust ruffle”, that slight overhang won’t be noticed.
The second thing that we use 3/4 sizes for is king conversions. We cut them apart in integral places and duplicate the castings on them by taking moulds in our foundry and adding them to whatever necessary rods or tubing is added. This is a much more elaborate and difficult use for someone without the facilities and knowledge of bed construction. It’s taken use close to 40 years of seeing thousands of different beds to know what will look appropriate when a bed is enlarged and tubing needs to be curved and rods need to be added in an effort to maintain the symmetry of the original design.
The last thing you might consider with your 3/4 size is a “daybed“. Have the headboard cut down the height of the foot-board. Then put it flush against a wall, using the wall to hold king size pillow shams. Two king size shams along side each other will fill the length of the mattress. Then get two neck roll pillows that are made for the width and are placed at either end. The more pillows you use……the more the bed will take on a “couch” effect.
So don’t discard that old 3/4 size……. it’s got a lot of great practical uses.
