It’s a curvature that the side pole of some antique iron beds make out beyond the normal dimension of a double size bed.
Most true double size iron beds are approx. 53″ wide, give or take a 1/2″ either way. The “French Curve” can make the outer dimension of a standard double, as wide as 60″.
The “French Curve” was a design element that was being used in France at the time we were making beds in this country. As was the case with many of our more popular beds, we “borrowed” design elements from the more tried and true designs of Europe……specifically England and France.
Because the design of old beds being produced in England in the 1800’s tended to be more straight with fewer curves, we tended to copy many of the more fluid, feminine forms being produced in France. Being the home of “Art Nouveau”, France has always have a propensity toward more curved flowing designs than England.
Once bed designs from France were seen in this country, it took little time for bed foundries and their designers, to copy and elaborate on those more pleasing shapes…… the “French Curve” being one of the more popular.
