As you probably know, the largest size bed being made back in the 1800’s was a double/full. And you probably know that these old iron beds can be converted to accommodate a modern queen size mattress. But did you know that it can be done in two ways:
The most difficult is done by cutting the bed apart in integral places and adding additional tubing to increase the width of the headboard and footboard. We also take moulds of the original castings so when additional vertical rods are needed, we’re then able to pour those needed castings in our foundry. When we convert a bed in this manner, it’s been done in the same manner in which the bed was originally put together close to 200 years ago.
The second way, and by far the most popular is a simple Queen length conversion , in which none of the above is necessary. The reason being, the difference in width between the antique double and the modern queen is negligible…. It’s only a couple of inches on both sides. So a width conversion isn’t necessary like that with a king. The way we accommodate the old double to hold the queen mattress is by welding the siderails, that hold the headboard and footboard together lengthwise, longer by 5″. Once put together the box spring and mattress will set on top of the siderails and extend over a couple of inches. Once the bed is appropriately dressed, that width difference is not noticeable.
This photo is an example of a simple queen side rail length conversion. Nothing has been done to the width. If you look close you can see the slight overhang of the queen size mattress on the double size fame. Had this person used a dust ruflle, that visual difference would have been covered up.
Either conversionworks well. It just depends on you and the look you’re happy with. But it’s nice to know antique iron beds can accommodate modern mattresses.
I hope you’ve found this blog informative . I invite you to revisit my website
to answer any and all questions you might have about antique iron beds.
I also invite you to take a look at our company Face Book page for multiple photo albums on Custom Finishes, Canopy Conversions and a comprehensive “Before & After” King Conversions album.
