One of the major things that help our customers focus in on the iron beds they like is familiarizing themselves with the different styles that were available 150 to 200 years ago.
In that period of time numerous different Style Classifications came and went and beds seemed to have adapted nicely with all of them.
Art Deco was a popular design style of the 1920s and 1930s characterized especially by bold outlines, geometric and zigzag forms, and beds that bordered on modern.
Art Nouveau was a design style of late 19th century origin characterized especially by sinuous lines and foliate forms. Beds of this period were very sensual in their curvature and form. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700’s creative handcrafting began to fall by the wayside. Machines were replacing man. Finding this event tiresome and boring the Artists of this period began seeking ways to put life back into this revolutionized world. Thus was born “Art Nouveau” or for the more English speaking audience “New Born Art”. The basic design form for this period was the use of curved lines, much like those found in nature.
The Austere era was a consequence to the Great Depression. Gone was the wealth and luxury of the age of Art Deco. Ornamentation was dramatically reduced and metal beds would become more simple in design than ever before. The strong sharp angles became simple curves, the unique media’s used were replaced with simple media’s like iron, cement and glass.
The Craftsman movement was a direct result of the Victorian era and it’s extreme ornamentation. It began at the turn of the century and still carries influence in today’s modern environment.The Craftsman style put back the simplicity to life and replaced self absorption with self consciousness. It utilizes the sense of openness and space in conjunction with rustic boldness. It’s appearance by no means is simple. Beds of this period were utilitarian and practical, yet beautifully simple.
The Victorian era , was considered to be extremely ornamental with romantic undertones, this style mixed natural and floral designs with soft gentle curves, much like the curves of a woman’s body. Color was also a significant factor, the era began with soft muted pastel colors, however by the end of the era the soft muted tones had changed to reflect more vibrance and saturation. This period, for beds ,was by far the most beautiful in designs.
Antique iron beds in all of these periods had distinct advantages over their wood counterparts. Too numerous to mention in this blog but definitely in one to follow.
No matter what period of decor you favor……. there is a bed perfectly suited for your taste and style.
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 the multiple “Before & After” photo’s on our company Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/ – %21/pages/Cathouse-Antique-Iron-Beds/126838177398
