You might ask …..”why are matching twin size iron beds so difficult to find” ? The best way to understand their rarity is to consider the population and socio-economic make up of our population at the time iron beds were experiencing their greatest popularity in this country. That time was the mid to late 1800’s…
If you bought your antique iron bed earlier than 1977, you can count on on it having been painted with lead based paint. Back in the 1800 s, when these beauties were being made, lead based paint was being used on all furniture and pretty much all iron beds of that period. Lead was added to paint to help the speed…
It’s unfortunate that a number of people have the opinion that metal beds can only go into a Victorian or elaborately fanciful setting. That school of thought couldn’t be farther from the truth. Any antique iron bed can be adapted to the setting by it’s surroundings and the way the owner chooses to dress it.…
What is it that should decide if an antique should or shouldn’t be refinished? One answer…….. You ! It really should come down to your own particular taste and the setting the piece is going into. Other identifying factors should involve, first and foremost the structural integrity of your piece and if it might need to…
I’ve lost track of the countless times a prospective customer has said to me, after I’ve showed them the custom antique faux’ finishes we specialize in, ” oh…. I’d only want an iron bed in it’s original condition”. First of all it automatically lets me know what little this person really knows about the restoration…
The popular opinion about an iron beds adaptability and gender usually is thought to be determined by the beautiful curves or feminine design. Although that can certainly catch the eye and help you feel a bed will look better in a feminine room as oppose to a bachelors pad. It’s certainly not the only thing…
The absolute most important thing after finally finding great old iron beds you’re happy with, is to select a custom antique faux’ finish that is really going to bring your bed to life. One of the more attractive elements to owning an antique bed is their flexibility in being able to be painted and refinishied…
Occasionally I’ll get a person who loves antique iron beds, but doesn’t want an antique finish. There are many people that want a new modern clean look, almost industrial in nature. As I’ve mentioned many times, the beauty of a metal bed is in the castings the foundry designed back in the 1800’s and…
The photo you’re looking at is our most popular finish…….our Black Smyth. Why is it called that and how did it come about? Read on…….. One day I was in the store cataloging and arranging a new shipment or iron beds that I had just gotten in. It actually had some of the prettiest beds…
Iron beds were not just painted white back in the 1800’s. That is what most peoples concept of a bed is……..white. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Most beds had a variation of colors or accented castings. Many beds of the day were painted with two colors. Generally the perimeter was painted in a…