At Cathouse Antique Iron Beds, we specialize in reviving and repurposing the old-world charm of antique iron bed frames. Over the years, we’ve honed the art of converting these unique pieces into modern king and queen-sized beds, breathing new life into the past while preserving their timeless appeal. But what makes our work stand out is not just the conversion; it’s the meticulous care, skill, and craftsmanship required to maintain the original design while creating a bed that meets modern-day expectations. From the detailed process of cutting, bending, and welding to the custom-made castings, we make sure that every bed we convert keeps its historical authenticity intact, ensuring it looks as though a king-size iron bed could have been manufactured in the 1800s.
The Challenges of Converting Antique Iron Beds to Modern Sizes
Antique iron bed frames, particularly those from the 19th century, were originally designed in much smaller sizes compared to modern-day standards. A typical antique bed frame would be a “double” size, which is now commonly referred to as a full-size bed. These were the most common sizes produced in the 1800s, as king and queen sizes were not widely available until the early 20th century. The idea of larger beds, such as the king or queen, simply didn’t exist in the same way we think of them today.
The primary challenge in converting these antique bed frames to fit modern king and queen size mattresses is ensuring that the scale of the bed still feels authentic. After all, the last thing we want is for the new bed to look out of place with its original design. It needs to feel like it could have been part of the original design concept in the 1800s, even though we are making significant modifications to increase its size. This is where the finesse of our craftsmanship comes into play.
Converting to Modern King and Queen Sizes: A Step-by-Step Process
1. Measurement and Design Planning
Before any physical changes are made, we start by carefully measuring the antique bed. The existing frame must be assessed to determine how much additional width is needed to accommodate a modern king or queen-sized mattress. This requires understanding the specific proportions of the original bed frame and then planning how to scale it up while keeping its aesthetic balance intact.
In the case of a double-size antique bed being converted to a king, we’ll need to increase the width significantly—often by 18-24 inches. This is no simple task, as it requires not only adjusting the bed’s length but also ensuring that the design elements, like intricate ironwork patterns, maintain their original style. Once we’ve determined the measurements, we plan out how to incorporate the additional pieces needed to support the wider frame.
2. Cutting and Bending the Original Frame
The next step is cutting the original iron frame to create space for the wider size. At Cathouse Antique Iron Beds, we understand that cutting antique iron requires precision. We carefully cut and bend the metal to add new sections to the bed frame. These additions must not only be structurally sound but also fit seamlessly into the design, which is no easy task.
The design has to remain visually cohesive, and the frame must be reinforced in areas that will bear more weight. This process involves adjusting both the structural framework and the ornate decorative elements without compromising the bed’s original look. Each additional piece of metal tubing or iron that we add is welded into place in such a way that it integrates flawlessly with the existing frame.
3. Welding and Reinforcement
Once the frame has been cut and bent, we begin welding the additional iron components into place. This is where the bed really begins to take shape. Welding must be done carefully to ensure that the added pieces are secure, and that the original frame remains intact. This process requires the skill and precision of a master welder who understands the importance of preserving the integrity of the original design while accommodating the larger size.
We also take extra care in ensuring that all new parts are firmly attached to the original bed, ensuring that the frame can support the larger, heavier mattress without losing its historical charm. This is a critical step because an unstable frame or one that looks like it’s been haphazardly modified would detract from the beauty of the antique piece.
4. Casting New Components
While the frame may be in place, one of the most crucial elements of maintaining the bed’s authenticity lies in the castings. Original antique iron beds from the 1800s were made with intricate cast iron components, including the finials, corner posts, and other decorative pieces. These were often cast in a foundry, where molten iron was poured into molds to create the detailed designs.
When converting an antique bed to a king or queen size, we often need to have new castings made to match the original design and connect the newly added sections of the bed. This step is essential because the new rods and tubes that extend the bed’s frame must be connected in the same manner as the original components, preserving the original design aesthetic. We send the required parts to the foundry, where they replicate the original casting process, ensuring the new pieces match the style, texture, and finish of the bed’s original components.
5. Finishing Touches: Painting and Restoration
After the new components are cast and the bed has been welded together, the bed needs to be refinished to look as though it’s been part of the bed’s history all along. We carefully paint or powder-coat the frame to restore its original color or apply a finish that matches the antique design. Whether it’s a soft, aged patina or a more polished look, the finish is a critical part of making the bed look seamless and undisturbed by the modifications.
This is where the beauty of the antique frame is fully restored. A combination of sanding, cleaning, and touch-ups ensures that the frame’s surface is smooth, its patina is intact, and its vintage appeal is not compromised. The attention to detail in this step is paramount, as the goal is for the finished bed to look like a piece that has aged gracefully over the years.
The Canopy Bed: A Unique Twist on the Antique Iron Bed
In addition to converting antique bed frames into modern king and queen sizes, Cathouse Antique Iron Beds also specializes in converting these historic pieces into canopy beds. Canopy beds, as we know them today, were not a common feature in American homes until the early 1900s. Prior to that, they were primarily crafted in Europe, where the designs were influenced by the region’s unique cultural and architectural styles.
Creating a canopy bed from an antique iron frame involves adding four posts and a frame that can support fabric or other materials to create a canopy-like structure. This process is similar to converting the frame to a larger size, but it also includes the design challenge of ensuring that the new posts and canopy frame integrate seamlessly with the existing ironwork. The finished product combines the elegance of the past with the luxurious feel of a modern canopy bed.
The End Result: A Seamless Transformation
At Cathouse Antique Iron Beds, our goal is to make the transition from antique to modern as seamless as possible. We want our converted king and queen beds, as well as our canopy beds, to look like they could have been part of the original design of the 1800s. We take pride in our work, ensuring that each piece is crafted with care, precision, and respect for its historical roots.
By converting antique beds into larger sizes, we’re not just making them more functional for modern living; we’re preserving the craftsmanship and beauty of a bygone era. The result is a bed that has the same timeless appeal it did when it was first made, now capable of accommodating today’s larger mattresses without losing its original charm.
Whether you’re in search of a king-sized antique iron bed or a unique canopy design, Cathouse Antique Iron Beds ensures that every piece is a work of art that connects the past with the present in the most beautiful way possible.
