Antique Bed Guide: Important Tips for 2022

Looking to buy an antique bed? You’re in for a treat! Antique beds are some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture that you can find. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before making your purchase. In this antique beds guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about buying antique beds. We will cover everything from size and style to condition and price. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced collector, this post has something for you!

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Antique Beds
Antique Beds – Source: Kristen Prahl / Shutterstock.com

A Brief History of Antique Beds

The first beds can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where they were made from wood or stone. In the Middle Ages, bed frames became more elaborate with intricate carvings and ornate designs. The Renaissance brought about a revival of classical design elements such as columns, scrolls, and acanthus leaves on furniture pieces like headboards and footboards.

In modern times (from around 1900 onwards), most antique beds are Victorian or Edwardian in style with straight lines that imitate architectural features found on buildings during those periods such as cornices mouldings for decorative purposes rather than structural ones!

What is an Antique Bed?

An antique bed is defined by its age – it must be at least 100 years old to be classed as an antique. However, the term can be used more broadly to describe any bed that is older than 50 years.

When buying an antique bed, it’s important to remember that not all beds are created equal! There are a few different types of antique beds available on the market, so let’s take a look at each one:

Types of Antique Beds

Four-poster Bed: A four-poster bed is probably the most iconic type of antique bed. It consists of a frame with four tall posts (usually made from wood or metal), which hold up a canopy or curtains. Four-poster beds were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and were often used by the wealthy and elite as a way to show off their status.

Canopy Bed: A canopy bed is very similar to a four-poster bed, but instead of posts, the frame typically has a headboard and footboard with fabric or metal brackets that hold up the canopy. Canopy beds were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often used by women as a way to showcase their wealth and status.

Tester Bed: A tester bed is another type of four-poster bed that was popular in the 17th century. It differs from other four-poster beds in that it doesn’t have a canopy or curtains – instead, there is usually a decorative tester (or valance) at the top of the bed frame.

Poster Bed: A poster bed is similar to a four-poster bed, but typically has fewer posts (usually two or three) and no canopy or curtains. Poster beds were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often used by people who wanted a more minimalist look in their bedroom.

Bedstead: A bedstead is simply the metal or wooden frame of a bed without any upholstery or mattresses. Bedsteads are not as common today as they were in the past, but they can still be found occasionally at auction houses or online.

18th Century Antique Beds

18th century antique beds have a simple design and often feature four posts, which hold up the canopy or curtains. Some 18th-century beds also feature decorative finials on top of each post (or just one at the headboard). Canopy beds were typically used by women as they wanted to show off their wealth status through luxurious fabrics such as silk velvet!

19th Century Antique Beds

19th century antique beds usually had two posters with an ornate headboard and footboard that was decorated using carvings or painting techniques such as gilding. They typically included wooden slats underneath for support instead of metal springs like modern mattresses do today so make sure there’s adequate airflow between them when sleeping!

19th Century Antique Brass Bed Frame

If you’re looking for something a little different, why not consider an antique brass bed frame? These frames were popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century and can be identified by their ornate designs and use of brass metal. Some people choose to refinish these frames to give them a new lease on life while others leave them as they are to show off their aged patina.

20th Century Antique Beds

20th century antique beds often have a more modern look with straight lines, metal frames and no posts at all. They typically include wooden slats underneath for support instead of metal springs like modern mattresses do today so make sure there’s adequate airflow between them when sleeping!

Early American Bed

Early American antique beds can be characterized by their simple design and use of pine wood. These beds were typically made in New England during the 18th century and were popular among colonists who wanted an affordable option that was durable enough to last through harsh winters without cracking or splitting due to changes in temperature.

French Provincial Bed

French provincial antique beds are characterized by their ornate decor, which usually includes carvings along the headboard and footboard as well as intricate patterns on each post (or just one at the head). They’re typically made from walnut or cherry woods with a darker stain applied overtop for added depth!

The Victorian Era: Antique Victorian Beds

Victorian era antique beds can be identified by their large size (twin-size), elaborate designs including carvings, and use of fabrics such as velvet or brocade. They were popular from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century and often had a canopy or curtains to give the illusion of a larger bedframe.

Victorian Sleigh Beds

Victorian sleigh beds are made from walnut or cherry woods with a darker stain applied overtop for added depth! Victorian sleigh beds are particularly sought after because of their ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the headboard).

Identifying a Victorian sleigh bed can be difficult as there isn’t any one characteristic that defines them all; however, these beds typically have four posters with an elaborate headboard and footboard decorated using carvings or painting techniques such as gilding.

Victorian Canopy Beds

A Victorian canopy bed is a type of antique bed frame which was popular during the mid-19th century until early 20th century. They’re made from walnut wood and often feature ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the head). The canopy itself has decorative curtains hanging down overtop for added privacy when sleeping!

The Victorian era saw many changes in how people lived their lives, including what they slept on: gone were those simple wooden frames of the early American period and in their place came more ornate (and expensive) options such as Victorian canopy beds! If you’re looking for something truly unique, a Victorian canopy bed might be the perfect choice for your home.

Antique Sleigh Beds

Antique Sleigh Beds are a type of bed frame which was popular during the mid-19th century until early 20th century. They’re made from walnut wood and often feature ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the head). The canopy itself has decorative curtains hanging down overtop for added privacy when sleeping!

Victorian canopy beds were used as status symbols by wealthier families during this time because they showed off wealth through their elaborate designs and use of expensive materials such as velvet or brocade fabrics.

Antique Canopy Beds

Canopy beds became popular during the Victorian era as a way to show off wealth and status. Families who could afford them would have one in their home, typically in the master bedroom, to demonstrate that they were part of the upper class. If you’re looking for something luxurious and unique, an antique canopy bed might be perfect for your home!

Antique Brass Beds

Antique Brass Beds are a type of bed frame which was popular during the mid-19th century until early 20th century. They’re made from brass and feature ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the head). Antique brass beds have become rare because many were melted down for other purposes during World War II or destroyed by people who thought they could be replaced with something better.”

Antique Four Poster Beds

Four poster antique beds are characterized by four posts that fit into each corner of the room with an ornate design on top, usually featuring carvings or painting techniques such as gilding. These four poster beds were popular during the Victorian era but have become rare today due to their size and weight.

Antique Oak Beds

Antique Oak Bed frames were used in many homes around America from the mid-1800s until early 1900s! The wood was often painted or stained with a dark color so that it would be easy to match furniture elsewhere in your home. There are still antique oak beds out there, although they’re less common than before because people prefer lighter woods these days.”

Antique Iron Beds

Iron bed frames became very popular during the 19th century when iron production increased dramatically. They were cheaper than wooden ones and could be made into any shape or style desired by customers; however, some people believed them to cause which means that these beds were more susceptible to rusting over time than wooden ones!

An antique iron bed is a type of frame which was popular during the mid-19th century until early 20th century. They’re made from iron and feature ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the head). Iron beds have become rare because many were melted down for other purposes during World War II or destroyed by people who thought they could be replaced with something better.”

Antique Style Bed Frame

If you’re looking for a more timeless look in your bedroom, an antique style bed frame might be the perfect choice! These frames are typically made from wood and have detailed carvings or designs on them which give them a classic feel. They can be used with any type of mattress and come in a variety of different sizes to fit nearly any room!

More Common Antique Bed Styles

Some other common antique bed styles not already covered include the following:

Antique Style Headboards

An antique style headboard is a type of bed frame which was popular during the mid-19th century until early 20th century. They’re made from wood and feature ornate carvings on each post (or just one at the head).

Antique Curved Footboard Bed

An antique bed with curved footboard is a popular type of antique footboard. They may be considered sleigh beds and were a sign of status in Victorian times.

Finding a curved footboard antique bed these days is pretty easy. You can find them at many local antique dealers and even online.

Antique Rice Bed

An antique rice bed is a type of bed frame which was popular during the late-19th century until early 20th century. They’re named as such because they were often made from rice crates and other materials which were easy to come by at that time. Rice beds are less common today because they don’t hold up very well over time.”

Antique Rope Beds

The rope bed frame has been used since ancient times as a place to sleep, but it didn’t become popular in modern society until around 1850 when it was introduced into homes. Today there are still some old fashioned ones left over from that era! However most people prefer more modern styles so these days these antique beds are rare.”

Antique Four Poster Beds

Four poster antique beds are characterized by four posts that fit into each corner of the room with an ornate design on top, usually featuring carvings or painting techniques such as gilding. These four poster beds were popular during the Victorian era but have become rare today due to their size and weight.

Antique Cannonball Rope Bed

The Cannonball rope bed was a type of bed frame which was popular during the late-19th century until early 20th century. It gets its name from the cannonballs on each side of the bedframe. They were often used in military barracks and prisons.

Antique Bed Posts

Bed posts are the vertical pieces of a bed frame that extend from the floor to the mattress. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or rope.

Painted Antique Beds

Many antique beds were painted to give them a more colorful look. The paint would often start to chip and peel over time, which is part of what contributes to the bed’s antique status.

How to Value an Antique Bed?

Valuing an antique bed depends on a few different factors. One of the most important is how old it is. A bed that was manufactured in the 1800s will typically be worth more than one made during World War II.

The condition of an antique iron bed can also affect its value, but this isn’t always true! For example: if you have one with rust spots on it then those might make for less expensive prices because they’re not as attractive anymore. If there are any other flaws such as cracks or missing pieces from previous repairs then these could lower your cost too!

Antique Brass Bed Value

The value of an antique brass bed also depends on a few factors. One is how ornate it is with carvings, etchings, and designs. Another is the age – generally speaking, the older a brass bed is, the more valuable it will be. And finally, how well it has been preserved will affect its worth too.

Antique Rope Bed Value

Valuing an antique rope bed is a bit more difficult than other types of antique beds because they’re not as common. The price will depend on the condition, age, and rarity of the bed. As with any antique, if it’s in good condition and hasn’t been damaged over time then it will be worth more.”

Antique Bed Springs Value

Antique bed springs values vary depending on many factors. One is how old it is, which will influence its worth based off of condition and rarity as well. Another factor that may affect an antique bed spring’s value would be whether or not there are any rust spots from previous repairs done to the piece itself!

Antique Cannonball Bed Value

The value of an antique cannonball bed depends on many factors. Some of those factors include the bed’s rarity, the condition it is in, and how old it is. As with most antique items, if an antique cannonball bed is in good condition then that will increase its value.

Wooden Antique Bed Value

Antique wood beds are some of the most common types around. They can be made from all sorts of different types of wood, like oak, cherry, or maple. The age and condition of the wood will affect its value, as well as any carvings or designs that may be present on it.

Metal Antique Bed Value

Metallic antique beds were popular during the Victorian era and into the early 20th century. They come in a variety of different styles and materials, such as wrought iron or brass. The age and condition of the metal will affect its value too – if there are any rust spots from previous repairs then those might make for less expensive prices!

Antique Sleigh Bed Value

An antique sleigh bed is a type of bed that was popular during the Victorian era. It gets its name from the fact that it resembles a sleigh – typically, they have curved or slatted headboards and footboards. The value of an antique sleigh bed depends on many factors, such as the age, condition, and rarity of the piece. Typically speaking, if an antique sleigh bed is in good condition then it will be more valuable.

Antique Beds Guide: What to Look For

When it comes time to buy an antique bed, there are a few things you need to know before making your purchase. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect antique bed for your home that will last for many years!

If you’re in the market to buy an antique bed, follow some basic tips to find the perfect bed for your need:

  1. Consider your needs – Do you want a metal bed frame with wrought iron detailing? Or maybe one made out of wood that has carvings and turnings on it would suit you better? Think about what style will work in your space before making any decisions! If possible try sleeping on different types so that way when buying an antique bed, you’ll know which material feels best under your body type.
  2. Look at the age – Look carefully at how old an antique bed is by checking for any signs of wear such as cracks or broken pieces. The older a piece is, typically speaking, the more valuable it will be since these items were built to last many years ago! This means they’re harder find new ones today
  3. Know what factors affect the value of an antique bed before making a purchase
  4. Make sure where you’re buying your antique bed is reputable

If you’ve found this antique beds guide useful, please check out our other antique furniture posts, such as our antique armoires!