Beds and Bedding

Iron Beds

Posted on Wed, Sep 8, 2010 by Benny in Beds

Iron beds are simply beds made of metal. Their headboards, footboards, and bed frames are made of iron, and their bed railings are made of steel. Iron beds can usually be found in homes with enough bedroom space.

Sizes of iron beds  

Like other types of beds, iron beds also come in many different sizes. Some are intended to accommodate only one person, while others are designed to accommodate two or more. Mattresses also come in different measurements to fit the different sizes of iron beds.

Structure of iron beds

Most iron beds have a steel framework with slatted base designed to support almost any type of mattress. “Memory foam” mattresses are among the most popular today. Iron beds usually have bed rails bolted through the railing into the rivet in the post of the bed. This holds the mattress firm into place.

Brief history of iron beds

The first iron beds were created in the 1850s. From the first time they were created until the First World War, iron beds had been hand made. This period is known for excellent metallurgy and metal craftsmanship. From the pouring and polishing to the application of intricate designs and finishes, everything was made out of the iron bed makers’ craftsmanship and pride. In some places around Wheeling, Pittsburgh, and Chicago where there were very few makers of iron beds, it took several days just to finish one bed.

After the First World War, however, there was a need for mass production in several industries, and that of iron beds was also affected. Small manufacturers of meticulously made iron beds were forced into closure and were replaced by mass producers of iron beds. The making of artistic iron beds stopped, and cost-efficient mass production flourished. 

Today, iron beds are made of heavy duty materials such as heavy gauge steel, cold roll, and solid bar stock. Aside from their intrinsic strength and durability from the materials of which they were made, iron beds can also come in various styles and finishes from antique to contemporary designs.

Iron beds made during the era of metal craftsmanship from the 1850s to the First World War can still be found in old homes, homes of rich families, and museums. Their carefully made intricate designs made of early iron bed makers’ bare hands are also considered as works of art. Whereas mass produced modern iron beds also come in various designs, what makes early iron beds special is the pride and creativity from early iron makers’ manual labor.

Tags: Iron Beds