Iron Bed

An iron bed is not a bed completely made out of iron. An iron bed refers to a bed that uses an iron bed frame. The iron bed was invented in the late 18th century along with the cotton mattress. The iron bed and mattress provided a sleeping arrangement that was less attractive to bugs compared to other sleeping arrangements at that time.

Today, the iron bed is popular not because of it being free from bugs but from the variety of designs, styles and its value as an antique. It is important to make the distinction between an antique iron bed and a reproduced iron bed.

An American antique iron bed is an original bed that was produced back in the 1800’s or early 1900’s. These iron beds can cost from $500 to 10,000 per frame depending on the style and condition. It is believed that the American iron beds produced during this period was superior to those produced in other parts of the world, namely Europe.

A reproduced iron bed is a bed that is designed after an antique iron bed but is reproduced today using some modern manufacturing techniques. These iron beds look and function equal or better than the original iron beds but they are not valued as an antique for obvious reasons.

Contemporary and modern iron beds are designed using the latest styles. These iron bed styles typically tend to be less ornamental than antique iron beds and more toward the minimalist direction.

Buying an Iron Bed
As you do your research on iron beds, you will see the terms cast iron bed and wrought iron bed being used frequently. A wrought iron is iron that is has been heated and hand worked. A cast iron is iron that has been cast into a casting mold. Recently, there are some fine European wrought iron beds on the market. Some of these premium wrought iron beds feature solid tubing that is hand crafted. Before you buy an iron bed make sure you do your research online and understand what you are buying.