Gaslight
The largest category of authentic iron beds is the Gaslight bed.
Gaslight beds incorporate an almost endless variety of detailing
and materials. Generally using a straight framework of solid iron
uprights in various designs and accentuated with solid castings.
The designs range from the elaborate to the restrained. The detailed
castings often often incorporate unique geometric, natural or iconic
patterns and the corner casting are often especially unique. The tops rails
can consist of solid iron or have brass spindles or other interesting
elements. They can be arching, flat or bowed and can include a wide variety
of finial treatments.
Floral
Iron bed floral designs usually incorporate elements of solid hand-forged
iron scrollwork which can be extensive or minor, and thick-walled tubing
combined with cast floral elements. They often have arch, or bow or camel-back tops
rails, but can also have simple tailored flat tops. The variation of castings
and corner design often produce incredibly unique pieces. The variety of flowers and
leaves used were only limited by the artist's imagination.
Scroll
Another category with a wide variation, the iron scroll bed incorporates flowing sensual
scrollwork usually of thin round iron bar with solid or thick-walled tube. The hand forged
patterns can consist of extensive and elegant loops and hoops, simple sweeping curves or a
combination of spokes and refined lines, making each scroll bed an individual in its presence.
Simple
Many iron bed rely less on decorative castings and more on precise proportioning and clean
lines. This category includes beds that use solid round bar or thick tube to define a simple
yet elegant presence. Many rely on a series of basic uprights, while others may use two or
three castings to tie together the entire design. Visually light and fresh, these beds make
great additions to a modernist decor and will work to enhance rather than overwhelm other
elements of the room.
Deco
Deco beds tend to be quite bold in their geometric and zig-zag patterns
and exacting sensibility. Usually instantly recognizable in their brazen
large scale design, Deco beds capture the fast paced changes of the 20's
and 30's in their presence. Often asymmetrical, the Deco bed incorporate
iron tubing or solid iron and wide pieces of brass or aluminum and many have
inlaid metal, shell, glass or solid brass elements such as balls or large
decorative flatwork areas. Most of our Deco beds consist of both a head and
footboard and will serve as the focal point of any room.
Victorian
Generally made from relatively large dimensioned thick walled tubing,
solid iron scrollwork and finely detailed castings, the Victorian iron bed
is usually more elaborate than most scroll beds in both the number of castings
and in the detailing. Evoking romance and elegance, floral design and
elaborate scroll patterning defines the Victorian design. Corner shoulders can
be square but often are sensuously rounded. Brass or bronze elements are often
used for a draping effect and the overall impact is one of opulence and luxury.
Headboards
Suitable for a more modern approach to a room, many of our finest iron
pieces are available as a headboard only. Available in a variety of styles,
headboard only iron beds are more contemporary in nature for today's clean
design aesthetics. Since all these authentic antiques actually began their life
as a bed, we can arrange to have tabs welded on to allow for the use on a modern bed frame.
