The utilitarian function of iron beds is at it’s best with daybeds that were being made back in the 1800’s. Although quite rare in fact, iron daybed’s provided the owner, back in the 1800’s, with the same practical uses they provide us with today.
One of the main reasons for iron daybed popularity is the “economy of space”. Parents are either looking for more play space in their child’s room or a small guest room can benefit from a twin size mattress doubling as a “couch” and a bed at the same time. Some people with smaller apartments or home offices like the practicality of being able to offer one more bed for sleeping, yet have it look like something other than a regular bed.
Parents also love the idea of being able to hide a “pop-up” trundle unit under the older antique iron beds. All the beds that were made back in the 1800’s had a rail system that was approx. 13″ off the ground. This height is perfect for what’s needed to house a hide-a-way trundle unit. This enables two people to sleep on their own individual bed and when not in use, only take up the space of one bed.
Other great uses of metal beds being used as daybeds is the amount of storage under them. In the instance of a child’s room, there is a tremendous amount of storage for toys, shoes etc. My wife and I had two large drawers made that were on rollers and took up the entire space of a twin size metal bed. They more than accommodated all our daughters toys and stuffed animals.
Other storage ideas for under a bed being used as a daybed or couch can be files in an office. Traditional 12″ files fit perfectly under the bed. Again….a drawer on rollers can make access to all your files, as easy as that of a large file cabinet that takes up needed space.
Although the uses of metal beds that were daybeds, back in the 1800’s might not have encompassed the variety of uses we’ve found for them today, those same metal beds are now more popular than ever because of their practical use.
Our beds being used as daybeds are so popular, we convert over 50% of all the twin size iron beds we sell to daybed. This is an easy transformation done by having the headboard cut down to the height of the footboard. Thus…..two ends that are exactly the same height.
A note of historic significance……… back in the 1800’s there were no “backs” on iron daybeds. At least those being made in this country. The French had what they called “campaign” beds that folded together and had what seemed to be more of a back. But that’s something none of the metal beds in our country had.People in this country tended to either use large neck roll pillows on their iron beds or simply positioned them up against the wall and propped pillows up against the wall.
“Daybeds”…….. it’s an exercise in practicality.
I hope you’ve found this blog informative . I invite you to revisit my website
to answer any and all questions you might have about antique iron beds.
I also invite you to take a look at our company Face Book page for multiple photo albums on Custom Finishes, Canopy Conversions and a comprehensive “Before & After” King Conversions album.
