Throughout the 1800’s, iron beds came in double size (53″ x 75″), twin size (39″ x 75″), 3/4 size (48″ x 75″). What many people don’t realize is that there were Youth Size beds, between the twin and crib size. Youth size, were only about 31″ wide and sometimes as short n length as 54″. The youth size metal bed was a bed that was made as a size for a small child to make the transition from the crib to a normal size and length bed.
Once a child could negotiate their way in and out of the youth size bed, it was felt they were then ready for a grown up bed in a twin or double size.
Quite often if there were more than one child in the family, they would sleep in the same double size bed…..sideways. They’d stay that way until they grew tall enough to have to then turn lengthwise in whatever bed became available. Youth size antique iron beds have become extremely popular with decorators wanting a couch type effect or settee’ .