Iron beds have been used throughout history in institutional settings for one main reason…….durability. No other material, wood, plastic, fiberglass etc. etc., can match up to the durability and strength of metal beds. Often referred to as “hospital beds”, some form of metal bed has always been used in these institutions.
They are also easily transportable and broken down for storage.
The original reason antique iron beds became more popular than wooden beds, back in the aerly 1800’s is because they offered the public a cleaner bed frame that wasn’t as prone to rodents sharing the bed with the people in it. Although that reason is no longer of interest to people buying beds for institutional use today. The durability and strength factor are.
Another advantage to using metal beds in institutions is their ability to fold into a small space for storage. Many of today’s beds simply fold together and don’t need to be disassembled. Making their movement from one room to another much easier than disassembling a bed frame that comes apart in many pieces.
In the photo you can see smaller than normal beds that were specifically made for children, in what appears to be a children’s hospital ward. It’s difficult to see, but I’ve actually had a couple of these beds in the past. The side rails that connect to the head and foot board with a cast iron hinge that allows it to fold toward each other when folded and not in use.
Although the ultimate in utilitarian and Austere styling, beds of this style and design served and still do serve a valuable need in hospitals all across the country.
Institutional iron beds have always served a great purpose and need, that no other form of bed will ever be able to achieve.
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.
