Problematic Conversions……No Problem!!!!!Why? Because the largest size iron bed being made back in the 1800’s was a double/full size. Back then there were no queen or king sizes. So to accommodate those individuals with either a queen or king size mattress, it’s necessary to have us convert it.
The conversion process our beds go through can be done in a couple of ways. For those people wanting to use a queen size mattress…….we can either do a simple length conversion; adding an additional 5″ to the length of the side rails, or cutting the the head and foot board of the bed and making it wider. Although this is how we do all our kings, because of the appreciable width difference, most people with queens opt for the less expensive simple length conversion, allowing just a couple inch overhang of the mattress on both sides of the bed frame.
When we convert a bed to king size, it’s necessary to try and maintain the original design and symmetry. That means if a bed has a design that has curves, it’s necessary for us to make sure the additional pieces we weld into it have the same identical curve, so it doesn’t appear as thought design has been altered.
Most people that having a passing knowledge of beds and converting them to king size, think that anything other than a straight line design will to be “problematic”. It’s true that a straighter line iron bed is much easier. But if we were to only do straight line designs, we’d be cutting out nearly 75% of our business.
The trick to converting a bed with scrolls and subtle curves is to be sure the pieces you add have the same exact subtle curves. Putting in a straight piece of tubing to a bed that has a subtle curve will stand out like a sore thumb. Case in point……the photo in this posting. Most people would consider a bed with the “wedding ring” design, a near impossible conversion. As you can see from this “before & after” photo,of this wedding ring style, the subtle additions that were added were in keeping with the original shape and symmetry. For that reason, after the conversion was completed the the king conversion seemed natural and organic. Not forced or re-designed.
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.
