Why Antique Iron Beds Became More Popular Than Wooden Beds
Discover why antique iron beds replaced wooden bed frames during the Victorian Era. Learn how hygiene, durability, beauty, and affordability changed bedroom furniture forever.
Why Powder Coating Can Diminish the Value and Character of Antique Iron Beds
If you’ve followed Cathouse Beds for any length of time, you’ve probably seen one phrase appear time and time again: “Why Erase History?” It’s a simple question, but one that goes to the heart of how I believe genuine antique iron beds should be restored. One of the most common requests I receive from…
Sandblasting Antique Iron Beds – Becoming a Thing of the Past
For decades, restoring an antique iron bed followed a fairly predictable path. The bed would be completely stripped by sandblasting, every layer of old paint removed, every mark of its past erased, before being refinished to look almost factory new. It was considered the gold standard of restoration. Today, however, we’re seeing a noticeable shift…
Vintage or Antique? What’s the Difference, and Does It Really Matter With Antique Iron Beds
If you’ve ever browsed through antique shops, visited a flea market, or searched online for antique iron beds, you’ve probably noticed the words vintage and antique being used almost interchangeably. A beautiful old iron bed might be described as “vintage” by one seller and “antique” by another. An old mirror, wardrobe, or chest of drawers…
British vs. American Antique Iron Beds : How to Tell the Difference from Someone Who Has Restored Hundreds of Them
One of the questions I’m asked more than almost any other is: “How do I know whether my antique iron bed is British or American?” It’s a great question, and while there isn’t one single feature that gives it away every time, there are several telltale signs that become obvious once you’ve handled enough…
Why Buy New—When Original Antique Iron Beds Are Still Available?
Walk into almost any furniture showroom today and you will find a new iron bed that promises vintage charm. Yet few shoppers realize that authentic antique iron beds from the nineteenth century are still available. The greatest obstacle is not only scarcity—but also awareness. Many consumers simply do not know that these original treasures survive…
“Can You Guess the Age of Your Antique Iron Bed ?”
For collectors and decorators alike, one of the first questions asked when discovering an antique iron bed is, “How old is it?” While there is no single feature that reveals an exact year of manufacture, several clues can help you estimate the age of an authentic antique iron bed with surprising accuracy. By studying its…
Why Antique Iron Beds are Called “Iron & Brass Beds”…and Not “Iron & Silver” or “Iron & Copper”?
If you’ve ever shopped for antique iron beds, you’ve probably noticed something interesting. Many beautiful old iron beds feature polished brass knobs, brass finials, brass rail caps, or decorative brass accents. They’re commonly referred to as Iron & Brass Beds. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why weren’t they called Iron & Silver…
Side Rails: The Achilles Heel of Antique Iron Beds
Why One Pair of Rails Rarely Fits Another Antique Iron Bed Anyone who has spent time around antique iron beds has probably heard the same statement repeated countless times: “Aren’t all the side rails the same?” It’s one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding iron beds, and unfortunately, it’s also responsible for countless damaged bed frames…
Antique Iron Beds in Hollywood: Fifty Years of Celebrities, Movies, Magazines & Memories
For more than fifty years, Cathouse Beds has specialized in authentic antique iron beds, restoring and preserving some of America’s most beautiful pieces of history. Over those decades, our iron beds have found homes in historic houses, luxury residences, museums, boutique hotels—and quite unexpectedly, in Hollywood. What began as a passion for saving remarkable antique…