How to Restore Antique Iron Beds : Preserve the Patina or Start Fresh?
Learn how to restore antique iron beds, from preserving original distressed paint and patina to sandblasting, priming and creating authentic crackle finishes.
Transportation and Shipping of Antique Iron Beds Over the Years
Long before antique iron beds reached a bedroom, its weight influenced where it was manufactured, how it was constructed and how far it could economically travel. From horse-drawn wagons and railroads to modern freight carriers, transportation played a surprisingly important role in the history of the American Iron Beds.
Antique Iron Beds – Finials: Their History, Purpose and Victorian Designs
Why do antique iron beds have decorative finials on their posts? Explore the history, purpose and remarkable variety of cast iron and brass finials used by Victorian bed manufacturers—and why these seemingly small details can tell us so much about the quality and design of an original antique iron bed.
How to Coordinate an Antique Iron Bed Finish with Your Bedroom Décor
Choosing the right finish for an antique iron bed doesn’t have to start with the bed. Wallpaper, fabric, chandeliers, artwork and even antique copper can inspire a custom finish that brings an entire room together while preserving the character and history of the original bed.
Why Were Antique Iron Beds So Heavy? How Weight Went From a Liability to a Sign of Value
The tremendous weight of antique iron beds could make them expensive and difficult to transport in the 1800s. Today, that same heavy construction, ornate casting and rarity can make the finest surviving examples especially desirable and valuable.
How Many People Did It Really Take to Make an Antique Iron Bed in the 1800s?
How many people did it really take to make an antique iron bed in the 1800s? Far more than most people realize. From the original designer and draftsman to the patternmaker, moldmaker, foundry workers, metalworkers, assemblers, finishers and inspectors, an antique iron bed was the product of many specialized nineteenth-century craftsmen. Discover the fascinating manufacturing process behind the antique iron beds that have survived for more than a century.
The Carbon Footprint of Antique Iron Beds : 150 Years Later, Is It Greener Than a New Bed?
Could a 150-year-old antique iron bed actually be better for the environment than a newly manufactured metal bed? We explore the carbon footprint of antique iron beds, how life-cycle emissions are calculated, why carbon doesn’t simply “dissipate” over time, and how reusing a durable iron bed can avoid the environmental cost of manufacturing new metal.
Where Did Iron Beds Start Being Made in America—and When?
Where did American iron beds actually begin? Discover how Pittsburgh, Chicago and other industrial centers helped launch the American iron-bed industry in the 1800s—and why the small independent foundries of the Victorian era produced some of the most beautifully crafted antique iron beds ever made.
Did Materials Really Make a Difference Between British and American Made Antique Iron Beds ?
Did the materials and construction techniques used in 19th-century American and British iron beds really make a difference? After more than 150 years, the surviving beds provide some fascinating answers. Discover why heavier tubing, substantial castings and different construction methods may explain why so many American-made antique iron beds have stood the test of time.
Converting Antique Iron Beds to King Size: Preserving Victorian History for Modern Living
Discover how Cathouse Beds carefully converts authentic Victorian antique iron beds from double to king size while preserving their original design, character, and historic integrity. Our pioneering conversion process adds only what is necessary — including carefully matched castings when required — so you can enjoy a genuine antique iron bed with the comfort of a modern king-size mattress.