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What is a Sleigh Bed?
Home » Beds » Sleigh Beds » What is a Sleigh Bed?The sleigh bed will never go out of style. These beds usually offer a large headboard and a more pronounced footboard than a regular bed. Many sleigh beds are reproductions of European antique beds. Headboards are often curved and curl at the top and are finished with cherry finishes to reflect European furniture. Beds are also available with high gloss finishes and a more contemporary style. Again, the sleigh bed is characterized by a higher than normal headboard and footboard. Headboards can be as tall as 98” and footboards 68” tall. Low wood side rails connect the headboards and footboards. These side rails were similar to the sides of a sleigh. The rails came in handy to hold the rope mattresses that were laced in the 19th century.
Considerations: Before purchasing a sleigh bed, take a look around your room and visualize the impact this piece of furniture will have on your room. Is your room large enough to accommodate a large bed with a tall headboard and footboard? If the answer is yes, then a sleigh bed can pull your room together and make a statement. The decision to buy a wood or iron (metal) bed should also be based on your existing décor. Dark finishes and light finishes make two different statements in your room. If your room is small, then choose a sleigh bed with shorter ends. The taller the head and footboards the more prominent place the bed takes in the bedroom. Beds are available in twin that measures about 39” across. Full beds (double) are 54” wide. Double beds are a good size for larger children or an adult. Queen and king beds are 60” to 76” across. The bedroom that will comfortably accommodate a queen or king bed should be rather large. Obviously, there is more sleeping room but also these beds take up much more floor space and seem larger due to the features that are unique to the sleigh bed.
Wood: These sleigh beds are usually beautiful in design and come in traditional, antique, country and contemporary styles. Wood sleigh beds can be purchased in a variety of woods such as cherry, pine and oak. Heirloom style beds are often adorned with carvings on the large head and footboards. Truly, the choices are limitless. If you have a shaker style house or décor, there are sleigh beds that feature this traditional style. Wood sleigh beds are an American tradition and that finds it roots in the Victorian style. The curves of the bed offer a distinctive element to your bedroom.
Iron or Metal: Sleigh beds are not just constructed of wood they can also be made of metal and iron. One advantage of the iron bed is its durability. A quality iron bed is made of heavy gauge iron with pieces that are welded together. The metal sleigh bed offers the sleek look of metal but the fact that they have the alluring curves of the more traditional sleigh bed you still achieve the warm and inviting environment in your bedroom. Before deciding on a metal bed, careful consideration of the décor in your bedroom is needed. Many metal beds have a traditional look and feel, but the tendency towards contemporary is also there. Decide on your basic look before purchasing the metal bed. Finish on the metal will also influence the look you wish to achieve. Also, the type of metal and welding quality will affect the durability of your bed.
Upholstered: Sleigh beds are also available with upholstered head and footboards. These beds offer a soft and luxurious look in a bedroom. There are interesting combinations of wood with upholstered panels. The covering may be upholstery fabrics, faux leather or leather. If you decide on an upholstered sleigh bed, it is wise to remember that the upholstered head and footboard will take on a more prominent position in your room. The darker color of fabrics or leather will provide a calming and rich feel to the room. If you choose a brighter color, interest will immediately be drawn to the bed.
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