The History of Cast Iron Beds

Reproductions of cast iron beds are popular bedroom decor choices.

Despite the availability of lightweight, modern materials, iron beds continue to be popular throughout the world. The original iron beds were made of cast iron and date back to ancient times.

Original Beds

The production of cast iron is traceable back to 550 B.C. China. Pouring hot raw iron into molds shaped the metal. These antique beds are rare and usually used strictly for decorative purposes as mattresses and box springs have to be custom made to fit the nontraditional dimensions of the frame.

Wrought Iron

As manufacturing processes improved and lighter weight metal alloys were developed, cast iron beds fell out of favor. Wrought iron bed frames were popular during Victorian times and were handmade, rendering significant differences in the dimensions of the frames.

Antique Reproductions

Factories now produce cast iron beds that duplicate the styles and decorative features of originals. For practical purposes, these reproductions typically have posts and spindles made of steel and use only cast iron to create antique-like effects on the headboards and footboards.

References

• Iron Beds: History of Iron Beds
• Fine Iron Beds: Iron Bed History