What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wrought Iron Beds?
It’ll come as no surprise that we’re passionate advocates for wrought iron beds (it’s in the name).
But choosing a bed is a big decision. Everyone’s ideal bed is different. And everyone has different needs for their bed- be it elevated comfort, superior support, or distinctive design.
That’s why we’re making the case for iron beds. A timeless style that endures, an iron frame is both strong and steadfast, sustainable and chic. It’s where luxury meets longevity.
Skilfully sculpted by hand, crafted from the finest raw materials, it’s unlike your everyday metal frame. A wrought iron bed is your modern heirloom.
History of Wrought Iron Beds
Wrought iron beds are classic yet contemporary. Tailored to you, timeless styles suit trend-led schemes and personalised decoration alike.
Design details take note from each art-led era: Victorian (dormitory curves), Edwardian (delicate casting), Art Nouveau (scrolling adornment), and Art Deco (graphic geometry).
Wrought iron frames pre-date divans by quite a way. With origins as far back as Ancient Egypt, they’re undoubtedly enduring. Once considered a symbol of wealth and luxury, handcrafted iron beds today are not just reserved for pharaohs, but still possess the same prized longevity and quality.
Iron beds’ biggest boom to date? The Victorian era.
Pre-WWI, during the 1800s and early 1900s, iron beds were crafted by small family-run foundries (similar to Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.). They replaced popular four-poster wooden beds thanks to their sleek minimalist silhouette and cleanliness properties. Frames were sculpted with meticulous attention to detail. Techniques included hand-polishing, hand-casting and hand-pouring, so that each one was bespoke.
Today divans and wooden styles eclipse wrought iron beds. Perhaps modern sleepers have come to expect less from the quality of their beds’ craftsmanship. That’s not to say other styles can’t offer the same comfort and support, but a handcrafted iron bed is unique. It’s a worthwhile investment. It’s an offering of elevated comfort and signature style.
Whether you prefer timeless minimalism or if a statement centrepiece is more your style, look to an iron bed to enhance your sleep sanctuary.
Advantages
Timeless Design: Versatility, possibly iron beds’ biggest boast. Heritage-inspired design meets bold maximalism and showcases classic details. They’re bed frames for every interior style, every house type, whether that’s a new-build guest room or country cottage master. Our tip: style your frame for an added personal touch. Add texture, colour and pattern. Consider powder-coatings and metal plating to really make your iron bed pop.
Quality: A handcrafted iron bed is the epitome of quality and longevity. It’s both a personal and environmental investment. Using the finest raw materials ensures your bed will be long-lasting, without the need to be replaced. Our beds incorporate 100% British iron, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local suppliers. Resistant to warping and bending, iron is reliable and will look like new for longer when taken care of.
Strength: High quality materials mean a strong frame. Many metal beds on the market are made from pressed steel, identifiable by its lightness. In comparison, wrought iron is robust and durable, ready to support the weight of your mattress, bed base, wool enhancer, and, of course, you, the sleeper.
Bespoke: Luxury iron beds are often handmade to order. This means you can prioritise aesthetic and function. From colour changes and side rail height to headboard design or even the space you want to fit (think anything from a small child’s room to a canal boat!), bespoke design celebrates the skill behind an iron bed. Perfect if you want a one-of-a-kind creation.
Maintenance: Made to last. A wrought iron bed requires less maintenance than wood or upholstery. Say goodbye to worries of stains, pilling and bending. Relax more, worry less.
Temperature: Perhaps an unusual one, but important, nonetheless. Your iron bed is less likely to retain heat in warm weather, keeping you cool and asleep for longer. What’s more, iron beds’ open designs allow for better airflow to your mattress and avoid dust build-up. When you add wool bedding into the mix, expect a refreshing and revitalising night’s sleep.
Disadvantages
More Expensive: A well-made iron bed is likely to be more expensive and in a cost-of-living crisis, price point counts. In the long-run, it’s iron that’ll outlast today’s on-trend styles. Quality, craftsmanship and time come at a cost, but investing in a wrought iron bed will preserve traditional techniques and make your purchase worthwhile.
Heaviness: Because of their robust iron frames, iron beds can be difficult to move around (particularly if you’re prone to reorganising your bedroom!). Iron is a steadfast centrepiece and can even be lighter than some wooden styles. We recommend two people to move your iron bed to avoid injury.
Storage Space: We all expect efficiency from our furniture, especially if you live in a smaller space. Sometimes an iron bed lacks the under-bed storage you need- maybe you’ve had the side rails lowered. Whilst an iron bed doesn’t match divans’ drawers, this doesn’t mean you can’t store boxes underneath- they might be more visible, but that’s nothing some organisation can’t solve.
If iron isn’t for you, try an upholstered divan or carved wooden bed. When you’re looking for your next bed frame, just don’t forget the versatility of a wrought iron bed.
Our Wrought Iron Bed Selection
Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. was founded on the search for quality metal beds. After 20 years of bed-making knowhow, we can safely vouch for wrought iron. Discover our selection of over 25 styles of iron, brass and nickel, all with a robust iron core without compromising on style.
Iron Beds: Every one of our iron beds captures the essence of the eras they’re inspired by.
Our Choices: Henry’s timeless dormitory sculpture is heightened by its taller tailboard. Simple yet striking in mint green. In contrast, Inca’s graphic geometry possesses bold personality, softened by sweeping curves and subtle cast iron feet, while Isaac’s striking shape invites you back to bed each evening (or morning!). With a tall headboard and low tailboard, it’s a grand and commanding centrepiece.
Brass Beds: Bringing warmth and brilliance to your bedroom, our brass beds showcase stately heritage.
Our Choices: Aurora is a fairytale four-poster for dreamy slumber. This frame’s hand-painted finish and padded panels add elegance and femininity to industrialism. Meanwhile, Victoria will soften and elevate your surroundings. Befitting its royal namesake, finely hand-spun finials are both dignified and luxurious. For intricate delicacy, try Rosie. A slender Victorian-inspired design with smooth elliptical finials and authentic brass adornments.
Nickel Beds: Our nickel beds are contemporary and cool-toned frames with an eye-catching shimmer.
Our Choices: A shining take on classic Victorian design, Arthur’s impressive 10” finials and bedposts embellished with leg cuffs offer a scintillating finish. However, if you’re looking for a sleeker style, look no further than Bronte. With an Art Deco design and reflective silver finish, this nickel bed’s squarer silhouette and clean lines are ideal for the modern master.
Advantages
Our iron, brass and nickel beds are a testament to our precise craftsmanship. Available in a myriad of powder-coated and plated finishes, your made-to-order frame will be one-of-a-kind.
Looking for something extra special? Embrace warmer weather and sunny skies in our day beds. The Emily, Edward and Grace frames are ideal for unwinding in the shade of your garden room or venturing outside for the ultimate sun trap, each blending form with functionality.
And for your four-legged friends, try our Original and Traditional iron dog beds. Chew-proof for puppies. Easy on the joints of older dogs. The perfect post-walk rest.
A wrought iron bed offers versatility, longevity, sustainability and style. Why wouldn’t it be your first frame choice?
Topped with a natural fibre mattress and your sleep will be elevated for many nights to come. Our wool mattresses are skilfully handcrafted in a way that’s not so different from the very first pocket spring foundations created in 1901. Similarly to our iron beds, traditional techniques are preserved to strengthen each mattress’ support and prolong quality and comfort.
If you do choose to indulge in iron, look for: a strong foundation (a sure sign of high-quality materials), handcrafted details (showcasing care and consideration), and timeless design (iron has the ability to elevate any interior for years to come).
Why not explore our range of iron and brass beds to whet your appetite? You never know, you might discover your ideal wrought iron frame.