Wrought iron beds were a common site in nineteenth and early twentieth century America. This popular style featured black metal frames, headboards and accents made from relatively thin iron bars bent into a variety of attractive and ornate patterns. Although some wrought iron beds were painted white, the traditional look of these frames involves a black matte finish.
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As time progressed, the once-popular wrought iron bed frames fell out of favor. This was due, in part to a change in tastes on the part of consumers. The highly decorative look that once prevailed in home decoration was slowly replaced by a less detailed and more colorful sense of style.
Additionally, wrought iron beds were not able to maintain a competitive price compared to mass-produced wooden frames. Wood became cheaper, more uniform, sturdier and more readily available and mass production of furniture became increasingly common. Wrought iron beds were generally handmade by artisans and the time-consuming process of making a beautiful wrought iron frame made them far more expensive than a variety of fairly attractive alternatives.
Today, some are looking at wrought iron beds again. This reflects a willingness among consumers to consider historical options in decorating. For decades, homeowners focused on adopting the newest styles and looks. As modern design radicalized, however, many began to look back through history for aesthetically pleasing options. This willingness to backtrack in style has led many to recognize the timeless beauty of wrought iron beds. Wrought iron is making a comeback in many settings, and the bedroom is chief among them. Antique styled dressers with wrought iron hardware and beds made from wrought iron are both climbing in popularity.
Though some buyers’ tastes are turning back toward the nineteenth century look, price tags for a good wrought iron bed remain relatively high. In fact, the price differential between standard wooden beds and even cheaper no-frills metal frames is even more pronounced today than it was decades ago. As such, those who want to capture the antique look of wrought iron must be prepared to pay for the privilege.
Most makers of wrought iron beds are smaller operations focusing on custom construction. They build the bed frames in a manner remarkably similar to the artisans of the past and show a painstaking attention to detail and quality. The beds are ornate, beautiful and extremely well made. In fact, their durability considerably outdistances that of most mass-produced alternatives. One may pay more, but they can get more in return.
If you are looking for a way to make a bold and beautiful statement in your bedroom, you may want to consider wrought iron. This old-fashioned element of design can today serve to reinvigorate a room. There are many features of antique furnishings that still have a striking visual impact today. A perfect example of this are hand-made wrought iron beds.
