What Are Sleigh Beds
What Are Sleigh Beds
Sleigh beds are extremely popular in households that want an ‘aged’ appearance, but what exactly are they? In this guide, we will explore what makes a bed a sleigh bed.
Sleigh beds are just that, beds that are created to look like sleighs. This means that the style itself has a curved head and foot boards to emulate the look of a typical sleigh.
What are they made of?
Sleigh beds are usually made of wood, but can sometimes be created with other materials. The bed does not particularly need to be made of wood, as long as it resembles a sleigh. Other materials that are used include, steel, iron and aluminium, and all of these have a much more understated look than the wooden design.
When were they popularised?
Sleigh beds were invented during the French-American period in the 19th century, with a design that was taken from ancient Rome and Greece. However, the beds did not become ‘popular’ until the early 20th century. This is because homes having a ‘mature’ appearance became all the rage, and the sleigh bed fit right in with this design.
How much do they cost?
Sleigh beds are usually more expensive than ‘regular’ beds because their design is overstated; therefore, more material is used in their development. However, this does not mean that you cannot get a good sleigh bed for a decent price. In fact, a solid oak king sized sleigh bed can retail at under £500. At the same time, it all depends on how much you are willing to spend, as you can always find top-of-the-range sleigh beds for in excess of a couple of thousand pounds.
Why is there so much fluctuation in the price?
Like any ‘form’ of bed, there are different sizes and materials to take into account. You will often find that the wooden framed beds are more expensive. The majority of beds are priced on where they are sold and by whom they were designed. If a bed is designed and created by hand (rather than by machine) then you need to add a couple of zeros to the price. However, if you really want a sleigh bed and can only afford £500 or less then you can still get some great beds. You just need to look around.
Sleigh beds will continue to sell as people try and give their household a 19th century appearance, and this means that they will continue to be popular for many years to come.