Iron Bed History

Iron beds or metal or wrought iron beds have been around since the late 19th century when they were hand made by craftsmen and artisans who would hand pour the iron and then polish detailed castings and then finishes were hand applied. Until World War I, Iron Beds were manufactured by hand in American factories on the east coast all the way to Chicago. American made iron was considered superior to European iron made at the time so the American iron beds of that period were some of the finest in the world. The beds were made one at a time - crafted by hand and could take days to complete a single bed. All good things come to an end as did the iron bed heydey in America as we entered World War I. The iron that was used to create the beds was now required for the war effort.

With the end of the war and the start of the industrial revolution came drastic changes in the way iron beds were manufactured. Mass production showed manufactures a way to increase their bottom line and these mass production teqniques spread through all industries including the iron bed industry. The meticulous handmade craftsmanship that produced unique individual beds in the past was replaced by the assembly line where more beds could be made in the same amount of time.

Iron Beds Today

Today, iron beds are massed produced in America and abroad with cold roll, heavy-gauge steel tubing and solid bar stock for strength and durability. Modern manufacturers have intruduced hundreds of new and unique finishes over the years to reflect contemporary trends. Other additions like upholstery and wood have been used along with iron to help create new and exciting iron beds.

Now, as always, the iron bed is symbol of elegance and status in bedrooms across the globe. Turn on your television, you will be hard pressed to find a drama, comedy, or reality show where the bedroom set does not feature an iron bed. For their beauty, strength, and value, the iron bed has remained a staple piece of furniture passed from generation to generation and will continue to be for years to come.