How to buyan antique bed

A beautiful antique bed will give your bedroom charm, personality and character, in addition to being a valuable investment

Occupying a substantial footprint in your bedroom, your bed frame will define the space’s aesthetics. Therefore, it is vital that the frame you choose is perfect. Carrying decades of heritage, antique bed frames inject so much character, instantly adding romance or luxury to an otherwise featureless room.

CRUCIAL CHECKS

When buying antiques it is important to ensure the quality and providence before buying. The markers of quality will vary between the different construction methods so you need to be familiar with the key features of each style.

Metal beds are typically made entirely from brass or cast iron, with British manufacturers RW Winfield, Peyton, and Hoskins & Sewell commanding premium prices. Stamped or marked pieces make for good investments. Detailing includes florals, scrollwork and plaques, with some also including porcelain, mother of pearl and bevelled glass. Also look out for cracks, altered sidebars and castings to see if they are originals and fit correctly at the top and base as this will affect the bed’s sturdiness.

Wooden beds should be inspected for cracks and woodworm, before scrutinising the sharpness of any carvings. Expect to see plenty of scrolls and swags often adorned with delicate designs – as a rule of thumb, the more ornate the carvings, the more expensive the bed.

Caned beds should be checked to see if the cane is still supple and not brittle or dry. The canes can be repaired if broken, but repairs could be costprohibitive unless the bed is an exquisite rare and investment-worthy piece.

Upholstered beds are usually French and often have beautiful, curved head and foot panels, which will almost always need a bespoke mattress and the fabric replaced.

FINDING THE PERFECT BED Enlisting the help and knowledge of one of the UK’S most skilled and experienced antique bed restorers, Shabs Kay, could be your answer. Having worked in the antique bed industry for over 30 years, Shabs can advise and guide you through the pros and cons of the different styles, materials and designs.

She also has a workshop and team of craftspeople who can widen, lengthen, restore and reupholster beds as well as re-cane. Shabs also has a showroom, Victorian Dreams in Headley, Hampshire, which is home to a revolving collection of beautifully restored antique beds with a further 200 beds awaiting restoration. Customers can buy from the showroom or choose a bed to be restored to their specification.

For more information and advice, contact Shabs on 01428 717000 or visit victorian-dreams.co.uk