The normal metallic mattress, created from iron, brass and more and more nickel, is rightfully a design traditional. Out there in myriad varieties, from antique-style singles to towering four-posters, the recognition of the metallic mattress exhibits no signal of waning.
Brass and cast-iron bedsteads, specifically, have a permanent enchantment; they’re the right foil for kantha throws and Welsh blankets or crisp minimalist bedlinen, making them not solely a good looking addition to the bed room, however an excellent funding that can by no means exit of fashion.
Though examples of metallic mattress frames from the seventeenth and 18th centuries survive, it wasn’t till the mid nineteenth century that brass and iron beds have been made in important numbers. Initially made fully by hand in foundries, mass-production of metallic beds took off after the First World Battle, making them cheaper and extra broadly out there.
Aside from a couple of companies such The Cornish Mattress Firm and Wrought Iron and Brass Mattress Co, each of which proceed to champion hand-casting, most fashionable metallic beds are machine-made, though the designs themselves, established by the Victorians, stay massively well-liked and largely unchanged.
The time period ‘metallic mattress’ encompasses designs created from iron, which is both forged or wrought, brass, copper and nickel. Every metallic is labored in several methods as a way to produce the completed mattress body.
Though the phrases wrought iron and forged iron are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe two completely different processes: forged iron is first melted after which poured right into a mould, the place it takes on a brand new form because it cools, whereas wrought iron is heated till it’s malleable after which formed and labored with instruments.
Brass is processed in an identical technique to iron, and will be rolled, hand-cast and hand-spun. Silvery nickel is growing in recognition because the metallic of selection for mattress frames, because it offers a contemporary spin to traditional and vintage designs. Copper isn’t so widespread for mattress frames, however the brilliant metallic makes a placing various to extra widespread selections.
Listed below are a couple of of our favorite metallic beds for 2023…
The Cornish Mattress Firm
From an idyllic base in Par, Cornwall, The Cornish Bed Company produces a number of the finest handmade metallic beds available on the market (together with some fabulous canine beds and actually pretty outdoor furniture, too).
Their vary consists of numerous classic-looking vintage types in iron, brass and nickel, all of that are absolutely customisable – both with specialist paint finishes or bespoke sizing.
Every mattress is hand-forged and hand-finished by a small workforce who actually do take note of the tiniest particulars – The Cornish Mattress Co is the one producer to make use of the standard Victorian knuckle joint onto which the corporate brand is stamped, together with a person serial quantity.
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These beds, every of which comes with a certificates of authenticity, actually are heirloom items that it is possible for you to to move down the generations.
Clifton 4 Poster Steel Mattress
Measurement: 9 sizes out there from small single to emperor
Materials: Brass
Color: 13 choices out there
Worth: from £2,510
The Clifton 4 Poster Steel Mattress is an actual showstopper. With stunning arched particulars on the headboard and footer, it may be ordered in 9 colourways and, at an extra price of £100, will be ordered in a color of your selection.
You may also like our edit of the best four poster beds
Elizabeth Brass Mattress
Measurement: 9 sizes out there from small single to emperor
Materials: Brass
Color: Vintage brass
Worth: from £3,300
We love the Elizabeth Brass Mattress, for its easy, traditional styling, a chic addition to any bed room, from conventional nation cottage to up to date loft area.
Somerset Solid Iron Mattress
Measurement: 9 sizes out there from small single to emperor
Materials: Forged iron
Color: 13 out there
Worth: from £1,521.50
The Somerset Solid Iron Mattress is an actual charmer – we love this model with its painted cast-iron body and contrasting brass detailing. This one is accessible in 13 color choices together with blue smoke, bronze and ivory matt or, for an extra £100, you’ll be able to select one thing extra bespoke.
Wrought Iron and Brass Mattress Co
A family-run enterprise, primarily based on the Sandringham Property, the Wrought Iron and Brass Mattress Co is the proud holder of a royal warrant and their work is recognised by the Guild of Grasp Craftsmen.
Along with their commonplace vary of beds, which embody designs in brass, iron, nickel and copper, they provide a bespoke service permitting prospects to decide on particular colors, finishes and even design particulars.
Emma Iron Mattress
Measurement: 6 sizes out there from single to emperor
Materials: Forged iron
Color: 12 out there
Worth: from £875
Impressed by the traditional movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the Emma Iron Mattress is a timeless design that makes a formidable addition to any bed room. This one is accessible in bespoke colors and sizes should you’re on the lookout for one thing extra distinctive.
Willow Iron and Brass Mattress
Measurement: 6 sizes out there from single to emperor
Materials: Iron and brass
Color: 5 out there
Worth: from £2,563
The Willow Iron and Brass Mattress is a extremely smart-looking, Victorian-inspired design. Out there in all commonplace mattress sizes in addition to bespoke sizes.
The Unique Mattress Firm
With a variety of metallic beds in iron and brass, which incorporates Victorian-style frames, four-posters and semi-upholstered headboards and footers, The Unique Mattress Firm presents good, traditional design at very inexpensive costs.
Edwardian Iron Mattress
Measurement: 6 sizes out there from small single to tremendous king
Materials: Iron
Color: 3 out there
Worth: from £299
With its easy silhouette and restrained detailing, the Edwardian Iron Mattress is a great and minimalist tackle the traditional metallic mattress.
Waterford Brass Mattress
Measurement: Double, king, tremendous king
Materials: Brass
Color: Brass
Worth: from £1,699
Traditional styling with a recent edge,makes the Waterford Brass Mattress a superb selection should you want a mattress that can work with any fashion of decor.
Waterloo Iron Mattress
Measurement: 5 sizes out there from single to tremendous king
Materials: Iron
Color: 3 out there
Worth: from £799
With the dramatic body that may assist draped materials, the Waterloo Iron Mattress is an actual assertion piece at a really inexpensive value. The upholstered headboard and footer are each snug and classy.
You may also just like the best upholstered beds and headboards
Feather & Black
With a smaller vary of metallic beds than their rivals, Feather & Black has made its identify with one metallic mattress specifically…
Oliver Steel Mattress
Measurement: 5 sizes out there from single to tremendous king
Materials: Metal
Color: 4 out there
Worth: from £399
Feather & Black’s sturdy retro-style Oliver Steel Mattress presents a design paying homage to early Twentieth-century hospital beds. Out there in a beautiful collection of colourways and sizes, this feature additionally comes as a wise daybed/couch mattress, which is ideal for the spare bed room or workplace.
You may also like these stylish sofa beds
And So To Mattress
With eight completely different designs out there in brass or nickel, two of that are additionally out there as forged iron And So To Mattress won’t have the biggest choice, however their vary cleverly covers all tastes and types, from traditional Victorian to Deco-style with a recent twist.
The corporate additionally shares mattresses from numerous main manufacturers, so it’s also possible to select precisely the precise mattress to pair along with your new mattress.
Juniper Steel Mattress
Measurement: 4 sizes out there from single to tremendous king
Materials: Metal
Color: White and brass
Worth: from £1,760
We love this beautiful Juniper Mattress design with its painted iron body and brass particulars. The right selection for a romantic, country-style bed room.
Bronte Brass Mattress
Measurement: Double, king, tremendous king
Materials: Brass
Color: Brass
Worth: from £2,015
With its straight prime rails, and sensible black end, the Bronte Brass Bedstead is a great, up to date tackle a timeless design. Out there with a selection of brass or nickel accents and simply styled for conventional or fashionable interiors.
1stDibs
If solely an vintage mattress will do, take a look at the choice on 1stDibs.com and sleep soundly within the data that you simply’re tucked up in the actual deal.
Hollywood Regency-Model Headboard
Measurement: Double
Materials: Iron
Color: Black and gold
Worth: £2,912,02
This splendid Hollywood Regency-Model Bedframe with facet rails in addition to headboard and footer actually is one in all a sort.
Vintage 4-Poster Steel Mattress
For one thing actually uncommon, this beautiful cast-iron Vintage 4-Poster Cover Mattress, that includes a sunflower design, made in Birmingham c1880, is simply the ticket.
Want extra inspiration that will help you select the precise mattress?
If you have not discovered what you’re on the lookout for, why not strive one in all our different round-ups, similar to our edits of the most effective sleigh beds, four-posters or upholstered headboards.
And upon getting chosen the mattress of your goals you would possibly need to replace your bedding with one in all these luxurious, sustainable and naturally temperature controlling pure wool duvets.
