Getting your hands on an antique bed is a unique experience that’s different for everyone. Maybe an elderly relative is downsizing, offering you the chance to take their one-of-a-kind ¾ bed, or perhaps you’ve found yourself at a yard sale, where you’ve fallen in love with a special American Victorian rarity. Though they’re not as conventional as modern beds, antique bedframes are a special blend of art and history. It’s easy to get sucked down a rabbit hole of the history of antique beds, as well as the various types and antique bedframe designs from the eras that can still be used today.
If you’re purchasing a 3/4 bed, spend time inspecting the frame for any issues or defects. Is it sturdy enough? Will it support the weight of you and your partner? Does the seller have any information about the bed’s history, finish or design? Do you know if it’s an antique bed or is it a vintage piece? Do you know the difference between the two? (Hint: antiques are over a century old while vintage is less than)
Do Your Research to Protect Yourself from Antique Scammers
Learning more about the value behind your hopeful antique bed can help you make an informed decision. A key consideration is to also figure out if the bed itself will fit into your home and room. It’s almost unlikely that your speculative antique bed can be dismantled and put together again, so it’ll have to come in one piece. Also, if they’re offering a mattress just don’t take it. It’s rare that you should buy a used mattress rather than going for something new. It's just not hygienic to buy a mattress with a relatively unknown history.
Antique beds can be valuable, though most hang on to them for sentimental reasons. There are countless stories of families handing down antique beds to the next generation, which can make receiving one all the more special. All in all, antique beds are a special part of the past that are now part of your present. Wherever your antique bed journey may have started, it always ends at the same question: “Where can I find a mattress for an antique bed?”
Antique Beds Require a Specific Mattress Size
Antique beds typically require ¾ quarter mattresses, a unique design that won’t be found at big box retailers. Measure your antique bed and see how big it is as you will need to order a custom mattress for most antique beds. Length can depend on where the bed hails from, as well as they style it’s adopting. It’s safe for us to assume that the antique bed will be smaller than you’re used to, especially if your home boasts a King or Wyoming King-sized bed.
The ¾ mattress size that it uses isn’t very consistent either. You can find a dozen different antique beds and most of them will differ in size (even if by barely an inch). Most antique bed sizes just weren’t standardized, and the mattresses used were custom made to each bed anyway. In that way, things haven’t changed for these. Antique bedframes require custom mattresses made specifically for them.
Before you bring an antique bed home, understand that your current mattress, no matter how great it is, more than likely won’t fit on your new frame. It is possible to convert an antique bed, allowing it to fit a full mattress. While this option may seem great, it can take away from the design and inherent value of the antique bed. What’s the point in spending all that money on an antique bedframe just to try and modernize it? It’s similar to buying a classic painting and then painting over it (and not for preservation purposes).
Never Use an Antique Mattress On Your Bed for Hygiene Reasons
This shouldn’t dissuade you from sleeping on a bit of history, however. It’s always better to buy a new mattress instead of purchasing an old, used one. If your antique bedframe comes with a used ¾ mattress, ditch it. Old mattresses can be trapped with lice, dust, and other issues that could lead to poor sleep hygiene. When getting rid of any antique mattress, make sure to dispose of it responsibly. It’s important to prioritize your health and comfort by finding a comfortable mattress that’s right for you. Also using an antique mattress on an antique frame is a fast way to increase the amount of back pain in your life. An antique bedframe is as comfortable as the mattress you place upon it. Going custom for your ¾ bed will barely feel like a choice. There aren’t exactly many other options.
The Best Place to Find a Brand-New Antique Mattress
A brand-new, three-quarter mattress for an antique bed can be purchased online. The beauty of purchasing a custom mattress online is that you have increased flexibility in design and material choice. Both coil and foam options are available in customizable sizes. If your ¾ bed has an awkward height, the custom mattress can be adjusted to suit unique sleeping needs and antique bedframes.
Because not all antique beds are created alike, it’s crucial that time is spent creating the perfect sleeping build. Bedding for a custom ¾ antique mattress is also available online, making it easier than ever to prolong your bed’s lifespan. Last but not least, don’t forget to get a fitted mattress protector for your antique bed. It may seem simple but it’s an extra step that can help protect the frame from spills, accidents and more.
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