Antique Walnut Bedroom Furniture
Whether you’re craving a pair of hand-carved twin beds for your kids’ rooms, or an antique, white iron queen bed for your guest room—antique beds are ideal for achieving a charming look and feel. Use one as a base for a room and let it guide you as you choose everything from complementary furniture to rugs and art.
For some of our best tips on choosing the best secondhand bed to fit your personal style, read on below.
VINTAGE BED SIZES & DIMENSIONS
While the general shape of vintage beds remains fairly consistent throughout the standard sizes (we’re talking twin, full, queen, king, and Cal)—the dimensions of each type do vary slightly. To help, some of the most common styles of used beds and their dimensions are below.
TWIN: Also known as single beds, these vintage beds are perfect for sleepers of smaller sizes, the normal width and length of twin beds is 38” by 74.”
EXTENDED TWIN Sometimes referred to as longer single beds or king twin beds, the normal width and length of this secondhand bed is 38” by 80, ” making it the perfect option for the taller child or teenager.
THREE-QUARTER: While rare, three-quarter beds are a bit larger than standard twin beds, measuring 48” by 74.”
FULL: Also known as double beds, the normal width and length of this vintage bed is 54” by 74.”
QUEEN: Perfect for a couple requiring less sleeping space, vintage queen beds measure 60” by 80.”
KING: King beds are ideal for couples or individuals who enjoy extra sleeping space. King beds measure 76” by 80.”
CALIFORNIA KING: Designed for taller individuals who need extra length at the end of the bed, California king beds measure 72” by 84.” California kings use the longest standard mattress sizes.
VINTAGE BED FRAME STYLES
With so many bed styles and variations to choose from, it may be difficult to decide on just one. To start, consider all your options to make the best decision for you and your space.
Four-Poster Beds
Classic, traditional, and perfect for complementing other pieces of antique furniture in the bedroom—four-poster beds are a timeless option for creating an elegant sleep oasis.
Canopy Beds
Tall and elegant, similar to the four-poster bed but featuring top braces on which billowing curtains can be hung, canopy beds are perhaps one of the most whimsical bed styles around. Canopy beds may be fully curtained or draped with simple fabric for a dramatic appeal. Additionally, closing the curtains at night can help to create added warmth and privacy.
Upholstered Beds
Stylish, bold, and comfortable, upholstered beds feature shapely headboards and a heavenly cushioned backrest. They also allow you to get as creative with pattern as you wish, making them the perfect springboard for eclectic style.
Storage Beds
Functional and perfect for small spaces or homes that need additional stash-space—storage beds (or the captain’s bed as they are sometimes known) contain built-in storage drawers or shelving underneath the bed. Some styles of storage beds also contain attached bookshelves or tables.
Platform Beds
Clean, uncluttered, and daringly low to the ground, platform beds are an older style of bed that remain hugely popular today. Since platform beds are lower to the ground, many sleepers enjoy the cooling benefits of resting closer to the floor. Certain styles nix both a headboard and footboard for an uber-basic approach.
French-Style Beds
French-style beds are classic, romantic beds that are available in a variation of styles. Headboards can either be upholstered (which conveys a more modern look), or feature wooden construction adorned with carved details.
Wrought Iron Beds
Perfect for rustic and bohemian spaces, wrought iron beds are strong and sturdy styles that are built to last. The only downside? Wrought iron beds aren’t as comfortable to lean against when reading or Netflix-ing in bed, so be sure to have a few extra pillows on hand.
Sleigh Beds
Originally referred to as French beds, sleigh beds resemble the shape of an old-fashioned sleigh with a gentle curve in the headboard and footboard. Sometimes upholstered and sometimes made of solid wood, sleigh beds are available in a variation of styles that range from traditional to contemporary.
Headboard, no headboard, footboard or sans footboard—there are so many varieties of beds to choose from, no matter what your personal style may be. Traditional, modern-day, rustic, or elegant—the choice is yours.
