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Sleigh beds are some of the most beautiful bed frames available in the United Kingdom today. These beds are named for their signature curved or scrolled headboards and footboards, which make the bed look like a sleigh or sledge. Solid wood sleigh beds are traditional, but these beds have been manufactured from many types of materials in the centuries since their creation.
There are many types of sleigh beds available on the market today. While they all share a basic shape and concept, the various models make it obvious that there is a sleigh bed design perfect for almost everyone.
Traditional Sleigh Beds
Traditional sleigh beds are the ones you think of when the term “sleigh bed” is mentioned. These are usually very large, sturdily built, and ornately decorated bedframes. Solid wood sleigh beds are still the most common for traditional frames, and these are often made from durable and resilient hardwoods such as cherry, oak, walnut, or mahogany.
These beds add a timeless charm to any room. Their frames are often very ornately carved or decorated, sometimes even inlaid with elements like stones, metalwork, or enamel. This can quickly get very pricey, especially if you are already considering a larger mattress-size frame. However, their durability makes them a sturdy investment that may last you and your family for many decades, sometimes even being passed down from one generation to the next.
Speaking of sturdiness, these beds are perfect for families with children, for those who spend a lot of time in bed, or for any household where the bed must stand up to plenty of everyday wear and wear. The major drawback of this durability, though, is that solid wood frames are often very heavy, which can make them difficult to assemble, move, and transport.
Contemporary Sleigh Beds
If you want a more modern look, you might consider a contemporary sleigh bed. These models are usually made from composite materials, such as a combination of wood and metal, and sometimes even plastic or other materials.
Contemporary sleigh beds are an updated version of the classic silhouette. These beds have the same signature swirl in the headboard and footboard, but feature lighter-weight materials, less expensive woods, and a generally sleeker, more modern look. This makes them a good choice for people who love the look of a sleigh bed without the bulky, expensive, and traditional elements of solid wood sleigh beds.
There are several benefits of contemporary sleigh beds, including a lighter weight that makes them easier to assemble and move, as well as a lower price tag than solid wood sleigh beds. However, this lighter weight and lower price tag often also comes with a less durable frame, meaning they are less likely to last through decades and generations the way traditional bed frames might.
Upholstered Sleigh Beds
Upholstered sleigh beds are made with an upholstered layer covering both the headboard and footboard. This may be made from a variety of materials, depending on the desired look of the finished bed frame.
Some of the most common materials used to cover upholstered sleigh beds include:
- Soft fabric. Any type of fabric can be used to cover a sleigh bed headboard and footboard, but those with either softer surfaces or sturdier weaves are the most frequent choices. A tougher fabric may not be as soft to the touch, but it can stand up to wear and tear better than a plush fabric can. When choosing the upholstery for your or your child’s bed, keep this in mind before selecting a softer cloth.
- Leather. Another popular choice is leather. This material does not offer any kind of softness but is a great option for adding some richness to the look of the bed – as well as a smooth surface that will not scrape delicate skin as you climb into and out of bed.
- Faux leather. For those who are opposed to the use of real leather, vegan leather – a type of plastic or natural rubber derivative – is available as well. This offers similar benefits to real leather, often with a lower price tag.
The basis of these frames can be solid wood sleigh beds, or those made from composite materials such as wood, metal, and even plastic. The quality and weight of the material beneath the upholstery will determine the durability of the finished bed, but lighter-weight materials may be desirable for some homeowners.
Storage Sleigh Beds
These practical and functional pieces may also be solid wood sleigh beds, or they may be made from a combination of wood and metal. Their primary hallmark is the inbuilt drawers, shelves, or underbed storage they are equipped with. This takes a single piece of furniture and makes it into several, all without adding much more square footage.
The potential drawback of these beds is that they are generally larger and more expensive than traditional sleigh beds of the same mattress size. However, the inbuilt storage means they still take up less room than several pieces of furniture together, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
Which sleigh bed style is perfect for your space? For more information, talk to your local distributor about their available options today!
