Bed frame

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Hospital bed frames 2 Linak hospital bed frames.JPG
Hospital bed frames

A bed frame [1] or bedstead [2] is the part of a bed used to position the bed base, the flat part which in turn directly supports the mattress(es). The frame may also stop the mattress from sliding sideways, and it may include means of supporting a canopy above. There are several types of Bed Frames [3] found around the globe. They are typically made of wood or metal. A bed frame includes head, foot, and side rails. [1] The majority of double (full) beds and all queen- and king-sized beds necessitate a central support rail, often accompanied by additional feet that extend towards the floor for stability. The concept of a "bed frame" was initially introduced and referred to between 1805 and 1815. [1] This foundational support system not only reinforces the structure of the bed but also ensures its durability and longevity, distributing weight evenly to prevent sagging and enhance overall comfort. Not all beds include frames: see bed base.

Contents

Early bed frames

Some of the earliest bed frames are known from the Sumerian culture. [4] Ancient Egyptian beds have been found in well-preserved condition, dating to well over 6000 years before the present time. [5] The bed frames of the early dynastic period are made of wood and can vary in craftsmanship from mere branches lashed together, to fine works of art. [5]

Brass beds

Brass beds are beds in which the headboard and footboard are made of brass; the frame rails are usually made of steel. The ratio of metals may vary between manufacturers.

Ethiopian charpai type bed frames Traditional Ethiopian Bed Frames (3349768552).jpg
Ethiopian charpai type bed frames

Initially, brass beds boasted a minimalist and straightforward design. Throughout the centuries, designs have become increasingly elaborate and can contain extensive ornamentation, such as porcelain finials. Some brass bed styles include traditional, Art Deco, Victorian, transitional, Edwardian and contemporary.

Assembling a bed USMC-100306-M-2697B-006.jpg
Assembling a bed

Iron beds

Iron beds are beds in which the headboard and footboard are made of iron; the frame rails are usually made of steel. Iron beds were developed in 17th century Italy to address concerns about infestation by bed bugs and moths. An iron cradle (with dangerously pointed corner posts) has been dated to 1620–1640. [6] From the start of their production in the 1850s until World War I, iron beds were handmade. The manufacturing process included hand pouring and polishing intricately detailed casting and hand applying finishes. In the many small foundries of the time that employed only a handful of employees, it could take days to produce a single bed.[ citation needed ]

Following the conclusion of World War I, the methodologies employed for mass production during the war had a substantial impact on the iron industry. The erstwhile handmade craftsmanship gradually yielded to the adoption of cost-efficient mass production techniques.

Today's iron beds are constructed of cold roll, heavy-gauge steel tubing and solid bar stock.

Almost all iron beds now have a beech wood sprung slatted base in a steel framework which gives support to all types of mattresses.

Wooden drawer beds

These beds have a wooden framework resembling a box, designed to accommodate the mattress within a carved-out space, and have wooden drawers beneath the mattress area.

See also

Related Research Articles

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In woodworking and construction, a nail is a small object made of metal which is used as a fastener, as a peg to hang something, or sometimes as a decoration. Generally, nails have a sharp point on one end and a flattened head on the other, but headless nails are available. Nails are made in a great variety of forms for specialized purposes. The most common is a wire nail. Other types of nails include pins, tacks, brads, spikes, and cleats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Furniture</span> Objects used to support human activities

Furniture refers to objects intended to support various human activities such as seating, eating (tables), storing items, working, and sleeping. Furniture is also used to hold objects at a convenient height for work, or to store things. Furniture can be a product of design and can be considered a form of decorative art. In addition to furniture's functional role, it can serve a symbolic or religious purpose. It can be made from a vast multitude of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Furniture can be made using a variety of woodworking joints which often reflects the local culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monocoque</span> Structural design that supports loads through an objects external skin

Monocoque, also called structural skin, is a structural system in which loads are supported by an object's external skin, in a manner similar to an egg shell. The word monocoque is a French term for "single shell".

A frame is often a structural system that supports other components of a physical construction and/or steel frame that limits the construction's extent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upholstery</span> Covering of furniture with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather

Upholstery is the work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers. The word also refers to the materials used to upholster something.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mattress</span> Large soft sheet for laying on to sleep

A mattress is a large, usually rectangular pad for supporting a lying person. It is designed to be used as a bed, or on a bed frame as part of a bed. Mattresses may consist of a quilted or similarly fastened case, usually of heavy cloth, containing materials such as hair, straw, cotton, foam rubber, or a framework of metal springs. Mattresses may also be filled with air or water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bed</span> Piece of furniture used as a place to sleep or relax

A bed is an item of furniture that is used as a place to sleep, rest, and relax.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Locomotive frame</span> Chassis for a self-propelled railway vehicle

A locomotive frame is the structure that forms the backbone of the railway locomotive, giving it strength and supporting the superstructure elements such as a cab, boiler or bodywork. The vast majority of locomotives have had a frame structure of some kind. The frame may in turn be supported by axles directly attached to it, or it may be mounted on bogies (UK) / trucks (US), or a combination of the two. The bogies in turn will have frames of their own.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Box-spring</span> Type of bed base

A box-spring is a type of bed base typically consisting of a sturdy wooden frame covered in cloth and containing springs. Usually the box-spring is placed on top of a wooden or metal bedframe that sits on the floor and acts as a brace, except in the UK where the divan is more often fitted with small casters. The box-spring is usually the same size as the much softer mattress that is placed on it. Working together, the box-spring and mattress make up a bed. It is common to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath, the box spring being mounted directly on casters standing on the floor.

Upholstery coil springs are an important part of most modern upholstery. The consumer usually never sees the construction features of an upholstered piece. The overall quality of the materials and construction dictate the comfort level of an upholstered piece and its ability to satisfy the consumer over the long term. A basic upholstered piece may be composed of a frame, springs, foam, cushioning, padding, and textiles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sofa bed</span> Form of sofa that converts into a bed

A sofa bed or sofa-bed is a multifunctional furniture typically consisting of a sofa or couch that, underneath its seating cushions, hides a metal frame and thin mattress that can be unfolded or opened up to make a bed. A western-style futon differs from a sofa bed, although sofa beds using futon mattresses are common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daybed</span> Bed used for lounging, reclining, and sitting during the day

A daybed is an item of furniture used as a bed as well as for lounging, reclining, and seating in a common room. It may be considered a form of multifunctional furniture. Their frames can be made out of wood, metal or a combination of wood and metal. They are a cross between a chaise longue, a couch, and a bed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canopy bed</span> Decorative bed somewhat similar to a four-poster bed

A canopy bed is a bed with a canopy, which is usually hung with bed curtains. Functionally, the canopy and curtains keep the bed warmer, and screen it from light and sight. On more expensive beds, they may also be elaborately ornamental.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleigh bed</span>

A sleigh bed is a style of bed with curved or scrolled foot and headboards, thus resembling a sled or sleigh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle frame</span> Main supporting structure of a motor vehicle

A vehicle frame, also historically known as its chassis, is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle to which all other components are attached, comparable to the skeleton of an organism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bed base</span> Component of a bed that supports the mattress

A bed base, sometimes called a foundation, is the part of a bed that supports the mattress. The bed base can itself be held in place and framed by the bedstead. In the United States, box-spring bed bases are very common. In Europe, sprung slats are much more common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hospital bed</span> Bed designed for hospital patients

A hospital bed or hospital cot is a bed specially designed for hospitalized patients or others in need of some form of health care. These beds have special features both for the comfort and well-being of the patient and for the convenience of health care workers. Common features include adjustable height for the entire bed, the head, and the feet, adjustable side rails, and electronic buttons to operate both the bed and other nearby electronic devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ancient furniture</span> Furniture in the ancient world

Ancient furniture was made from many different materials, including reeds, wood, stone, metals, straws, and ivory. It could also be decorated in many different ways. Sometimes furniture would be covered with upholstery, upholstery being padding, springs, webbing, and leather. Features which would mark the top of furniture, called finials, were common. To decorate furniture, contrasting pieces would be inserted into depressions in the furniture. This practice is called inlaying.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Six-column beam engine</span>

Six-column beam engines are a type of beam engine, where the beam's central pivot is supported on a cast-iron frame or 'bedstead', supported on six iron columns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marriage bed of Henry VII</span> Bed

The marriage bed of Henry VII is a carved oak four-post bedstead bought in a dilapidated condition at an auction in Chester, England, in 2010. Since then the bed has been subjected to art historical investigation and advanced material analysis. It is suggested that the bed was made to celebrate the marriage of King Henry VII to Elizabeth of York on 18 January 1486.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Bed frame". Dictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-08. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  2. "Bedstead". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  3. "17 Amazing Bed Frame Types to Choose From - Best Bed Frame Review". 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  4. Woolley, Leonard; Woolley, Sir Leonard (1965). The Sumerians. W. W. Norton & Company. p. 3. ISBN   978-0-393-00292-8.
  5. 1 2 Killen, Geoffrey P. (2016). "Woodworking in Egypt". Encyclopaedia of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine in Non-Western Cultures. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. p. 4512–4515. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7747-7_8945. ISBN   978-94-007-7747-7.
  6. George Himmelheber (May 2, 2003). Cast-Iron Furniture. Philip Wilson Publishers. p. 18. ISBN   9780856674624. OL   8302167M. 0856674621.

Further reading