The double bed is probably the most universally accepted size and remains highly practical even today. Bed sizes did not begin to be properly standardized until the mid-19th Century when sprung mattresses were invented. Before this, stuffed mats were used which of course can be sized with ease. However the double is a practical size based on the space needed for two people laying beside each other. The standard double became associated with more humble middle-class needs instead. At around the same time that spring mattresses first appeared, bed design branched out from purely solid wood (often with drapes) to new cast iron and brass designs as well. These new metal designs were deemed far more hygienic as they allowed better air flow and well as being less prone to collecting dust. Beside this shift simpler foot and headboards emerged which focussed the decoration away from carving to veneer inlays which also collected less dust.
Today the Victorian Mahogany double bed and the cast iron double bed are both firm classics among many people and still suit our modern bedrooms well. At LoveAntiques we have a great selection of Antique and Vintage double beds for all your sleeping needs.
Beau French Boutique
Vintage French Upholstered Chesterfield Style Bed Frame
£ 895
Beau French Boutique
French Carved Solid Oak / Exotic Wood Double Size Bed Frame
£ 1,495
£ 1,250
£ 1,550
£ 1,395
Timeless Furniture UK
19th Century French Oak Barley Twist & Carved 4ft Ornate Bed
£ 1,200
Bedsteads
Lovely No End French Double Bed
£ 1,195
£ 2,250
£ 1,295
£ 3,950
Bedsteads
Very Nice Irish King Size No End Bed
£ 1,425
£ 2,650
Sussex Antiques and Interiors
Superb French Walnut Louis XVI Bed Frame
£ 2,200
Beau French Boutique
French Carved Double Bed Frame with Sommier Base
£ 1,595
Vintage World
Double Bed Vintage Retro French Oak
£ 369
Vintage World
Double Bed Vintage Retro French Oak
£ 369
Vintage World
Double Bed Vintage Retro French Oak
£ 369
Vintage World
Vintage French Double Bed with Bedside Tables
£ 499
Vintage World
Double Bed Vintage Retro French Oak
£ 349
Bedsteads
Charming Irish Double No End Bed
£ 1,295
Vintage World
Double Bed Oak Carved French Antique
£ 499
Vintage World
Mahogany French Antique Double Bed
£ 499
£ 369
Vintage World
Amazing Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 399
Vintage World
Style Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 399
£ 1,350
Vintage World
Vintage French Double Bed with Bedside Tables
£ 499
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
Amazing Rare Carved French Antique Double Bed
£ 499
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 399
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 399
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 369
Vintage World
Vintage French Double Bed
£ 349
Vintage World
Vintage French Oak Double Bed
£ 369
£ 2,900
Bedsteads
Appealing Portuguese Double Bed
£ 1,250
Kernow Furniture
Continental Walnut Bed Frame
£ 445
Barnaby's of Battle
Vintage French Upholstered Double Bed
£ 450