Rustic Bed Styles in 18th Century America

Wrought Iron Bed

• In the rustic bedroom, bugs and small rodents were accepted as a common pest until the 18th century. The wrought iron or cast iron bed provided a sleeping space that was less attractive to bed bugs because of its cotton mattress with cotton cover otherwise known as "tick." This bed frame was entirely crafted out of iron by a blacksmith.

Canopy Bed

• Canopies were the theme in America. These beds were sometimes referred to as federal-era beds with cabriole legs, meaning tapered. Prominently displayed to show economic status, federal-era beds tend to have reeded or fluted posts at the foot board, and straight tapered legs. The more rustic bed was enclosed by curtains that hung from a cord attached to the ceiling with hooks or rings.

Four-Poster Bed

• The average 18th-century European cottage contained small wooden beds no bigger than today's twin-size bed. The wood was often cherry or oak, had four posts and a short headboard with a taller footboard. The mattress were generally stuffed with cotton, wool, horsehair or straw, depending upon the family's economic status.