29 March 2018
Perfectly at home in a traditional or modern property the sleigh bed is a design classic. This French inspired bed is ideal for everyday living offering the perfect solution for your master bedroom, spare room or a child’s bedroom. The French sleigh beds classic design really stands the test of time and is set to become an antique of the future.
Sleigh beds were originally called “French beds” and were fashioned with curves and scrolls reminiscent of an old fashioned sleigh and were typically made of wood or metal.
“A sleigh bed is a style of bed with curved or scrolled foot and headboards, thus resembling a sled or sleigh. Often made of wood and quite heavy, the sleigh bed is a result of the French and American Empire period of the early 19th century.The Empire style, and thus the American Empire style, drew its inspiration from the empires of ancient Rome and Greece. Today’s sleigh beds are made from a variety of materials including wood, iron, steel and aluminum, and often possess less exaggerated curves of the foot and headboards.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleigh_bed
We have a great selection of French sleigh beds in a variety of finishes: mahogany, walnut and weathered wood.
Crafted from solid mahogany our traditional mahogany sleigh beds have been a firm favourite with customers for many years. These traditionally styled sleigh beds are available with a choice of regular or low footboard. The low footboard version is popular with taller people as it allows more room to stretch out. It is also a good choice in a small room as you can enjoy the sleigh style but the lack of a footboard gives the impression of a more spacious bedroom.
We have recently added two new sleigh beds to our range: the French Versailles sleigh beds. The main difference with this version is the more modern styled feet. The clean straight lines on these beds giving a more contemporary look.
All of the mahogany sleigh beds are available in a choice of finishes. You can choose from the traditional wax polish finish which enhances the mahogany wood’s natural colouration. Alternatively you could opt for the antique white painted finish.
It is possible to have your favourite French sleigh bed finished in a different colour using our bespoke service. We are also able to colour match to Farrow and Ball’s colour options. Another option would be to have the bed finished in real silver or gold leaf. For more information visit our bespoke section or contact us to discuss your requirements.
The magnificent Brodsworth French sleigh bed was inspired by Louis Philippe Lit Bateau and is a real statement piece for your special bedroom. The original of this bed can be seen at Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire.
As well as featuring an elegantly curved headboard and footboard this imposing bed also features carved lion feet. This is a very large and impressive bed so if you are thinking of buying one measure carefully before ordering!
The rattan French sleigh bed gives a different twist to the sleigh bed theme. Featuring rattan panels in both the headboard and footboard this bed has a lighter, airier look than the wooden paneled version.
With a hideaway second bed (or trundle) which pulls out on castors the French sleigh day bed is the perfect solution for a guest room that is also used as an office or for a child’s bedroom for sleepovers.
If you are looking for co-ordinating furniture to go with your French sleigh bed see the Sleigh Range and the Louis Philippe Range.
Burr walnut has been used in furniture making for 100’s of years and is very distinctive from other woods. Both of our walnut French sleigh beds are crafted using burr walnut veneers on solid wood frames. The patterns in the veneer vary making each piece unique but the overall effect is a golden brown colour.
The Hampton walnut sleigh bed features elegantly curved headboard and footboard both beautifully inlaid with burr walnut veneers. This lovely bed is available with a choice of regular or low footboard. The bedding shown is from Angel Strawbridge’s The Chateau “Wallpaper Museum” Collection which is widely available online.
The elegant Spire Range from Frank Hudson Furniture would make a welcome addition to any bedroom. The Spire sleigh bed is crafted from solid mindi wood with blonde European walnut inlays which are laid by hand by expert craftsmen to ensure the finest quality products.
Co-ordinating bedroom furniture is available in the Frank Hudson Spire Range.
The High End Sleigh bed gives a completely different look with natural rattan panels in both the headboard and footboard. The frame of this bed is crafted from solid mindi wood so it will co-ordinate with both the Frank Hudson Spire Range and also the Hampton Walnut Range.
A weathered French sleigh bed could be ideal is you are looking for a solid wooden bed with a lighter, natural finish.
The teak French inspired Bordeaux sleigh bed with its soft weathered finish would make a stunning focal point in both modern and traditional bedrooms. This classic sleigh design has gently curving headboard and footboard and the soft weathered finish enhances the natural look of the wood.
The rustic bed frame of the Lyon French sleigh bed is made with a solid teak frame and features an unusual marquetry veneer design on the headboard and footboard. Teak is an open grained wood, so the whitewash shows off the grain of the wood perfectly to give a subtle rustic appearance ideal for a shabby chic styled bedroom.
As you can see we offer plenty of choice when it comes to French sleigh beds!
Other blogs that you might like to read: