What kinds of brass beds are available?

·        High-end and low- end: Several manufacturers make high quality reproduction brass beds. The process of selection, ordering and having the bed delivered can take several weeks. Lesser quality beds, such as the ones that are brass-plate, can be found at local furniture stores.  The cheapest of brass beds will have plastic finials and are known to start eventually “shedding” the plated-brass.

·        Styles: Though the brass bed is often considered a Victorian piece of furniture, the styles of brass beds available are almost limitless: contemporary and modern, art deco, arts and craft, and of course, varying interpretations of classic Victorian styles. Reproductions of older designs lend themselves to a more romantic look with elaborate scrollwork. More contemporary styles in brass beds feature straight lines and an overall, more simplistic look. However, some beds are embellished with black porcelain finials and other black accents to give a nice modern look.

·        Sizes: Today’s brass beds come in all several sizes: twin, double, queen, king, and occasionally, California king.   Of course, certain models may not be available in each of these sizes. Brass daybeds, trundles and even baby cribs are also found on the market. When ordering a brass bed, you have to consider if you want both the head board and footboard. Ordering just the headboard is cheaper, as expected, but the good news is that the price usually does not double to purchase both components. The consumer must check whether the bed frame is included in the price or not.

·        Finishes: Another factor in choosing a bed is whether you want to polish the bed or not. (See Below). Some companies offer beds that do not need to be polished because they have a special lacquer or baked-on epoxy finish. Within the spectrum of brass beds, there are slight variations of finishes available, such a more antique appearance or something called a satin finish.

·        Prices: High quality brass beds generally range from about a thousand dollars to over three thousand dollars. However, extravagant beds with large canopies can cost up to twenty thousand dollars! The good news with solid brass beds is that they will generally appreciate in value, as well as last a long time. Lower quality beds cost only a few hundred dollars and will have a much shorter life span, at least as far as appearances are concerned. If you happen to inherit a bona fide antique in great condition, the value could be well over ten thousand dollars. Or, expect to pay that amount if you desire to buy an antique instead of a reproduction.

·        Brass bed or Iron bed: Iron beds have been around slightly longer than brass beds. Interestingly, iron beds were developed for their ease of set up and dismantling, especially in times of war. One major advantage of metal beds in the nineteenth century was that they did not harbor bed bugs, as wooden beds did! Since the introduction and initial popularity of brass beds, people who have not been able to afford brass beds have purchased iron ones instead. Even today, iron beds tend to be less costly than genuine brass beds. There is much more variety in available finishes for iron beds as well.