Metal bed frames didn’t become popular until the industrial revolution. In the 1800s, iron and brass beds were sold as an alternative to wood. They makers used the fact that metal was not subject to insect infestation as a selling point. Of course, we know that wood bed frames weren’t the problem, the insects were more likely to be in the mattress than the bed frame. Single and 4ft beds were the sizes usually found in metal beds.
The middle class came into prominence in the 1800s and metal beds were the rage. Bedrooms were not very large. 4Ft beds or full beds were the size normally found in the master bedroom. If children shared a room, it was not unusual for them to sleep in a 4ft bed with their siblings. Few children had the luxury of a bed to themselves.
Today, iron and brass beds are available in larger sizes. Most antique metal beds are 4ft beds although single beds are also common. Larger sizes are rare and were probably made by custom order. The industrial age standardized sizes. Before the advent of factories, most beds were built by individuals and sizes varied. Bed linens were custom made to fit a family’s bed, usually by the ladies of the family.
Introducing standard size beds, created the opportunity to offer standard size bed linens sewn in factories. Blankets were woven in the new standard single and 4ft sizes. Creating uniform sizes opened new markets up for more factory made goods. Pillows were made in standard sizes to fit the factory made beds.
The freedom to buy bed linens and pillows gave middle class women more time to spend in other pursuits. Previously, woman spent hours sewing necessary household linens and darning damaged sheets. Making and stuffing pillows was another chore most women had to do.
The 4ft bed remains a popular standard size bed today. Large enough to sleep two, but small enough to comfortably fit in most rooms, the size is convenient and comfortable. While homeowners with larger bedrooms may chose queen or king size beds, many of the post war houses on the market today have rooms too small for these larger beds. The 4 ft bed is a perfect fit.