Sleigh Bed History : A Fanciful Ride to Dreamland

Could there be anything cozier in a bedroom's decor than a sleigh bed piled high with pretty sheets, plump pillows, and a down comforter?

Probably not. Whoever invented them knew how to live a quality life.

The interesting story of the sleigh bed reveals that it is a hallmark of the American Empire period, and that it first appeared in the early 1800s. The American Empire period is described as lasting from 1800 to 1820 as the deep and complex ornamentation of the Victorian style came into vogue. Gaining popularity right around 1810, the first sleigh beds were fashioned with mahogany veneers. Both the headboard and footboard curved upward and were rolled at the top. The rolls at the top were the perfect finish and could either be rolled inward or outward.

Normally quite heavy in stature, this style of bed was inspired by the court of the French emperor Napoleon. The inspiration of the Napoleon courtesans originally came from antique Roman forms that were being unearthed all throughout Europe. Because these archeological discoveries of the Roman Empire were being found and used as the impetus for furniture, the fashion became known as the Empire style. Both France and America went through phases of Empire style.

In France, sleigh beds were small and designed for one. They resembled more of what is known as a daybed. Cabinet makers showed their skill at building beds with trademark curves and rolled-out tops on both the headboard and footboard, making the bed resemble a horse-drawn sleigh. In America, by 1815, nearly all towns and cities with active furniture craftsmen were seeing an explosion of these beds being made.

Since then, the sleigh bed has always held a special place in the hearts of America's decorators. Through the last century, its concentration was largely east of the Mississippi River. In the last 10 years or so, sleigh beds have been brought to a wider audience through magazines and the growth of "decorator TV."

Different materials are being used in all sorts of creative ways for sleigh beds. Steel, aluminum, iron, and, of course, wood, are being fashioned into traditional curved sleigh beds. Even leather is making an appearance. As cushioned and upholstered beds become fashionable, consumers are enjoying sleigh beds covered completely in leather or working in tandem with wood or another material.

The high headboard, reaching far above the footboard, may even be without the tell-tale curves. Sleigh beds are now featuring just taller headboards and shorter matching footboards. Of course, if it is curves you desire, there are plenty of sleigh beds to be found.

Sleigh beds create magic in your decor not found with any other kind of bed. They invoke a sense of regality, too, along with splendid sophistication.

Cuddling up between the sheets in a sleigh bed, one also feels more secure. It makes nodding off to sleep, and waking up, much more pleasant.