Where can I buy an antique bed?

[reastie]

I want an antique bed for my room. I have no idea where to start though. I know vaguely I want a mahogany or walnut bed (but this isn't set in stone) and be most likely victorian. I don't want springs in the base and it needs to be a regular size so I can fit a regular sized mattress on (don't mind if it's double or king size). I realise this may be impossible to find . I've tried googling beds on sale but can't find anything I like within a couple of hours drive (I'm in Kent and want to see it before I buy it). I've emailed a few antique places near me but no response.

I am anxious about buying from an individual person incase it has woodworm etc and would rather buy from a dealer. ANy advice or help as to where I can go please?

I visited this place in Chirk a few years ago, when it was still called Seventh Heaven. I believe they are mainly standard sizes, sometimes because they have 'reworked' the frame to enlarge it. Great place, lots to see, it would at least let you see lots of different styles alongside and maybe sort out your preferences.

eBay is worth a look, as lots of antique shops sell on there as well as random finds. Good luck, sounds lovely

I was going to suggest Seventh Heaven too (though didn't know it had changed its name - thanks Whereyouleftit!) We have a lovely, reconditioned Victorian iron bedstead from there which takes a standard kingsize base and mattress.

There's also a big online antiques shop with a warehouse in Bedfordshire, that I bought a huge Edwardian linen press/wardrobe from. I think it's called Elizabeth James - will Google and try to link.

Here it is: www.elisabethjamesantiques.co.uk/ Can't see if they have any beds though.

Bugger, sorry, forgot the square brackety things. But you can copy and paste!

We were in an antique shop just before Christmas, called Talbot House in Dorking, Surrey. They had a bed exactly as you describe, French I think, not sure what wood, but a little lighter than mahogany. It had a beautiful carved headboard & was only £375! I'd have bought it without hesitation it we'd needed a bed! I think it's a double, & was on their top floor.

Ohhh thank you. Seventh Heaven doesn't have anything quite like I want but they do have some nice beds, so I'll bookmark it and check every now and again in the hope the just right bed comes along.

I've tried ebay for several months with no luck so far

Elizabeth James website doesn't currently have any beds for sale like I'm looking for

xposted - Nuzzle I'm off to google them and see if they can email me a picture

Finger crossed it might be what you're after! I thought it was beautiful, and actually couldn't understand why it wasn't more expensive. Quite a few of the antique shops in Dorking have closed recently, so I suppose they just need the business. I'll see if I can find a photo of something similar, to give you an idea.

thanks nuzzle, have emailed them so hopefully they'll respond.

Couldn't find any similar beds, but the top of this is similar to the centre of the headboard. Let us know how you get on anyway!

link didn't work there nuzzle . Will keep you updated

Try here

Oh, sorry about that, I'm on the iPhone, maybe that's why. If you want to copy & paste, this is the link:
www.google.co.uk/search?q=antique+mahogany+french+bed+pointed+centre+detail&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=d2TfUPyjBOPM0QW3ioHwBw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=320&bih=416#i=77
Anyway, they might even be open Sundays, so hopefully you'll hear back soon.

This place is good: www.frenchfarmhousefurniture.co.uk/beds/. A friend bought their cherry lit bateau and it's lovely.

this is lush Not nearby though!

rolf there's a lovely marriage bed on there but tis sold why do they all insist on leaving up the sold things to tempt me . Might contact them and see if they have anything similar.

viggle great site. I found it a while ago and spotted a great bed but the antique dealer never contacted me back

Just to update, no reply from antique shop nuzzle recommended. Have found a French antique furniture shop an hour from me who sell antique beds so may go there to have a look.

Oh, and rolf thanks for the link, they have one they are currently making which I like the look of and am waiting to see what it looks like finished

gorgeous

link not working noddy

working for me!

OK, working now for me

I've eyed up that one already only DH says we need one without a footboard, or a very low footboard or apparently it will make our bedroom look too small . This is much easier said than found.

He has a point - but it's nice with a footboard. The kids often get in ours and can sit at the bottom with their own pillows etc for reading and have their own back rest and leave me in peace with enough space at my end and not knock my tea over!

You can try to find on ebay or amazon tinyurl.com/a8vy5r9