dolls house source information

Beds And Bedcovers

Prior to the mid nineteenth century a bed was specifically made for the person who would be sleeping in it. After this the concept of a standard bed size was introduced.

Most Victorian and Edwardian beds had wooden headboards and often a footboard. By the 1850’s wrought iron bedsteads were preferred.

The spring mattress was introduced in 1855 with a tension wired mattress following in 1890.

Four poster beds were used well into the nineteenth century. By the 1880’s their popularity had waned in favour of a half tester. By the end of the nineteenth century the use of both had ceased.

At the beginning of the Victorian era, only the most wealthy households would have put sheets on all the beds.

Quilts and Bedspreads

Bedspreads hung to the floor at the sides and foot of the bed and were not necessarily padded. Quilts were padded and lay on top of the bed and might have had a bedspread underneath

Popular designs included:-

Patchwork – hexagonal, block, crazy or block – strips formed into squares
Applique
Quilted bedcover in floral or geometric patterns
Embroidered with a Tudor influence, ideal for a Gothic influence room

Click here to learn about Victorian bedrooms

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