Sleigh Beds and French Beds

The Sleigh Bed and French Bed are essentially bed frames, but frames with a particular style and design that makes a distinctive feature of the head board and the footboard. They can be an attractive alternative to a conventional bed and they can be finished in fabrics like suede, leather or polished wood.

Essentially these designs extend both the top and bottom boards so that they become very prominent, thereby almost disguising the appearance of the bed. The idea is to make the frame a furniture feature rather than relying on decorative bedding, scatter cushions etc. These bed designs are increasing in popularity and can support mattresses of all constructions and materials, e.g. visco elastic memory foam, pocket springs etc. (which are purchased separately).

The difference between a Sleigh Bed and a French Bed

Although generally similar in their geometry, French beds and Sleigh beds do possess some subtle differences that make each type have a different appeal to the prospective buyer.

Sleigh Beds and French Beds do have a number of similar features, but there is one distinguishing design element that makes it easy to tell them apart, namely the shape and angle of the bed's headboard and footboard.

In essence the head and footboard of the French bed are vertical and flat whilst those of the Sleigh bed are curved. This is usually obvious to spot because the sleigh bed's head and footboards will usually turn outwards away from the mattress in a distinctive way. This design can be simple, or it can incorporate (in profile) an “S” shape to the boards outline. The effect of the design can be further varied by the inclusion or otherwise of decorative features like a scroll finish to the board's top edge. These additions can be plain or ornate, modern or period.

By contrast a modern French bed will have a much simpler and more minimalist design to its two boards (although this was not the case with traditional French beds). Even so there will be options when it comes to materials and decorative detailing. e.g. Period French beds have intricate carvings and even paintings on their boards. Which option is preferable is a matter of personal taste and compliance with a room's decor.

Selecting a French or Sleigh bed

Both French Beds and Sleigh Beds come in a range of materials and finishes. They can be constructed with a timber frame or a metal frame and the finishes and decorative effects can include anything from a simple fabric cover to polished wood or studded leather upholstery - similar to that of a Captain's chair.

Other design choices include the respective heights of the head and foot boards and the detailing or simplicity of the front face of the footboard which is the most visible feature on this bed type.

If a Sleigh or French bed has been constructed properly it should last a lifetime although numerous mattress replacements will be required periodically.