By: Fabiola Grosshan
Submitted: 2010-11-30 08:02:06 | Word Count: 591
At present, the three most prevalent materials used in manufacturing metal bed frames are brass, iron and steel. The main reasons why these metals are preferred over others consist in their good structural strength and increased durability, although brass is typically chosen for its high malleability, which allows for the creation of many different styles and designs.
Depending on factors like size, model, the kind of metal used and the overall amount of processing undergone by the bed frame before leaving the factory, some metal beds can be more expensive than others. However, when shopping for a metal bed, it is advisable that you see past the price tag, since this rarely is a reliable indicator of quality. That said, try not to be fooled into buying a particular product in an expensive line simply because it costs more than its standard equivalent in the market. Although there are some exceptions to this, in most cases you should do just fine with a reasonably priced metal bed, as long as it is comfortable, has a sturdy design, and shows no signs of flaws at the joints and fittings.
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Next, let’s have a look at some of the common types of metal beds currently available in the market and briefly address their main characteristics.
Thanks to their durability, toughness and resistance to damage, Metal beds manufactured from cast iron are extremely popular these days. Bed frames in this category are usually built from multiple smaller parts fused together, because the high level of strength of the iron and carbon alloy renders the resulting material very difficult to shape. A typical cast iron bed can have fine gilded ornaments around the casting or a matte/ glossy white finish.
For an added touch of elegance and refinement in terms of design and finish alike, you could opt for a bed made from wrought iron instead. Wrought iron is more flexible in nature, a trait that allows it to be shaped into complex, intricate, and more visually appealing designs. Although a majority of Metal beds made of wrought iron come in black, sometimes you may be able to opt for a hand rubbed bronze or a white finish as well.
Some metal beds have beautifully decorated posts or headboards, which are carefully carved to give the resulting piece of furniture a stylish and unique aspect. More often than not, metal beds use a wooden sprung slatted mattress frame to provide support for the mattress. A common choice of wood for constructing the mattress frame is beech, which is treated and processed until a certain curvature is obtained. The slight angle confers the slats extra suspension and allows the wood to adjust to the weight of your body while also providing support to the mattress.
Aspect aside, when shopping for a metal bed, you should look for one that guarantees a good level of comfort and high durability. Other important selection criteria are size and shape, so account for these factors properly if you want to end up with something suitable. Bigger isn’t always better, so think twice before choosing a voluminous and impractical product, especially if your bedroom isn’t too spacious. If you live alone, are looking to free up some space in the bedroom and also want to save money on your purchase, a small metal bed may be exactly what you need.
