The king and queen sized mattresses and box springs are now no longer set up against antique beds. Nowadays, most people prefer standard sizes where it be a king or queen size or even just the old standard, double or full size.
Sizes Vary
Iron King Headboards
Over a century ago, bed sizes as well as mattresses were not that important. The beds could be in any size, with home-made mattresses or feather beds on top of it. The bed height was also much shorter. The 1980's brought in the manufacture of bed and the standard full or double sized beds were introduced. They were around 72 inches by 52 inches in diameter. The beds that were older and smaller than most double-sized beds were referred to by antique dealers as the "three-quarter" beds. Their sizes however were different and the sizes varied. The European versions, on the other hand, were built with an exact measurement and dimension.
Solving the Problem Through Conversions
Enlarging an antique bed to fit and become compatible with modern sizes is a problem most carpenters and homeowners are facing. In fixing the size, they have to consider keeping the proportions in tact as well as maintain its appearance. Cabinet makers call this process "conversion". It is done by using standard brown steel rails for any kind of length. The rails are then attached to the headboard with bolts which should provide a strong and secure hold. When the bolts do not fit, a piece of wood is usually added. A rugged steel plate is placed at the foot-board and welded with bolts applying the process from the inside. By doing this, the steel rails become securely attached and nothing is shown from the outside. The bed is now set up. It can be taken down later by unscrewing the bolts and nuts.
The thickness of springs and mattresses can also be used in order for the bed to fit the antique bed frames. There are very thick mattresses and "pillow-top" mattresses sold in many stores today that would be too tall and thick for the bed frame. It would cover much of the headboard. You can solve this problem by choosing thinner mattresses and springs. Before ordering a new mattress, try measuring a point from the steel railing up to the desired length.
If you plan your mattress and bed frame well, taking into consideration the make up of each piece, you'll have a mix of both an antique and modern look in your bedroom.