An antique bed is a beautiful and unique piece of furniture that can add elegance to any home. Not only are antique beds – which are typically three quarters in size – a part of history, but they’re also significant investments.
Unless your three-quarter bed is an heirloom from a distant relative, chances are you spent a significant amount of money purchasing your antique piece from a store, flea market, or auction. As the custodian of a Victorian bed, it’s your duty to ensure that the antique piece of furniture stands the test of time.
It's important to take the time to learn how to properly care for your new investment. After all, you likely want it to last for the next few generations, and there’s a lot to know before you buy an antique bed. While purchasing antique furniture and three-quarter beds can be pricey, cleaning these heirlooms is simple and cheap, and shouldn’t take more than hour in most cases. Chances are, as an expert in antiquing, you’re already doing some of these.
Protect Your Three-Quarter Bed from The Heat
The first step in caring for your antique three-quarter bed is to ensure that it is properly protected from the elements. If you live in an area with high humidity, it is important to make sure that your bed is kept in a room that is consistently cool. Wood expands in heated areas, which could spell disaster for your three-quarter bed’s preserved aesthetics. If possible, keep your bed in a climate-controlled room to ensure that it maintains its look.
Once you have taken steps to protect your bed from the elements, you will need to focus on cleaning and dusting it on a regular basis. It is important to use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaners on your antique bed, as harsh chemicals can damage the finish. When dusting, be sure to use a soft, clean cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Wood does not expand in cold areas, though it can shrink, but you’ll hardly notice it.
A Mattress Protector Will Also Protect Your Frame
A mattress protector acts as a barrier against spills, stains, dust, and general wear and tear. By preventing liquids from seeping into the mattress, it helps maintain your beds hygiene. Stains and odors that penetrate the mattress can be difficult to remove and may impact the condition of the antique bed.
However, the protection of the ¾ mattress indirectly benefits the antique bed frame as well. Spills or moisture can reach the mattress and penetrate through without the protector. This could affect the wooden components of the bed frame. Over time, this moisture exposure may lead to wood damage, such as warping, rotting, or mold growth. By using a mattress protector or pad, you create a safeguard that prevents liquids from reaching the mattress. It keeps the underlying bed frame from potential water damage.
A mattress protector or pad provides a cushioning layer between the mattress and the bed frame. This additional padding helps distribute weight more evenly across the bed frame. It reduces stress or pressure points on specific areas of the frame. By minimizing direct contact between the mattress and the frame, you can extend the lifespan of the bed frame.
Regularly Clean Your Antique Bed
Cleaning is a great way to main your three-quarter bed’s design and energy. To maintain the bed, you’ll have to take great caution in how you execute cleaning. If you can, speak to the original owner or shop where you purchased the three-quarter bed and ask them for their cleaning advice.
In most cases, an antique bed can be cleaned with gentle cleaners that aren’t doused with harsh chemicals. These can lodge into the wood and damage your three-quarter bed. Simplicity is key. Use mild soaps and cleaners. On the market you’ll find cleaning products that are specifically designed for antique furniture. Once you’ve cleaned the bed, dust it with a soft cloth or brush – nothing abrasive, it could scratch the bed. Regularly dusting your antique bed will prevent dust and dirt from drying out and cracking the wood.
In addition to regular cleaning, you will also need to polish your antique bed from time to time. This will help to protect the wood and keep it looking its best. When selecting a polish, be sure to choose one that is specifically designed for use on wood furniture.
Speak to local antique furniture purveyors about their recommendations. Seeing as they deal in antique resales, they’ll be able to point out a polish that doesn’t away from a three-quarter bed’s beauty. Apply the polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure to buff it out with a soft, clean cloth when you are finished.
Be Gentle with the Frame If You Ever Move It
Handling a classic three-quarter bed frame with care is the best way to prevent any damage over time. When moving or repositioning the bed, it's important to take several precautions. Avoid dragging the bed across the floor, as this can scratch or dent the wood. Instead, lift and carry the bed with the help of another person to distribute the weight evenly. Use furniture sliders or pads underneath the bed legs to protect the floor from friction during movement.
Additionally, be mindful of any delicate or ornamental parts of the bed frame. Anything like intricate carvings or fragile joints as they need to be handled gently. Even if you're just putting a new ¾ mattress on the antique frame, handle everything with care. By handling the antique bed with care, you can reduce the risk of accidents or structural damage. By being careful you can preserve the integrity and beauty of an antique frame for years to come.
Find The Right Mattress
A key step you can take to maintain your three-quarter bed is to have a quality mattress. Because three-quarter beds have non-traditional dimensions, it’s important to use mattresses that snugly fit a bed. Using an exceptionally heavy mattress on a three-quarter bed can put added weight on the frame, which could lead to the fragile wood cracking. The same goes for heavy bedding. Avoid using the likes of weighted blankets and heavy sheets, it can damage the bed.
For niche products like three-quarter beds, it’s important to go with companies that excel in custom and specifics, like Antique Bed Mattress Co. To get a good night’s sleep and to keep your three-quarter bed in the best shape, consider a custom made mattress for antique beds.