Daybeds

The idea of daybeds functioning both as a sofa and a bed has been around for centuries now. Here are some features of a number of unique and amazing antique daybed items.

Antique daybed units are often characterized by hand-carved details on the designs and decorations and the hardwood frame make of the bed. There are, however, also metal antique daybed models coming from a later date. An example is a heavy assortment of design details with ideas of seat and bed comfort features. The whole bed plus the intricate details were all hand carved—one could only imagine the great pains it took to finish this antique daybed—considering the size of the daybed: 91 by 48 by 37 inches in area.

Another example are Oriental daybeds from re-used heavy and rare teak wood. This is said to have come from Indonesia where recycling of antiquated wood pieces salvaged from wreck sites is popular. The very furniture itself may not be an antique daybed, but the materials have been recycled from old but sturdy teak woods retrieved from the bottoms of rivers. These wood pieces are then carved manually and made into various antique-looking but modernly made furniture items like an antique daybed.

Indonesia used to have wooden bridges made of teak wood which were demolished or ravaged some time in its history. The wood pieces recovered today are then collected and some find their way into house frames and furniture. Some are made into antique daybed items.

Antique daybeds coming from China are mostly said to date back from the Opium War days. They are mostly of solid Northern elm wood, locally called “Yu Mu.” They often measure 229 by 96 by 53 cm. with inner dimensions of 215 by 90 cm. The antique daybeds have side and back panels hand carved with Chinese symbolism. These panels are adjustable. The mattresses are topped with white cushioned fabric—the cushion is of 4 levels. It also has dual tailor made Oriental fabrics, colored red and yellow, for partially covering the antique daybed mattress.

Caroline White Antique Daybed metal models are characterized by gradually sloping back surface and the arm rests are welded to the bed for structural strength consideration. The furnishing is rendered in antique white quality finish but the metal studs and general make-up help them blends well in modern room settings.

Definitely, antique daybed designs and features are amazing hand-made and carved pieces of home furniture that can definitely blend well with our modern furnishings.