At a Glance:
Are Sleigh Beds Still in Style?
Are There Different Types of Sleigh Beds?
Our Favorite Sleigh Bed Inspirations
Sleigh Bed Tips & Decorating Ideas
Are you thinking of remodeling your bedroom? If you're undergoing a total makeover, you're undoubtedly considering upgrading the furniture — namely, the bed. As the name suggests, it is unquestionably the bedroom's focal point. Unsurprisingly, the remainder of the room is generally designed around it, which is why a sleigh bed is a good option.
Traditional sleigh beds feature a gently curved headboard and footboard. They stand out by having a royal, extended appearance that is endearing and affable. Sleigh beds, which are often made of wood, have also adopted modern styles to stay at the forefront of bedroom decor.
It's time to do your homework if you see a sleigh bed in your future. With this comprehensive sleigh bed buying guide, we're here to assist you in making the right decision. Additionally, we added our best sleigh bed inspirations from our Colder's catalog, along with decorating tips and tricks!
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Sleigh BedsEven though the sleigh bed frame was created 200 years ago, its roots reach all the way back to the Greco-Roman period. It is a piece of furniture with neoclassical influences, popularized in the 1800s in France and the US as the "Empire style." The Empire style greatly influenced decorative and visual arts, architecture, and furniture. The Empire style was famous for its elaborate furniture, especially its cabinets, at its height.
One element of the movement was the Empire Bed, which was modeled after beds depicted in ancient Roman art and featured sweeping, curving edges. Napoleon reportedly fell in love with the style and had all of his beds made to match. With such a fervent supporter, it quickly gained traction in France before spreading to the United States.
What is a Sleigh Bed?
A sleigh bed has a headboard and footboard that are curved. The bed's resemblance to a sled's curves led to the creation of the word "sleigh." While some have an oversized sleigh shape, others are more subdued and modest in appearance.
Are Sleigh Beds Still in Style?
Sleigh beds are still widely popular. They are adaptable, which is the key justification. The various material and color options make it simple to integrate your sleigh bed into your existing design aesthetic seamlessly.
Sleigh beds can blend in with a more modern appearance, despite the fact that they frequently favor rustic designs. Sleigh beds have a good chance of never truly going out of style because of their adaptability. There will always be at least a small subset of people who like them.
Are There Different Styles of Sleigh Beds?
Yes, sleigh beds come in a variety of styles to match any bedroom decor. They give the area interesting aesthetic elements. They are typically offered in bedroom sets that include a dresser and nightstands to assist your bedroom in having a cohesive interior design look.
Here are a few of the most popular sleigh bed designs now on the market:
Related: Bedroom Furniture Buying Guide
Traditional Wooden Sleigh Beds
The traditional sleigh bed is made of wood and has a curved head and footboard. Such a wooden sleigh bed frequently has intricate carvings or other embellishments on the wood, making it quite ornate. The type of wood used influences the overall look you might want for your bedroom.
British Colonial Sleigh Bed
Full dark wood, typically ebony or mahogany, is used to construct a British colonial sleigh bed. Beautiful carvings on certain models give them an vintage appearance. Other designs feature cane foot and headboards, which improve airflow. Because the footboard is not usually curved, the bed fits well in smaller spaces and takes up less space.
When the British colonial sleigh bed was brought back to Europe during the Colonial era, it was truly inspired by Asian and African cultures and arts.
Related: How to Style Small Bedroom Furniture (Minimalist Design Guide)
Contemporary Sleigh Beds
Similar to a traditional sleigh bed, a contemporary sleigh bed is made look more current. The contours of the headboard and footboard are not usually equal. The modern sleigh bed's headboard and footboard may have different curves on either side of the same curve on both.
Learn More: Contemporary Bedroom Guide: How to Style
Storage Sleigh Beds
A type of sleigh bed with storage underneath is called a storage sleigh bed. This sleigh bed style is perfect for those who want more storage in their bedroom. The footboard drawers can be used to arrange clothing, bedding, and other bedroom supplies. Sleigh beds with storage are perfect for hiding away and adding extra storage space underneath.
Upholstered Sleigh Beds
The headboard and footboard of an upholstered sleigh bed include traditional or contemporary curves and upholstery. Sleigh beds with upholstery come in a variety of materials to match your design. Beds with upholstery are a common DIY project today. Buying one that is already upholstered could save you money, but if the price worries you, think about coming up with a creative solution.
Wrought Iron Sleigh Beds
Wrought iron sleigh bed frames are another type of sleigh bed that could add a distinctive focal point to your bedroom. Their curved headboard and footboard, which frequently feature exquisite castings, set them apart from most sleigh beds. They can also add other embellishments, such as antique brass accents, to create a classy, airy atmosphere.
Our Favorite Sleigh Bed Inspirations
Why wouldn't you want a sleigh bed in your bedroom when there are so many different styles to pick from? Here are a few sleigh beds that could give your bedroom a luxurious touch, enhancing its ambiance, spirit, and elegance. You might also be drawn to:
Best Modern Sleigh Bed: Legacy Classic Camden Heights Medium Toned/Chestnut King Sleigh Bed
This bed from Legacy Classic Modern is your best option if you want a sleigh bed that leans more toward modern than classic. The upholstered headboard adds a casual coziness to the bed, and the modern bed frame is designed with soft curves and shaping, bun feet, and stepped moldings to add a subtle elegance without overpowering it. This bed would work perfectly as a king sleigh bed, along with the complementary nightstand, dresser, and drawer chest to complete the contemporary yet warm design of your master bedroom.
Best Upholstered Sleigh Bed: Liberty Furniture Americana Farmhouse Black/Taupe King Sleigh Bed
This upholstered bed from Liberty Furniture won't let you down if you're seeking a sleigh bed that is stylish yet really comfortable. It is more pleasant to sit up in bed and read two more chapters of your favorite book when the white button-tufted headboard contrasts well with the hardwood bed frame's wire-brushed dusty black finish with wormhole weathering. The wrapped top and bottom panels of this traditional but laid-back bed, a real indication of a sleigh bed, enhance its sophisticated design and suitability for most bedroom design types, including farmhouse, modern, or French country.
Related: Bedroom Makeover: 6 Black Bed Frames You'll Love
Best White Sleigh Bed: Aspenhome® Cambridge White Queen Sleigh Storage Bed
This storage bed from Aspenhome will more than make up for the space it takes up if you have a smaller bedroom but are set on a queen sleigh bed. When your guest bedroom is small, and you want the room to have the necessities for an overnight stay, this incredibly functional and simple bed may easily replace a nightstand or dresser in the storage space. To display its superb craftsmanship, design, and functionality, this traditional-style sleigh bed has a plain white finish with delicate accents of polished nickel knobs for the two cedar drawers. When you occasionally have family or friends over, you can use the storage drawers at the foot of the bed as extra space to store clothing, bedding, or even act as a makeshift hiding place for all your clutter.
Learn More: Brand Spotlight: Get Familiar with Aspenhome Furniture
Sleigh Bed Pros and Cons
Sleigh beds come in a variety of designs to suit everyone's preferences. They enhance a variety of styles, from minimalist to classical, by adding charm and glitz. They serve as a focal point in a room and are durable because of the materials used in their construction and design.
On the other hand, traditional sleigh beds offer little under-bed storage, are very heavy, and are challenging to move. Not to mention that tall persons might not be the best candidates for sleigh beds with footboards.
The benefits and drawbacks of sleigh beds are listed below:
Sleigh Bed Pros
✅ Sleigh beds come in a variety of exquisite styles, from upholstered ones with a more streamlined silhouette to high-quality wood creations.
✅ They have beautiful headboards and feet that stand out in either a classic or modern design scheme.
Sleigh Bed Cons
❌ To accommodate the side panels that resemble sleighs, traditional sleigh beds feature little under-bed storage.
❌ They weigh a lot and are challenging to move because they are composed of thick wood or metal.
❌ Tall persons may find sleigh beds with a footboard unpleasant since the footboard limits their legroom.
Sleigh Bed Tips & Decorating Ideas
Does your black sleigh bed not quite match your bedroom or style? Here are some different sleigh bed decoration ideas to help you change a sleigh bed to meet room design.
✓ The ideal method to decorate your queen sleigh bed is to add a bed skirt, blankets, cushions, and other bedroom accents.
✓ Using pillows and bedding in cheery Christmas hues, your bedroom can feel warm and festive. You can add garlands, wreaths, and other Christmas decorations to get into the holiday spirit. There are, of course, other ways to decorate when the holidays are not in effect.
✓ A series of accent pillows next to the headboard, each with a bolster pillow in the middle, looks stunning and accentuates the headboard's curves.
✓ The elegance of the sleigh bed would be enhanced by a folded blanket placed widthwise across the foot of the bed.
✓ A king sleigh bed works well in master bedrooms because it has a little extra "flourish" to it, and there is a little more room to work with.
✓ Tuck the bedding inside when constructing a sleigh bed. The entire point of a sleigh design will be lost if a long duvet covers the footboard!
✓ You might completely exclude the duvet for a simpler look. Try using a big blanket or fitted quilt, obviously tucked in on all sides.
✓ Bring the "curved" design element to your nightstands. Swap out your standard nightstand for a spherical bedside table.
✓ Sleigh beds can be found in a variety of sizes and shapes. A sleigh bed can still fit your aesthetic even if you like simplicity; some sleigh bed types have a very modest curvature.
✓ Sleigh beds in the twin size are a fantastic choice for kids, who will adore the fanciful nature they represent.
Sleigh beds are an excellent way to combine traditional and modern design elements in your bedroom. Once you've found the ideal bed frame, complete your sleeping experience by perusing Colder's wide variety of premium mattresses, bed linens, pillows, and other bedroom items online or in person at one of our Milwaukee showrooms.
Why Trust Colder's?
Since 1942, we at Colder's pride ourselves on offering value, selection, and service. Serving Southeastern Wisconsin with four showrooms that stock quality name-brand furniture, appliances, and mattresses, Colder's is sure to house exactly what you are looking for. And if you can't find it on our floors, chances are, we can order it for you. As a local, family-owned company, we are always doing our best to provide the highest value at the lowest cost to everyone who walks through our doors.
Colder's is committed not only to continuously offering can't-miss sales but also to working with each customer, making sure that you take advantage of every possible markdown — that's our best price guarantee.
Shop Sleigh Beds at Colder's
Don't put off happiness — and shop beds online for unbeatable prices at Colder's. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover if a sleigh bed is in your future, whether you call us at 414-476-1574 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our Colder's locations in West Allis, Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, Wisconsin to touch, see, feel, and experience home products that fulfill your dreams. Visit us today!
Learn More: The Best Bedroom Sets for Everyone in Your Home