The traditional metal bed, made from iron, brass and increasingly nickel, is rightfully a design classic. Available in myriad forms, from antique-style singles to towering four-posters, the popularity of the metal bed shows no sign of waning.
Brass and cast-iron bedsteads, in particular, have an enduring appeal; they are the perfect foil for kantha throws and Welsh blankets or crisp minimalist bedlinen, making them not only a beautiful addition to the bedroom, but a good investment that will never go out of style.
Although examples of metal bed frames from the 17th and 18th centuries survive, it wasn't until the mid 19th century that brass and iron beds were made in significant numbers. Initially made entirely by hand in foundries, mass-production of metal beds took off after the First World War, making them cheaper and more widely available.
Apart from a few firms such The Cornish Bed Company and Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co, both of which continue to champion hand-casting, most modern metal beds are machine-made, although the designs themselves, established by the Victorians, remain hugely popular and largely unchanged.
What are the different types of metal bed?
The term 'metal bed' encompasses designs made from iron, which is either cast or wrought, brass, copper and nickel. Each metal is worked in different ways in order to produce the finished bed frame.
Although the terms wrought iron and cast iron are often used interchangeably, they describe two different processes: cast iron is first melted and then poured into a mould, where it takes on a new shape as it cools, whereas wrought iron is heated until it is malleable and then shaped and worked with tools.
Brassis processed in a similar way to iron, and can be rolled, hand-cast and hand-spun. Silvery nickel is increasing in popularity as the metal of choice for bed frames, as it gives a fresh spin to classic and antique designs. Copper is not so common for bed frames, but the bright metal makes a striking alternative to more common choices.
Here are a few of our favourite metal beds for 2023…
Best metal beds for 2023
The Cornish Bed Company
From an idyllic base in Par, Cornwall, The Cornish Bed Company produces some of the best handmade metal beds on the market (along with some fabulous dog beds and really lovely outdoor furniture, too).
Their range includes a number of classic-looking antique styles in iron, brass and nickel, all of which are fully customisable – either with specialist paint finishes or bespoke sizing.
Each bed is hand-forged and hand-finished by a small team who really do pay attention to the tiniest details – The Cornish Bed Co is the only manufacturer to use the traditional Victorian knuckle joint onto which the company logo is stamped, along with an individual serial number.
These beds, each of which comes with a certificate of authenticity, really are heirloom pieces that you will be able to pass down the generations.
Clifton Four Poster Metal Bed
- Buy now from The Cornish Bed Company (from £2,510)
Size: 9 sizes available from small single to emperor
Material: Brass
Colour:13 options available
Price: from £2,510
TheClifton Four Poster Metal Bed is a real showstopper. With beautiful arched details on the headboard and footer, it can be ordered in nine colourways and, at an additional cost of £100, can be ordered in a colour of your choice.
You might also like our edit of the best four poster beds
Elizabeth Brass Bed
- Buy now from The Cornish Bed Company (from £3,300)
Size: 9 sizes available from small single to emperor
Material: Brass
Colour: Antique brass
Price: from £3,300
We love the Elizabeth Brass Bed, for its simple, classic styling, an elegant addition to any bedroom, from traditional country cottage to contemporary loft space.
Somerset Cast Iron Bed
- Buy now from The Cornish Bed Company (from £1,521.50)
Size: 9 sizes available from small single to emperor
Material: Cast iron
Colour: 13 available
Price: from £1,521.50
The Somerset Cast Iron Bed is a real charmer – we love this version with its painted cast-iron frame and contrasting brass detailing. This one is available in 13 colour options including blue smoke, bronze and ivory matt or, for an additional £100, you can choose something more bespoke.
Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co
A family-run business, based on the Sandringham Estate, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co is the proud holder of a royal warrant and their work is recognised by the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
In addition to their standard range of beds, which include designs in brass, iron, nickel and copper, they offer a bespoke service allowing customers to choose specific colours, finishes and even design details.
Emma Iron Bed
- Buy now from Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co (from £875)
Size: 6 sizes available from single to emperor
Material: Cast iron
Colour: 12 available
Price: from £875
Inspired by the classic film Bedknobs and Broomsticks, the Emma Iron Bed is a timeless design that makes an impressive addition to any bedroom. This one is available in bespoke colours and sizes if you're looking for something more unique.
Willow Iron and Brass Bed
- Buy now from Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co (from £2,563)
Size: 6 sizes available from single to emperor
Material: Iron and brass
Colour: 5 available
Price: from £2,563
The Willow Iron and Brass Bed is a really smart-looking, Victorian-inspired design. Available in all standard bed sizes as well as bespoke sizes.
The Original Bed Company
With a range of metal beds in iron and brass, which includes Victorian-style frames, four-posters and semi-upholstered headboards and footers, The Original Bed Company offers good, classic design at very affordable prices.
Edwardian Iron Bed
- Buy now from The Original Bed Company (from £299)
Size: 6 sizes available from small single to super king
Material: Iron
Colour: 3 available
Price: from £299
With its simple silhouette and restrained detailing, the Edwardian Iron Bed is a smart and minimalist take on the classic metal bed.
Waterford Brass Bed
- Buy now from The Original Bed Company (from £1,699)
Size: Double, king, super king
Material: Brass
Colour: Brass
Price: from £1,699
Classic styling with a contemporary edge,makes the Waterford Brass Bed an excellent choice if you need a bed that will work with any style of decor.
Waterloo Iron Bed
- Buy now from The Original Bed Company (from £799)
Size: 5 sizes available from single to super king
Material: Iron
Colour: 3 available
Price: from £799
With the dramatic frame that can support draped fabrics, theWaterloo Iron Bed is a real statement piece at a very affordable price. The upholstered headboard and footer are both comfortable and stylish.
You might also like the best upholstered beds and headboards
Feather & Black
With a smaller range of metal beds than their competitors, Feather & Black has made its name with one metal bed in particular...
Oliver Metal Bed
- Buy now from Feather & Black (from £399)
Size: 5 sizes available from single to super king
Material: Steel
Colour: 4 available
Price: from £399
Feather & Black's sturdy retro-style Oliver Metal Bed offers a design reminiscent of early 20th-century hospital beds. Available in a lovely selection of colourways and sizes, this option also comes as a smart daybed/sofa bed, which is perfect for the spare bedroom or office.
You might also like these stylish sofa beds
And So To Bed
With eight different designs available in brass or nickel, two of which are also available as cast iron And So To Bed might not have the largest selection, but their range cleverly covers all tastes and styles, from classic Victorian to Deco-style with a contemporary twist.
The company also stocks mattresses from a number of leading brands, so you can also choose exactly the right mattress to pair with your new bed.
Juniper Metal Bed
- Buy now from And So To Bed (from £1,760)
Size: 4 sizes available from single to super king
Material: Steel
Colour: White and brass
Price: from £1,760
We love this pretty Juniper Bed design with its painted iron frame and brass details. The perfect choice for a romantic, country-style bedroom.
Bronte Brass Bed
- Buy now from And So To Bed (from £2,015)
Size: Double, king, super king
Material: Brass
Colour: Brass
Price: from £2,015
With its straight top rails, and smart black finish, theBronte Brass Bedstead is a smart, contemporary take on a timeless design. Available with a choice of brass or nickel accents and easily styled for traditional or modern interiors.
1stDibs
If only an antique bed will do, check out the selection on 1stDibs.com and sleep soundly in the knowledge that you're tucked up in the real deal.
Hollywood Regency-Style Headboard
- Buy now from 1stDibs (£2,912.02)
Size: Double
Material: Iron
Colour: Black and gold
Price: £2,912,02
This splendid Hollywood Regency-Style Bedframe with side rails as well as headboard and footer really is one of a kind.
Antique Four-Poster Metal Bed
- Buy now from 1stDibs (£4,000)
For something really unusual, this pretty cast-iron Antique Four-Poster Canopy Bed, featuring a sunflower design, made in Birmingham c1880, is just the ticket.
Need more inspiration to help you choose the right bed?
If you haven't found what you are looking for, why not try one of our other round-ups, such as our edits of the best sleigh beds, four-posters or upholstered headboards.
And once you have chosen the bed of your dreams you might want to update your bedding with one of these luxurious, sustainable and naturally temperature controlling pure wool duvets.