Over the weekend, I found a January 1954 House Beautiful article that touted the "Return of the Brass Bed". The first thing that came to my mind were those shiny brass Victorian beds. But then the article showed a few examples that made me realize that brass beds can actually be quite fetching. Personally, I prefer brass that's hand rubbed rather than polished. And clean lines appeal to me more than curves and swirls. Maybe it is time for the return of the brass bed. Although, if all brass beds were as good looking as these, then there would be no "return" per se because they wouldn't have gone out of style in the first place.
(Bed at top was designed by Paul McCobb, while the brass campaign bed was Baker)
Baker Brass Headboard from Pamela Lerner Antiques (looks similar to that featured in House Beautiful)
Jacques Adnet bed. Leather and brass over steel frame. Available from Pascal Boyer Gallery. For those who can only handle a touch of brass.
Nickel and brass campaign bed by Maison Jansen, available through Wright Now
Acid Etched Brass Headboard by Mastercraft, from Assemblage Ltd.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Return of the Brass Bed?
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You're right-beds like these are always in style. I think if the brass is not lacquered and you let it age and patina it is quite attractive. I love each of these-very sophisticated. What are terrible are those shiny swirly ones.
ReplyDeleteI did not think I was going to be on board, but these are terrific.
ReplyDeleteConvincing arguements indeed but not if it was the last place left on earth I could lay my head.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Brass that is handrubbed and left to patina is quite lovely. Report me right now: I have a brass chandelier (with lovely black shades) that I adore. Love something long enough, it may come back in style. Love something well enough, and you don't care what people think.
ReplyDeleteI had a client that had pride in her marriage bed of brass- they were married in the 30's. Again it is for me very much about history where things originate. la
ReplyDeleteNeoclassical brass or steel or iron beds are perfect any where you want to put them!!! But not victorian. Give me Jacques Adnet or Jansen any day of the week-pure luxury.
ReplyDeleteInteresting - I have a brass bed very similar to the campaign bed that I have had for years - it has been in storage forever! Maybe it will look good again to me.......I do like the one by Maison Jansen.
ReplyDeleteThe Baker one is fantastic. Someone should tell the firm to reproduce it.
ReplyDeleteI always knew you were a secret Modernist!
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I agree with the conversation: a hand-rubbed finish is the best on brass. I'm liking brass in other areas of some rooms too, particularly as a finish for curtain rods. Chrome and nickel have been so overused. Rubbed brass has nice warmth. Don't miss the curtain rods in a Houston house in the upcoming September issue of House Beautiful. Gorgeous in the context of this elegant living room.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how you would style a brass bed. I think it's a pretty tricky undertaking. My grandmother has a fabulous bed from France with huge brass "columns," but I have a hard time visualizing how to make it less grandmother-y and more modern.
ReplyDeleteCampaign furniture in general is always wonderfully spare, it had to function for an army on the go. Restoration Hardware did a whole collection that was quite beautiful. An idea they have not kept going. The last piece is the Aston bed which is on their sale/clearance furniture page in nickel or bronze the brass is gone..
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great take on the style - I'm a bit bored with the traditional shape for brass beds. I'm also not sure what it is about finish - but something about a shiny finish just screams "cheap" to me. I like ones with a nice patina.
ReplyDeleteYou know this post reminded me of another daybed I've been oogling on First Dibs. I'm smitten with the antique French Napoleon III (Second Empire) forged and cast iron daybeds!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=308714
Regarding brass you've shown some chic options (I expect no less from you Ms. Chic!), but I still don't think brass beds are for me - I fear the budget brass bed of my youth has ruined me on brass!
I like the Baker bed - and teh mix of finishes on the the Maison. Interesting post!
ReplyDeletexx-Gina
Jennifer, these are such chic examples. Talk about seeing something in a new light!
ReplyDeleteMartha Stewart's showin off a brass bed on her show TODAY!
ReplyDeleteyou can still find some elegant design brass beds by Original Bedstead Company at www.obc-uk.net
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