Tips and thoughts on bed buying part 2

Let’s say at this point you have a general idea of a style of bed you want and you feel comfortable with a few different companies that have similar models. Now there are really two basic categories for considerations when making a decision. The first is what the bed is made of, the quality of the natural raw materials. Choosing solid Cherry is probably better than a cheaper substitute like Alder. They are obviously both woods, but Cherry inherently has working and finishing qualities which can, if treated correctly, make a more attractive item than Alder. The same can be said for pure brass and metal with a brass coating. The true brass subjected to similar processes will produce something the cheaper metal cannot. Cheap metal tube will not mimic solid forged iron in scrollwork, nor can bi-cast leather feel like top grain.

Which leads us to the second category. Was the bed built best utilizing the inherent quality of the materials? Did they enhance their strengths and design a beautiful, sturdy and functional bed? Unfortunately, like so much of life, this can be somewhat subjective. That is a beautiful bed! This might be in reference to a $2 flea market find or a $4000 dollar design based on your opinion and values. This is because good design has less to do with cost than attention to detail. Nature is full of beautiful design. The precisely serrated edge on a leaf or the sexy undulating desert sands bathed in twilight. You get the idea. There are more attractive shapes than others. Some curves go this way or that way but there are great curves that go the right way. They may be made from the same solid iron but there is a difference in the execution. A difference in the details. Well made objects are evocative. What do want to invoke with your bed?

What? What has this to do with beds? It depends on if your bed is important to you. Take a look at these two brass finials. Do you like one or the other better? Maybe, the preference is based on the finish color, proportion or simply the picture quality. Those are all valid reactions. Or maybe, each one evokes a different feeling. The feeling is neither right nor wrong, but HAVING a feeling is the first step in understanding what you are looking for. It doesn’t always cost more either. And just for full disclosure, we made the good one.

Let’s look at another example of solid iron scroll work. The pictures are not exactly the same in quality but is one more striking? More artfull in its execution to your eye? Close up photography is an important component on our website for exactly this reason. We know that from a far shot of scroll work, shape and details may not be clearly evident. Very few manufacturers provide such detailed examinations of their work. It is not that their work is necessarily inferior in strength or materials; it is just not as attractive and why invite the comparison?

In person looking closely at details such as these can be helpful in determining which bed to purchase, how much to spend on it, and what exactly your getting for your money. In catalog and print and especially on the web, make sure you have the ability to see what details actually exist and what is simply implied. It can make the difference between a well purchased high quality bed and a disappointment. In the next part we will look at some details in wood and leather and the difference overall proportion can make to a style.