Sleigh beds—low to the floor, stoutly constructed, and bearing the signature scrolled headboard and foot board—are unique in look, are favored by many, and come to us today with a rich history of great purpose.
Taking inspiration from the Roman Empire, the courts of Napoleon prompted the creation of such beds and other furniture that developed by way of what came to be known as the Empire style. This style, ornamented by Victorian design sensibilities or streamlined for simplicity, was applied down through the nineteenth century by the French as well as the Americans (particularly on the east coast) and survived into the present day. With a few differences.
Where the wood craftsmen creating heavy wood platforms and robust carved, rolled wood head- and foot boards left off is where innovative designers using alternative materials and adding or taking away lines picked up.
