In bedroom furniture, the bed is typically seen as the centrepiece—blending comfort with style. The French bed stands out for its unique design and charm among the many types of beds available. Originating from France, this bed style is captivating with its elegance and versatility, making it a favoured choice for many. This comprehensive guide will explore French beds’ characteristics and various styles, helping you determine if this enchanting design is the perfect fit for your bedroom sanctuary.
What is a French Bed?
The French are often viewed as inherently romantic and passionate individuals, which explains why a bed is named after them. In France, the French bed, or Grand Lit, is crafted for two people and features a single continuous mattress and a slatted frame.
The word 'French bed’ is steeped in rich history and artistic meaning, distinguishing it apart. During the Renaissance, France and its monarchs made a lasting mark on the arts, design, and furniture, introducing distinct styles with each ruler that defined their time and influenced the period’s aesthetics.
Among the various things that the French are renowned for is their fashionable decor. A wide array of classic French bed designs exists, from luxurious velvet beds embellished with gold accents to elegantly simple floral-patterned linen upholstered beds and the rustic charm of rattan beds made from natural wood tones.
Here are some features of French beds:
Shared Mattress: A French bed features a single continuous mattress for both individuals rather than two separate ones.
Slatted Frame: French beds typically come with a slatted frame.
Classic Style: These beds are celebrated for their classic, romantic aesthetics.
Hand-Carved Frames: French beds are often associated with hand-carved wooden frames.
Upholstered: They can be upholstered in velvet, linen, or other fabrics.
Rattan: French beds may be made from rattan, which lends a rustic or organic style.
What is a Classic French Bed?
A classic French bed typically has sturdy iron or wooden frames adorned with simple, natural decorations that reflect a unique style. Renowned for their classic and sophisticated designs, these beds are frequently seen across Europe.
Floral motifs and greenery add a touch of royal luxury and sophistication. Understanding the sizes of French beds can be confusing because of the various choices and manufacturers. In France, these beds are called ‘Un grand lit’.
Why Choose a French Bed?
The bed is a crucial element in any bedroom, and if you want to introduce character and elegance, few options are as suitable as a French bed. It adds personality and sophistication with the timeless quality of materials like:
- Brass
- Iron
- Carved Wood
- Rattan
Different Sizes of French Beds
The Standard French Bed
A standard French bed is a double bed that is 140 centimetres wide and either 190 or 200 centimetres long. It’s also known as the Ancient Neapolitan bed or Grand Lit.
Features
Size: A French bed is larger than a single bed but smaller than a standard double bed.
Comfort: A French bed provides comfort for individuals or couples alike.
Space: The French bed is an excellent choice for those with limited bedroom space.
Upholstery: French beds can be upholstered in various fabrics and leathers.
Storage: Some French beds have a compartment that can be opened easily and used for storage purposes.
Small Double French Bed
A small double French bed has a mattress that measures 120 cm by 190 cm or 200 cm. It’s a smaller version of the French double bed, which is also known as the “grand lit” in France.
Features
Size: French beds are smaller in width than a standard double bed but the same length.
Comfort: These beds are cosy for one person or a couple.
Style: French beds can be made from various materials, including brass, rattan, and wood.
Design: French beds can have simple lines or more ornate designs.
The King Size French Bed
A king size French bed is a frame often made from wood or metal and features a solid headboard and frame. French style beds are known for their ornate details, luxurious upholstery, and curved carvings.
Features
Headboard: French style beds often have upholstered, metal, or rattan headboards.
Legs: French style beds often have antique-style turned legs or cabriole legs.
Upholstery: They can be upholstered in linen or other rich fabrics.
Carvings: These beds can have ornate carved details or curvaceous carvings.
Frame: These beds are constructed from either wood or metal and feature a sturdy design frame.
Base: French style beds can have a sprung slatted base for support.
Size: King-Size French Bed: 180 cm wide by 190 cm or 200 cm long
Mattress Sizes for French Beds
The mattress and bed frame size can vary based on your preferences. However, keep in mind that the ornate design of the French bed might seem overly intricate, odd, and out of proportion. Before making a decision, it’s advisable to consult with an interior designer. If that’s not an option, consider sketching your room and positioning the bed in your layout to visualise the result.
Single: 90cm wide by 190cm to 200cm long.
Double: 140cm wide by 190cm to 200cm long.
Large double or French queen: 160cm wide by 190cm to 200cm long.
King size or full: 180cm wide by 190cm to 200cm long.
Categories of French Beds
French-style beds are available in various materials. If your primary goal is to maximise space, you should choose a bed designed as a sommier that comes with just the bed frame and a built-in storage structure in its base. Generally, French beds can be classified into two categories:
Straight End
A straight-end French bed is a French bed with a footboard and a single, straight piece. The legs of the bed are angled towards the footboard and endboards, which gives the bed a sturdy appearance.
Features
Straight Footboard: The footboard of a straight-end French bed is a single, straight-piece.
Angled Legs: The legs of a straight-end French bed are angled towards the footboard and endboards.
Sturdy Appearance: The angled legs and straight footboard make the bed sturdy.
Corbeille
Corbeille French beds have a wooden frame, sloping curves, and hand-upholstered head and footboards. Different sizes are available, and customisation options include a variety of colours and fabrics.
Features
Wooden Frame: Corbeille French beds have a wooden frame, often made from beech.
Sloping Curves: Corbeille French beds have sloping curves.
Upholstered Head and Footboards: Corbeille French beds have hand-upholstered head and footboards.
Rounded Footboard: Corbeille French beds showcase a curved footboard.
Bed Base: The bed base can slide in and out, allowing for flexible positioning without needing to be perfectly square.
Styles of French Beds
Upholstered French Beds
A stylish French style upholstered bed is a great decor choice. Whether you prefer modern simplicity or rich extravagance, there’s a bed for you. Choose a design with straight lines and a low footboard for a calm, contemporary feel. Light colours like neutral linen allow you to add bright accent colours. If you want something more eye-catching, go for a velvet bed or silk upholstery with a gold frame for a striking look. Pair it with different patterns and a fancy French chandelier for a maximalist style.
Emperor French Beds
Unwind, breathe deeply, and indulge in your spacious emperor bed. Emperor beds provide a spacious surface for soothing, restorative sleep and enhance your bedroom's elegance.
Rattan French Beds
Rattan is versatile, adding a relaxed, bohemian feel or simple elegance in neutral colours. A natural rattan bed with a rustic finish can create a cosy country French look. Choose painted rattan in soft colours like antique white or pale grey for a vintage touch.
Antique French Style Beds
The legs of the French bed corbeille elegantly slope inward, creating a visual effect that enhances its overall airy and delicate aesthetics. This design choice contributes to the bed’s light appearance and provides a sense of openness and spaciousness, making it an ideal centrepiece in various bedroom styles.
What is the Average Cost of French Beds?
French beds tend to be viewed as more luxurious and pricier than standard beds; however, their costs can fluctuate based on the make, model, and brand. If buying new isn’t feasible, thrift shops usually offer a variety. With a modest budget and some time for restoration, you can get a classic French bed at a fair price. If you are looking at antique furniture, contact Cloud Sleep, who provide top-quality furniture at affordable prices.
