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VICTORIAN DREAMS RESTORED VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE BEDS
LEFT : Matching pair of wood and upholstered single beds £ 1,650 for the pair . Made in France circa 1900 , these beds bring a luxurious touch to a child ’ s or guest bedroom . The painted wood frames showcase subtle flower and foliage carved detailing , and the upholstered panels are finished in muted eau de nil linen fabric .
Mass-produced reproductions cannot compete with the steadfast sturdiness , beauty and enjoyment that a timeless handmade vintage or antique bed brings – yet finding one in perfect condition isn ’ t easy .
Enlisting the help and knowledge of one of the UK ’ s most skilled and experienced bed restorers , Shabs Kay – could be your answer . Her showroom , Victorian Dreams in Headley , Hampshire , is home to one of the largest showrooms of restored beds in the UK . The beds cost from £ 1,200 for a double bed , including a base going up in price depending on rarity and age .
Having worked specifically in the antique and vintage bed industry for over 30 years , Shabs can advise and guide you through the pros and cons of the different styles , materials , and designs of beds available . What ’ s more , she has a further 250 beds awaiting restoration in stock , where you can choose your bed frame to be restored to your choice of colour or have it upholstered in either your fabric or one from the showroom ’ s fabric library . There ’ s a selection of bed bases to choose from and the option to add a standard or luxury made-to-measure mattress .
There are so many styles and types of antique beds to consider but to generalise , they come in four categories – Metal , Upholstered , Caned and Wood . Shabs has a workshop and team of craftsmen and women who can widen small double metal beds into king and super king-size beds , and she also has a huge collection of missing parts , which can be difficult , if not impossible , to find for repairs .
Shabs says , “ A unique antique or vintage bed will always give a ‘ wow ’ factor and can instantly inject so much character and personality into an otherwise featureless bedroom . Choosing a statement bed really sets the scene . Go for an upholstered bed in a beautiful fabric for a pretty and delicate look . Or go brave and bold with an elaborate Victorian brass and iron bedstead , which will look great against the rich sapphire and emerald gem hues that are so popular now . Colour doesn ’ t have to envelop the whole room , though . A feature wall draped in colour from paint , or a gorgeously sumptuous wallpaper will do the trick ”. she went on to say , “ We ’ ve seen the sales of metal beds rocket , but not just in traditional matt black . We are restoring and selling metal beds painted in all colours of the rainbow to tie in with customers ’ colour schemes ”. www . victorian-dreams . co . uk
The Old Holme School , Crabtree Lane , Headley , Hampshire , GU35 8QH Call 01428 717000 | sales @ victorian-dreams . co . uk