Converting a Mitchell and Rammelsberg full size bed...
Archive summary
Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started July 15, 2009 by I Luv Cats7 · 7 posts · discussion in 2009.
I found the bed of my dreams today at a local antique store...the dealer says it is a Mitchell and Rammesberg bed built between 1847-1870...he bought it at an auction in Vicksburg, MS...Of course, it is a full size bed but I need it to be a queen-size... for my bedroom...Just…
I found the bed of my dreams today at a local antique store...the dealer says it is a Mitchell and Rammesberg bed built between 1847-1870...he bought it at an auction in Vicksburg, MS...Of course, it is a full size bed but I need it to be a queen-size... for my bedroom...Just need some advice from the professionals on this site...Is it a major ordeal to convert a beautiful antique bed to a queen size...what all is involved and would it be stable? I have found "converter rails" on the Internet, but I am not quite sure how stable those are...Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!! :)
My wife and I had a set of converter rails on an 7.5 foot tall Aesthetic Movement bed. They worked well enough, but were not as stable as the original rails that hooked in three places. If it has a tall headboard, you may have a similar situation. The mattress and box spring helped stop the movement a bit, but there was a noticeable sway whenever one of us would toss or turn. The movement was not a huge detractor and having a queen bed was worth it.
One thing to watch out for is what style of hook the bed you are looking at has. I believe that something pre 1880 will likely have cast iron "hooks" that resemble a pair of fat "T"s that fit snugly into a cast iron slotted receptor. To my knowledge, converter rails are only offered for steel "J" shaped hooks that attach over a metal rod embedded in headboard legs. If it has the former style of hooks, I think you'd have to look at option 2: expanding the headboard and footboard. You may also need to lengthen the rails.
As for expanding the headboard, footboard, and rails to fit a queen, I've seen it done well and poorly. Bradford's Antiques and Antiquarian Traders can often "queen size" a bed such that it is nearly undetectable without close examination. Conversely, I've seen examples on eBay that look comical - boards slapped haphazardly to the sides of the headboard and footboard. I can't imagine it is that cheap to have a proper conversion done, but I'm sure someone on RV will be able to give you better advice. If you do chose this option, you still might pay less than a Stickley quality modern bed and you'd likely recoup some of your expense if you ever sold the set. The only other thing I'd worry about is that some Mitchell and Rammelsberg (sp?) beds may not be stylistically suited to conversion.
If you really can't live without a queen, and your budget allows, I'd recommend holding out to find a true queen bed. They do exist but often command a premium. I've seen several on eBay in the last few years and if you search diligently, you may be able to get a good deal in the current economic environment. We recently picked one up for a pittance - the owner never listed the dimensions in their listing. When I asked, as I always do, I was shocked to get a response of 60 1/4" x 79 3/4"! The only thing I can figure is that it belonged to a really tall couple who didn't like to be close to one another!
Best of luck with your decision.
One thing to watch out for is what style of hook the bed you are looking at has. I believe that something pre 1880 will likely have cast iron "hooks" that resemble a pair of fat "T"s that fit snugly into a cast iron slotted receptor. To my knowledge, converter rails are only offered for steel "J" shaped hooks that attach over a metal rod embedded in headboard legs. If it has the former style of hooks, I think you'd have to look at option 2: expanding the headboard and footboard. You may also need to lengthen the rails.
As for expanding the headboard, footboard, and rails to fit a queen, I've seen it done well and poorly. Bradford's Antiques and Antiquarian Traders can often "queen size" a bed such that it is nearly undetectable without close examination. Conversely, I've seen examples on eBay that look comical - boards slapped haphazardly to the sides of the headboard and footboard. I can't imagine it is that cheap to have a proper conversion done, but I'm sure someone on RV will be able to give you better advice. If you do chose this option, you still might pay less than a Stickley quality modern bed and you'd likely recoup some of your expense if you ever sold the set. The only other thing I'd worry about is that some Mitchell and Rammelsberg (sp?) beds may not be stylistically suited to conversion.
If you really can't live without a queen, and your budget allows, I'd recommend holding out to find a true queen bed. They do exist but often command a premium. I've seen several on eBay in the last few years and if you search diligently, you may be able to get a good deal in the current economic environment. We recently picked one up for a pittance - the owner never listed the dimensions in their listing. When I asked, as I always do, I was shocked to get a response of 60 1/4" x 79 3/4"! The only thing I can figure is that it belonged to a really tall couple who didn't like to be close to one another!
Best of luck with your decision.
Another resource you might consider is contacting Leonards
http://www.leonardsdirect.com/pages/index.asp
They have been converting/restoring antique beds for a long time, one of the most respected authorities on old beds in the nation.
http://www.leonardsdirect.com/pages/index.asp
They have been converting/restoring antique beds for a long time, one of the most respected authorities on old beds in the nation.
Thank you both for your advice! I have decided to wait on the bed. I am tall, 5'10, and am going to hold out for a queen size...may have to pay much more but I think that will be the best thing to do. Thanks again!
Hey, no problem, beds are tough going in the antique world because many simply "dont fit" into our modern situation.
If the bed you’re looking at is 1870 or older, the bed rails might be attached with bolts instead of hooks. All of the bed rail conversion kits I’ve seen in the past use hooks to attach the rails to the headboard and footboard. So, the “standard” conversion kit may not work without a lot of modifications.
My personal bed is an untouched 1850’s to 1860’s rococo revival bed that stretches 80” across at the widest point and takes a mattress that’s 65” wide by 79” long. A modern queen size mattress is 60” wide by 80” long.
Best of luck in your search!
William
“Hardwood”
My personal bed is an untouched 1850’s to 1860’s rococo revival bed that stretches 80” across at the widest point and takes a mattress that’s 65” wide by 79” long. A modern queen size mattress is 60” wide by 80” long.
Best of luck in your search!
William
“Hardwood”
Depending on the bed style and how it's made - you may be able to find a competent cabinetmaker or restoration shop that can do a good job of altering the bed to accommodate a queen size mattress. I would take pictures and talk to shop owners to see if this is possible and the estimated cost - it could get into major work and become costly.
It is also possible to get a custom sized mattress made to fit your bed if it's not a standard size, or can accommodate one in between sizes which can give you a larger mattress w/o altering the bed. Call your local mattress sales places - you may find one locally (I know of a dealer close to me that offers this option), or search the internet for "custom mattress" or "custom size mattress". It's more affordable than you would probably expect. Standard sized sheets and blankets won't fit w/ out altering (fairly easy if you know someone that sews), or just tuck the extra in/ have a larger overhang. woodwright
It is also possible to get a custom sized mattress made to fit your bed if it's not a standard size, or can accommodate one in between sizes which can give you a larger mattress w/o altering the bed. Call your local mattress sales places - you may find one locally (I know of a dealer close to me that offers this option), or search the internet for "custom mattress" or "custom size mattress". It's more affordable than you would probably expect. Standard sized sheets and blankets won't fit w/ out altering (fairly easy if you know someone that sews), or just tuck the extra in/ have a larger overhang. woodwright