Should I Get a Sleigh Bed?
If you are considering getting a new bed, you’ve come to the right place. Amish-made, solid wood bed frames are the right choice! Now, we need to figure out which bed frame style is best for you. If you find yourself in this blog post then you must be considering a sleigh bed. We’ll do our best to help you figure out if the sleigh style or something else is best for you and your home.
*This post was written by Seth Carter, the former manager of all bedroom furniture products at DutchCrafters Amish Furniture.
Table of Contents
What is a Sleigh Bed?
Sleigh bed frames resemble sleighs, often with curved headboards and footboards. Their design makes your bed appear like a beautiful wooden sleigh, making it a perfect centerpiece for your bedroom furniture set.
When Was the First Sleigh Bed Made?
Sleigh beds became popular in the Empire Style (early 1800s) in France and the United States. Although they didn’t officially originate until the 19th century, the ancient Greco-Roman era inspired the design.
Are Sleigh Beds Popular?
Our sleigh bed sales have increased about 250% since the beginning of 2024. It is one of our most popular bed frames.
Sleigh Bed Styles
Although these frames have a distinct design that sets them apart from other bed frames, they come in many different styles and types. We’ll get into the various types, but they also come in several different furniture styles to accommodate your decor!
Sleigh Bed Styles
Now let’s take a look at the different types.
Wood Sleigh Beds
Solid wood is our specialty at DutchCrafters. You can get them with solid wood or upholstery, but our beds always have solid wood construction underneath. These bring a uniquely beautiful look but still match the rest of your solid wood bedroom furniture. They can fit nicely with contemporary or rustic themes.
The solid wood construction can give some of them the most regal presentations. Some look so classy they make Santa look unqualified to take the reins.
Upholstered Sleigh Beds
Sleigh beds are a very popular choice to get with upholstery. Upholstery adds a modern touch to the timeless look of this solid wood style. Upholstery on the headboard can add padding for extra comfort if you want to sit in bed and read a book. Tufted headboards are also a very popular option for this bed style, adding textured patterns to the headboard.
Storage Platform and Platform Options
On most of our bed frames, you can add a storage platform with under-bed drawers for out-of-sight storage. You can also add a plywood platform or extra slats to make your bed a platform-style bed, which does not require a box spring. Platforms are a popular option with sleigh beds.
Sleigh Bed Cons
For any significant furniture decision, it is always worth making a pros and cons list. There are some things to consider before deciding if a sleigh bed is right for you.
Con: It’s Big and Heavy
There is no doubt these beds are aesthetically pleasing, but a part of what makes them so gorgeous is that they are very heavy and take up more space around the curved headboards and footboards. Make sure you have enough room to accommodate a sleigh frame.
Con: Sleigh Footboards Can Make Changing Sheets a Challenge
First of all, not all sleigh beds have high footboards. Our Amish builders can work with you on custom orders to ensure your bed fits your liking. However, the standard look has a curved headboard and footboard, giving it a sleigh-like appearance. The high footboard can make changing the sheets slightly more complex.
Top-Seller Alert: The design hasn’t stopped the Edna (pictured above) from being our most popular sleigh bed over the past couple of years. It is by far our top seller in the category.
What Customers Say About Them
I have a lot to say so if you don’t have time the short version is A+, 5 stars, I’m so happy with my purchase! I’ve been looking for a bedroom set for years and was tired of particle board junk available at chain furniture stores. The sleigh bed, dresser with mirror, and nightstand I bought are exactly what I was looking for. I’m not a rich person so for me it was a lot of money. Absolutely beautiful wood and finish. I am thrilled, takes my breath away. DutchCrafters has exceptional craftsmen.
Stunningly beautiful bedframe, delivered and set up with care. Highly recommend!
My new bed is gorgeous! I love the storage drawers under the bed on both sides. Well worth the investment!
Kathleen A. from CT, purchased her bed with under-bed storage drawers.
Shop Solid Wood Bedroom Furniture
Shop all of our Amish-made bedroom furniture or contact one of our trained furniture specialists for more help.
About the Author
Seth Carter previously managed all bedroom furniture products for DutchCrafters. Eventually, he was promoted to lead the team that handled all of the furniture products for the world’s most extensive collection of online Amish furniture. Over the years, he has worked with hundreds of Amish builders, assisted in product presentations, and provided input to woodshops on exclusive furniture designs.
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Seth Carter has been with DutchCrafters since 2020. Seth has won multiple awards for his work in Amish furniture while with DutchCrafters. He has advised and partnered with more than 150 Amish wood shops on furniture presentation, design, industry trends, product options, and the development of exclusive products. He is originally from Indiana and even lived in Amish country (LaGrange, Indiana) for an extended period of time while working with DutchCrafters. Seth was previously in charge of DutchCrafters' Amish bedroom furniture category. He was eventually promoted to lead the team that managed every product in DutchCrafters' world's largest online collection of Amish furniture.
