How to Choose the Right Mattress for an Antique Bed
When you’ve invested in a beautiful antique or vintage bed, choosing the right mattress is just as important. The mattress needs to be comfortable and supportive, but it also needs to suit the proportions, size and construction of the bed itself.
At Victorian Dreams, our mattresses are handmade in Yorkshire and are available in both standard and bespoke sizes, making them particularly well suited to antique and unusual bedsteads.
Here are the main things to consider when choosing a mattress for an antique bed.
Pocket Sprung or Open Coil Mattress?
One of the first decisions is which type of spring construction to choose.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
In a pocket sprung mattress, each spring is individually enclosed within its own fabric pocket. This allows the springs to move independently and respond more closely to the shape and movement of your body.
Pocket sprung mattresses generally offer excellent support, help distribute weight evenly and can reduce movement across the mattress if you share a bed.
They are an excellent choice if you are looking for a luxurious, supportive mattress to complement a fine antique bed.
Open Coil Mattresses
Open coil mattresses use interconnected springs that work together as a single unit. They have a simpler construction but can still provide comfortable and reliable support.
Because the springs are connected, weight is distributed across a wider area of the mattress. Open coil mattresses are often a good choice for guest bedrooms or where a more affordable handmade mattress is required.
In simple terms: choose pocket sprung for greater individual support and comfort, while an open coil mattress provides a good-quality, traditional alternative.
Consider Spring Count and Mattress Fillings
When comparing pocket sprung mattresses, you may see spring counts such as 1,200, 2,000 or 3,000.
A higher spring count generally means there are more individual springs available to respond to the body, although spring count alone should not determine which mattress you choose.
The fillings surrounding the springs are equally important. Layers of good-quality natural and supportive materials affect the comfort, breathability and longevity of the mattress.
For a mattress that will remain with a treasured antique bed for many years, it is worth considering the overall construction rather than choosing on spring count alone.
Choose the Right Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is very personal. At Victorian Dreams, our handmade mattresses are available in Firm, Medium and Medium-to-Soft options.
As a general guide:
Side sleepers often prefer a Medium or Medium-to-Soft mattress, allowing the shoulders and hips to sink slightly into the surface.
Back sleepers may prefer Medium or Firm support.
Heavier sleepers often benefit from a firmer mattress that provides additional support.
The construction of your antique bed should also be considered. A rigid or slatted base can feel different from a sprung base, so the mattress and bed base need to work together.
If you are unsure, it is always worth asking whether your chosen mattress is suitable for the particular bed frame or base.
Measure Your Antique Bed Carefully
Modern beds generally follow standard UK mattress sizes, but antique beds frequently do not.
Older bedsteads may be slightly wider, narrower, longer or shorter than today's standard dimensions. Some also have shaped corners, unusual footboards or other features that need to be taken into account.
Victorian Dreams can make bespoke mattresses for antique beds to virtually any size, shape or cut-out required. We can also produce mattresses for unusual spaces including four-poster beds, yacht berths and horse boxes.
Before ordering, carefully measure:
The internal width of the bed
The internal length
Any shaped or curved sections
The available mattress depth
Mattress depth is particularly important with antique beds. A mattress that is too deep can hide decorative details on the headboard or footboard and alter the proportions of the bed.
Consider the Bed Base
The base underneath your mattress has a significant effect on how the mattress feels and performs.
Depending on your bed, you may need a slatted base, sprung base or specially made bed base to provide the correct support.
Victorian Dreams can supply matching bed bases designed specifically for antique bedsteads, helping to support the mattress while maintaining the appearance and proportions of the bed.
Look for Quality and a Good Warranty
A mattress is a long-term investment, particularly when it is being made specifically for an antique or unusual bed.
All Victorian Dreams handmade mattresses come with a five-year warranty, providing reassurance over the quality of the materials and construction.
Rather than comparing mattresses purely on price, look at the spring system, fillings, construction and whether the mattress can be made precisely to fit your bed.
Ask for Expert Advice
Choosing a mattress can be difficult when you are dealing with a non-standard antique bed, so don't be afraid to ask for advice.
Our team can help you choose the right mattress construction, firmness, size and depth for your bed.
Call us on 01428 717000 and, if possible, have your bed measurements and a few photographs available. It is also helpful to know your preferred sleeping position, whether you share the bed and what type of mattress you currently find comfortable.
Choosing the Best Mattress for Your Antique Bed
The best mattress for an antique bed should provide excellent comfort while fitting the bed correctly and preserving its proportions.
Consider the spring construction, spring count, fillings, firmness, mattress depth and the type of bed base beneath it. Most importantly, make sure the mattress is the correct size for the bed rather than assuming an antique bed will match today's standard dimensions.
With a handmade or bespoke mattress from Victorian Dreams, you can enjoy modern comfort without compromising the character of your antique bed.
Need Help Choosing the Right Mattress?
Not sure which mattress will suit your antique bed best? We’re happy to help. Whether you need advice on firmness, spring type, mattress depth or a completely bespoke size, Shabs can guide you towards the right option for your bed and the way you sleep.
Call us on 01428 717000 or email sales@victorian-dreams.co.uk. Browse our handmade mattresses to find the perfect fit for your antique bed.