me down
to sleep...
The 18th century high post bed, often with a tester (a wooden frame that connected the four posts, from which a valance and / or curtains could be hung) was followed by the Federal field bed, a four poster with a canopy but no curtains could be hung.
The trundle bed was low enough to be pushed under a higher bed when not in use. In the 19th century, the French influence was seen in the gondola, or sleigh, bed with graceful matching head-and footboards. Another form was the cannonball bed, with balls on each of the four posts.
Cast-iron and brass bedsteads became popular in the Victorian era. The bedroom, much much more than a place to sleep was often used by the women of the house for spinning, weaving and sewing.
Popular because it was inexpensive, mid-nineteenth century spool furniture was made in a number of forms: tables, chairs, washstands, cribs and beds.
Spool beds with rounded corners are also known as "Jenny Lind" beds, having first appeared while she was making a singing tour of the United States. These factory made spool beds are mahogany. (from Country Antiques and Collectibles, how to find them, where to buy them, how to decorate with them - edited by Carter Smith, Oxmoor House, Inc. Birmingham)
