Today we are talking about Farmhouse French beds as our Farmhouse French Friday tip this week. Shall we begin? The point of Farmhouse French Fridays is to pick one design element and show you lots of different options that might work in your home. The first bed is a very simple, antique iron bed. the bedding is very simple as well, a simple lavender and white quilt over a soft cotton coverlet. This is the way it looked a few years ago. To see how it looks now, CLICK HERE.
Next I have another iron bed, only this one is from France. It’s actually a crib, so it is a small size, still I wanted you to see the beautiful iron scroll-work that tells you it is French. The cushion was custom made for me.
Next is my bed. The bedding is linen, and I made this bedspread. The bed itself is a Charles P. Rodgers brass and iron bed. I think it is the Charleston model.
Today’s podcast episode is about laundry room decor. Do you decorate your laundry room? Here’s how!
The next bed shows up twice, but it’s the same bed. This was originally black and came from the now defunct Bombay Company. Note the pretty curves and soft gray color. The soft white cotton bedding looks inviting and clean.
Here the bed is again with a colorful quilt. We moved this bed to the mountains and that is why it shows up twice.
So I took the bed from the back porch and moved it to the guest room.
That’s right. That bed was on the back porch. It’s another antique iron bed in white. I love how the paint is chipping off. Are you sensing a pattern? I love iron beds and think they work beautifully with farmhouse French style.
Now this is the living room at the farm. I’ve since changed out the chairs and the lamps. The daybed serves as our sofa, but since we don’t have a guest room, it is also a guest bed when needed.
The daybed is a Gustavian style which has some French influences. It is one of the few wood beds we have. Our farm bed below is also a wood bed. It was from the Martha Stewart Collection.
Above I show the bed with a summery lavender toile and below I have a navy and cream striped duvet.
The next bed is an iron bed, but I have it in front of wood louvered doors. These are new (as in not antique) doors that I painted a few years ago. I’ve since changed out the lamps. CLICK HERE.
Here’s another antique iron crib. Notice how different it looks from our French one I already showed you. The straight lines are quite different. It is probably American. The mattress is a standard new crib mattress.
The girls’ beds are new (as opposed to being antique) iron beds. This room has been completely redone. CLICK HERE to see what it looks like now.
And lastly I have a wood French headboard for this guest bedroom in the mountains.
This is the master bedroom in the mountains, and yes it’s an iron bed. This is also a before photo. CLICK HERE to see what this room looked like after we painted.
The point I am trying to make it that there are many bed styles that you can use that will give you a farmhouse French look. If you have a bed that isn’t exactly French, you can use bedding to give it a soft French look. You can also paint the bed if it isn’t the look you want. Try different things until you get a look you love.
Pin for Later
Wendy Wainwright says
Just love these beds .. thank you for sharing this with us … I have a 150 year old Brass Bed and you have inspired me to “french” it up!
Sandra says
I love iron bed I have two in my home. Thanks for sharing
Sandra says
I also love the stripe bedding where did you buy them
Gale LeDoux says
I just love the warmth that the French Style furniture gives off. It gives the feeling of being well loved. Thank you for showing us your designs Anita. It is so inspiring!
Susan W. says
I just prayed for your babysitter. Hope she will be better soon. Love the beds too.
Lisa says
I just started receiving your blog and I am in love!!!!! I am so excited to be a part of this. I am going to take some time to really delve into all the article and pictures you offer. My whole house is French country/ French provincial basically frenchy as you all say! I am an east coaster used to old houses like late 1800’s but am living in Texas and trying to french up this 90’s style Texas house!
Pat M. says
If you are new to Anita’s blog and her casual and personal way of providing information to those of us less informed in the ways of French Country, please do yourself a favor and get her book. It will keep you occupied for hours and you will love the time you spend with her words and photos. It’s an escape you’ll return to over and over again.
Anita says
Pat, you are a JEWEL. Thank you so much for the glowing endorsement!!!
Melanie Smith says
All of these are beautiful! I am adding touches of French style to my home and your home is an inspiration to me. Thank You!
Candy says
Love all of the beds, just beautiful!
Lifting your babysitter up in prayer.
Thanks for the posting. Love that wooden “plaque” behind your master bed, where did you find it? Catches my eye every time I see pics of your master bedroom.
Blessings,
Candy
Anita says
That is from Ballard Designs Candy.
Anita says
From Ballard Designs Candy.
Jacky says
Thoughts and prayers and angels to watch over your babysitter.
Mary Butris says
Love ready your blog! You have such great taste , makes me feel justified in some of my own decorating decisions. Just recently purchased an antique iron bed l for my daughter’s room while redecorating used and antique worn gold french mirror with chippy white iron bed and vintage french furniture. Found the perfect Waverly blue coverlet amd put an vintage off white across the bottom! Would fit right in with your photos !
Jill Brewster says
I have always loved the look of iron bed frames, even before I realized that I Love Country French Farmhouse style. I love all you beautiful bed frames.Jill
Edy says
Lovely ….with prayers
Mimi says
I love your posts!
I also love the large wicker trunk/chest at the end of the bed.
May I ask where you found it?
Thank you.
Anita says
From Hobby Lobby a long time ago Mimi.
Mimi says
Thank you!
Jan says
Love all of these! We have just remodeled and I have been looking at iron beds vs upholstered or wood. Praying for your babysitter. Thank you for this blog, always enjoy.
Debbie Reynolds says
Thank you, Anita, for your wonderful French tips!
Mary Williams says
What a fantastic idea to use your blog to ask for prayers. The power of prayers is mighty! I love your blog and sense of style-so chic yet warm and homey.
Ginger Valdes says
I love them all! My favorite looks you’ve created are your bedroom and the bedroom with the painted louvered doors behind the bed. And that toile bedspread takes my breath away. When I grow up, I want to live in that room. XO Ginger
Deborah says
Love, love, love it all!
Cynthia Krantz says
Great inspirations! I’ve got 2 iron beds and one iron daybed with trundle. I love the look and you’ve given me some ideas on how to make them look even more French. Thanks!
Sue Glass says
Love your beautiful ideas!
Donna Vallone says
Love the twin iron beds that are not antique…can you post a source for those?
Thanks.
Anita says
Those are from Target Donna.
Pam Ballard says
Love your spaces. I have an old daybed/crib. I store it in the winter and bring in out in the spring. I love dressing it up. Happy Friday!
Kathy Earp says
I have always loved iron beds as well as the wooden poster beds. Each one you have shown look delightful and inviting.
Patti says
These are all so pretty! I recently chalk painted our king sleigh bed in white with some distressing. Of course I couldn’t stop there and eventually did all the bedroom furniture the same. I love it and it totally changed the look to more farmhousy! Is that a word? Ha ha
Carol says
Gorgeous beds and lovely decor! What an inspiration!
ANDREA MULLIGAN says
So many great ideas!!
Roxann Johnson Schwarze says
Love them all!!!!!! I would have a hard time deciding which one to sleep in!!!!! I think I would sleep in a different one every night!!!! All so beautiful!!!!! Love the iron beds also!!!!! Sincerely Roxann
Marlene Stephenson says
I have an iron bed from CH Rogers also, you have some really lovely beds. Thanks Anita
jan says
Love the beds..and especially like the white/ivory plates on the wall behind the gorgeous bed! The mirror behind the bed, too, adds to the room! And the 3 triplets single beds: ADORABLE!
Cathy says
I love all of your iron bed examples…..and the bed linens that you select for them make them perfect!
Bonnie Schulte says
I remember growing up having an iron bed, and I thought it was so UGLY!!!! Wish I had the bed now..How times have changed…or maybe too, how I have changed with the times…
Bonnie says
The pictures of the beds and rooms are beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. I am praying for your little sister that she has a good recovery.
Kirsten Sluck says
I LOVE your posts and you have taught me so much. I am currently ulpostering a vintage french provincial headboard for our king bed. We will be getting rid of our rice carved poster bed, bc it’s too big for our new space. But I do love the old-fashioned height(we have 15″ of clearance so the dogs sleep under our bed- it’s awesome! However I will need a new frame for the headboard I’m making and I’m having a hard time finding one that is high. What type of bedframe do you have with your wood French headboard for guest bedroom in the mountains? It appears to be an old=-fashioned height. Thanks!!!
Anita says
I found that one on Amazon. Just check to see that the height is right. I’ll have to find which one I actually bought.
Christine says
I love those iron beds especially the one in front of louvered doors. I love the basket trunk too…Christine
Karenann says
Beautiful beds! I love the iron beds!
Rosalie says
All your bed frames are fabulous. I particularly like both the iron cribs made into daybeds…so chic. I think iron beds in any style look great, i.e., traditional, contemporary or antique, in a distressed, shabby, rusty, painted or shiny finish. As you show, the simplicity of soft linen fabric beautifully compliment iron beds and the French theme. I prefer ruffled white or cream bedding with lot of fluffy pillows. Rural country-life patterned toile bedding also works especially well in a country-French bedroom even if the bed frame or other case goods in the room are more in the contemporary style.
Nancy Comer says
Oh Anita, each one of your beds is absolutely delightful! I could curl up on anyone of them and love it. Your bedspreads are all just gorgeous. By the way, I love iron beds! I had an iron bed growing up, a treasure. You are truly an amazing and talented lady, I’d love to meet you someday! I live nearby in The Woodlands!
Have a good weekend.
Nancy
Lori Lockwood says
I have 2 full size antique metal beds, one twin size, (that I inherited) a American antique crib, and a queen knockoff bed. Looking at all your pictures certainly have inspired me to get moving on working with these.
Thank you so much!!
Jane Beckenham says
Anita, this is really giving me some ideas how to ‘french-ify my bedroom. That beautiful bedspread in toile, can u tell me where you purchased it?
Jane
Anita says
Jane, I made that one.
Jane Beckenham says
Clever girl, Anita
Jane
Sherrie Glendening says
I have a number of antique iron beds and headboards that I am thinking of selling. Should I have them sandblasted or leave them in their chippy state? I also have an antique iron cookstove that must weigh hundreds of pounds. I love antiques, but it can be really expensive to have them moved. What do you think?
Anita says
Leave the beds like they are if you are selling. Let the new owner decide if they want the beds sandblasted. As for the cookstove, I don’t think there is a big market for them. Why not mention it on Craigslist before you send money moving it?
Allison H. says
I’ve always loved the look of iron beds, but never had one myself. I’m starting over in a new space soon, and I think you’ve inspired me to take the plunge!
Maritza says
I love your iron bed in your bedroom, it’s stunning as is your bedspread…
I have a four poster bed, but as of lately I’m dreming of purchasing a cane back style bed….ok so I’m only dreaming someone pinch me…lol…..
Have a great weekend~~
Maritza
Joanne says
Great inspiration!!
Beth says
Beautiful beds are such a luxury. The rooms you shared are filled with inspiration.
MARY-ANN FROM CANADA! says
Anita, such beautiful beds! Love them! We have an antique brass bed in our Guest Bedroom and I have put an heirloom quilt on it!
Will keep your babysitter in our prayers.
Have a blessed week-end!
Kay says
Love your blog and get many ideas to incorporate some French style in my own home.
Yvetta says
This came at the perfect time. I am in need of a headboard and you have given me great ideas!
Sharon says
I love how you style beds! Really! Every time I see one I feel like I need to change one of our beds. My husband thinks I’ve gone crazy!
Naomi S. says
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful–every single room! I like iron beds, too. My grandmother had one in her spare bedroom where I slept when I was a small child. I’ve always wanted one like it but have never found just the right one. My favorite of the ones you show is the white iron bed that shows up twice. And I love the little crib-size beds. I also really like the look of the painted shutters behind the bed in the one picture.
Thanks for the ideas. And I will say a prayer for your babysitter.
Judith E. says
I love the iron beds, especially those in your master and the black one with the painted doors on the wall. Is it a Charles Rodgers? I’ve been trying to decide whether to purchase an iron bed or an upholstered one. I was thinking the upholstered one would be more comfy for reading in bed!
Truly hop and pray that your baby sitter is much improved by now!
Cheryl Brazie says
All the beds are very pretty!
Liz says
Where can I find a Gustavian reproduction settee/sofa?
Anita says
That one is from Restoration Hardware.
Charlene Halverson says
I have an iron bed which was purchased while living in TX. It just didn’t look right when returning to our former home in a northern state so I painted it and it’s perfect here now. Love the painted form!
Shel says
Prayers going out for your babysitter!
I love that navy and white striped duvet! Are those ties in place of the usual buttons? They add so much to the look – I’m thinking of making my own cover since I cannot seem to find a reasonably priced linen or velvet for winter one and I may have to incorporate those ties.
Jen D. says
So many lovely beds!! I think my favorite is the crib from France – in fact, I love the whole look of the entire space…and the cushion is perfect. The linen bedspread that you made on the third bed is beautifully done.
Jenifer says
Love Love French style! Thank you for your tips! They are so helpful!! Photos are beautiful and I enjoy looking at every detail. Hope your babysitter is feeling better!
Ivory says
Each bed is so breathtaking and inviting. They make me want to lie down and sleep the night away in comfort.
Sally L says
*swoon* <3
Claire says
We have two antiques beds, but both are wood. One is made of mahogany and the other is oak. They are both double beds, but a friend has told me about a furniture restorer who can change them to queen size. Will be looking to do that some time in the future. The colors are so pretty, I would never paint them and soft, fluffy quilts and linen sheets makes them look very soft.
Kat C says
Love, love, love the 3 beds for children. And totally in love with how the baby dresses are displayed! I’m copycatting this very afternoon!!!
Stephanie says
What is that paint color on the walls – everything looks great !!
Anita says
Stephanie, here is a post with all of my paint colors.
https://cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2015/07/what-color-is-that-wall-and-more-questions-answered.html
Summer says
Do you have a tutorial on how you made your bedding?
Anita says
I don’t, but what a great idea!
Jan Howard says
Hi Anita!
I love iron beds too! Yours are all beautiful! What I love most about them is their versatility. My son (he’s 38 now), went from his crib to an iron bed that belonged to my Grandfather. We painted it a medium gray and used a primitive table and chest, calico quilt and shams that I made. I later changed the bedding a couple more times. When he moved out into his own townhouse, he purchased a new queen bed. I have the iron bed saved for him. He’s always loved it! I presently have one in my guest room. The bedding is chocolate and cream silk – a little more fru-fru! 🙂 I’d LOVE to have a crib one to use on my screened porch. Love your posts!!
Maggie says
Love all the beds. I do have a question, what makes these beds so high? Do you raise them off the floor?
Anita says
Maggie, it’s just a tall mattress.
Dj says
I love your site and more importantly I absolutely love the linen bedspread that you made do you have any guidance for someone interested in sewing something similar
Anita says
DJ, I am working on instructions right now! I’ll have them available soon. Please check back.
Anita says
DJ, I am working on instructions right now! I’ll have them available soon. Please check back.
Mary Winters says
I have been looking for a bedspread for my antique iron bed. I found it…on one of your beds. It was either white or off white and the top of bed was smooth and the edges around the bed has the same fabric and it just drops to the floor . I want to call it a gathered skirt. Do you make these? How do I order one?
Anita says
Thanks Mary. It was delightful to talk to you! I’m working on your requested information now.