Early beds were made with various rail styles. Beds of the time had either a rope or canvas “spring” and the rail was made to accommodate the “spring” being used. The rails wer e quite heavy in section in order to withstand the tension of the rope or canvas stretched between them. Our traditional rails are 2 1/4″ thick by 3 1/4″ wide. Modern rails are quite thin but wider in order to conceal the box spring. We prefer to conceal the box spring with a skirt.
We can use any style rail on any bed however you may want to take the following into consideration:
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Rail #1
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A simple style made for a rope spring.
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(Most appropriate with country style beds.)
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Rail #2
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Made for a canvas spring or sacking bottom.
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(Gives the bed a bit more formal look.)
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Rail #3
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A 17th century style rail made for rope.
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Rail #4
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A modern style rail and is 1 1/2″ by 7″ in section.
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Rail #5
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A combination of rails #1 and #2 and was used in the 18th and early 19th century. |
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Rail #6
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Made for a sacking bottom that is laced to the pegs.
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