Buyers guide to French beds


Coco French bed with autumnal coloured bedding
The Coco French bed has traditional rustic charm - ooh la la
© The Sleep Room

We all love a good, rejuvenating night's sleep, right? Charlie Marshall, head of sleep at the lovely London-based bed company The Sleep Room, says that French beds are just the ticket. So if you're dreaming of a gorgeous new bed, oozing with traditional style and modern comfort, read on for Charlie's top tips on buying your perfect French bed.

We've got frogs legs, snails and Sarkozy – why do we need French beds too?

Because, like a baguette, the French version just works. Slow to produce and made by hand, the Artisan approach is perfect.

So what should you look out for when choosing a French bed?

Beware if you’re buying an antique French bed, they tend to be much shorter in length and squeaky!

Which French bed would you recommend to make a statement with?

Without question our ornate, hand carved Louis bed – it’s a belter.

The ornate Louis French bed
© The Sleep Room

And if you want classy elegance?

That would be our incredibly popular Antoinette bed. Less carving, more curves.

Is there an ideal French bed for smaller bedrooms?

Yes! Our new Coco bed without a footboard is the perfect space saver, and is available in as a single size bed too.

What to avoid...

Watch out for French beds that are made from cheap painted limewood: they look tacky and we reckon they won’t last the test of time.

If you remember one thing...

Solid, solid, solid oak...

If money is not an issue (lucky thing!)...

Buy a different French bed for each bedroom.

But if you're on a budget...

Buy one French bed (and dream of another).

And your parting words of wisdom from The Sleep Room?

French beds are timeless and a very good buy.