A sleek sleigh bed is a beautiful addition to any home, with beautifully elegant curves and undulations inspired by a classic horse-drawn sleigh. This graceful bed transcends the ages, from traditional carved wooden frames to practical and contemporary upholstered designs, and would command attention in any period design or style bedroom.
But what exactly is a sleigh bed? And how do you select the ideal design for your own bedroom? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about this classic design right here.
What is the design of a sleigh bed?
A sleigh bed has a similar appearance to a traditional scroll bed and is rooted in 19th century France and America, though its classical shape may date back to ancient Greece and Rome. It has a curvaceous silhouette that exudes sophistication and charm, with a softly rolling headboard and footboard that resembles a romantic horse-drawn sleigh.
It’s even said that Napoleon Bonaparte was so taken with one particular fine sleigh bed that he ordered all of the beds in his household to be made in the same style! If it’s good enough for Napoleon…
Though wooden sleigh beds are among the most popular and look great in period homes, we also have Scandi-style painted sleigh beds and wonderfully snug upholstered sleigh beds for those who prefer a more contemporary look and feel.
Sleigh beds made of wood
Traditional wooden sleigh beds have a timeless charm that can add a sense of regal grandeur to your interior decorating.
Our AAA Furniture Dark Wooden Sleigh Bed is a popular choice among our customers because of its classic look. It’s finished in a warm-toned wood stain inspired by 18th century French designs. To highlight the shape, use a simple linen duvet cover, or go chateau-chic with layers of contrasting bedding and throws. And there you have it!
Sleigh beds with upholstery
An upholstered sleigh bed, whether in super-soft cotton, tactile linen, or luxurious plush velvet, is unbeatable for added comfort and texture.
Our AAA Funiture Upholstered King Size Sleigh Bed is a modern take on a traditional sleigh bed design, with a statement curved headboard that would look great in a dramatic bedroom. Hello, eye-catching wallpapers, moody paint colours, and metallic accents!
Sleigh beds with Ottomans
Look no further than an Ottoman sleigh bed for small spaces with limited storage.
With all the elegance and style of a traditional upholstered sleigh bed, our Seville Ottoman Sleigh Bed easily lifts to reveal a large storage compartment ideal for storing extra bedding or clothes. It’s a win-win situation when the essence of practicality and effortless style are combined.
Sleigh beds are out of fashion…?
Certainly not! The classic sleigh bed has a timeless feel that complements a wide range of interior design styles, including eclectic vintage and countryside chic, Scandinavian minimalism, and dramatic, luxe colour palettes.
Have you ever wondered how to modernise a sleigh bed? The styling is everything. Consider our slender Amelia Oak Bed Frame. With panels upholstered in tactile linen, we’ve given its classic shape an on-trend twist.
In the image below, we’ve taken inspiration from countryside cottages by styling it with a soft tartan throw, crisp white bed linen, and a cosy faux sheepskin rug to give the space a laid-back, modern, and inviting feel.
A tartan throw and a faux sheepskin rug give AAA Furniture Oak Bed Frame a country cottage feel.
Top sleigh bed styling suggestions
When dressing a flamboyant bed like a sleigh design, consider the overall look of your bedroom so that the bed can truly shine. But don’t get too worked up! Here are some simple and doable styling tips that you can start using right away.
Decorate with lovely bedding.
With a beautiful frame like a sleigh bed, you need bedding that commands the same level of attention! If you prefer crisp white sheets, tuck your bedding in to highlight your bed’s statement scrolls. Alternatively, for an on-trend eclectic look, layer contrasting duvet covers, throws, and scatter cushions.
Choose a colour scheme that complements your sleigh bed.
Simple, cool-toned paint colours will allow the shape of your sleigh bed to take centre stage, or go all-out regal with statement heritage wallpapers and jewel-toned accessories in sapphire, emerald, and ruby.
Combine with matching furniture for a cohesive look.
Why not choose bedroom furniture that complements the style of your sleigh bed for a cohesive and inviting look? Our Amelia Oak Bedside Tables, for example, have a laid-back French aesthetic that would complement the grand silhouette of a sleigh bed, or one of our Chateaux White Wardrobes would look incredibly elegant alongside a simple, painted bed design.
Do you want to see our entire selection of stunning sleigh beds?
Do you want to redo your bedroom? Take a look at our entire collection of stylish AAA Furniture sleigh beds, which includes everything from classic wooden designs to functional Ottomans.