If you love antique and vintage style furniture, you’ve probably heard of Jenny Lind beds. These charming beds with their elaborate metal swirling headboards and footboards have a fascinating history behind them. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of the Jenny Lind bed, examine what makes them unique, and discuss how to incorporate a Jenny Lind bed into your home’s decor.
Known for their delicate, open metalwork designs, Jenny Lind beds are highly sought after by antique collectors and those looking to add a touch of vintage allure to their bedrooms. Keep reading to learn more about these iconic beds named after a 19th-century Swedish opera singer and how they can infuse your space with both beauty and nostalgia.
Let’s delve into the story behind the Jenny Lind bed!
History of the Jenny Lind Bed
The Jenny Lind bed is named after Jenny Lind, a Swedish opera singer who gained fame in the 19th century. She toured the United States between 1850 and 1852. Her American tour was promoted by showman P.T. Barnum. Jenny Lind became a cultural icon and various products were named after her to capitalize on her popularity, including the Jenny Lind bed.
This style of bed is characterized by its spindled headboard and footboard, often made from wood. It reflects design elements from 19th-century American country furniture, combining both elegance and simplicity. The bed’s spindles are turned on a lathe to create a distinctive design. Over time, the Jenny Lind bed has remained a popular choice for children’s furniture, although it is also available in sizes for adults.
“I wanted a fixer upper as I see restoration as one big art project.” – Merrilee McGehee
Where to Buy a Jenny Lind Bed
Here are some tips on where to buy Jenny Lind beds:
- Retailers – Modern retailers like Crate and Barrel and Wayfair sell their own versions of the classic Jenny Lind bed which you can buy brand new.
- Antique stores – Check stores that specialize in antiques and vintage furniture. Jenny Lind beds made in the mid-19th century to early 20th century may be found in these types of stores. Look for shops that have an extensive collection of antique beds and bed frames.
- Online antique sites – Sites like 1stdibs, Chairish, and Ruby Lane often have antique Jenny Lind beds for sale. You can search for beds by that name specifically. Be sure to carefully examine photos and descriptions for condition and authenticity.
- Estate sales – Keep an eye out for estate or garage sales, especially those advertised as having antique furniture. Jenny Lind beds may turn up at these kinds of sales. Arrive early to have the best selection.
- Auctions – Live auctions that include antique furniture and accessories can be good places to find Jenny Lind beds. You may have to bid against other interested buyers. There are also online auction sites.
- Classified ads – Check classified ads in your local newspaper or on sites like Craigslist for people selling antique beds. You may find someone selling a Jenny Lind bed for a reasonable price.
- DIY – If you’re handy, you can also make your own Jenny Lind bed from a kit or plans. This allows you to get the style you want.
Take time to carefully examine any potential Jenny Lind bed purchase for authenticity and to make sure it’s structurally sound. With a little hunting, you can find this charming antique bed style to add vintage flair to your bedroom.
