Is it a 3/4?

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testing testing testing

Wouldn't let me post with just one line.

Here is a link that might be useful: custom mattresses

I don't know. Thanks so much for the link. The cost of a custom mattress was causing me to pause on using this bed. Those prices do not look so bad, so I'll pull it out of storage and measure.

I don't want to pay a fortune for a mattress, yet don't want any infrequent guests to be uncomfortable. Hopefully, there is a middle ground.

Smiles:)

You can either get a "3/4", or an "antique" the size is slightly different in the length, I believe. I got one from this place for my 1850ish rope bed, because I wanted inexpensive. We've slept on it when we have had company, and its fine. I only got the mattress since there is not box spring on a rope bed.

The website is kinda cheesy, but I had no trouble with customer service. Remember, you will also need sheets! A modern fitted sheet is like boots on a rooster.

Here is a link that might be useful: three quarter and antique mattresses.

"Boots on a rooster"--LMAO at the visual!

Oh gosh, I luv you all!! Sheets....would have never thought of those and when I see this bed I think I'll envision boots on a rooster!! Too funny!

So, Pal, by inexpensive did you get the $299 and it is okay? Really?

Smiles:)

DS had an antique spool bed when he moved up from his crib. I had a mattress and box spring made locally. It was one of the best mattresses we've owned. Cost less than $400. (23 years ago)

Do you have a local mattress shop? We had a mattress made for our rv - it's basically a queen but a little shorter. No, they don't chop off a queen size - they make to your measurements. Our rv has a platform that the mattress goes on instead of boxsprings. We measured and had the mattress made. Like Allison's - it is a very good mattress and we love using it. We decided if we were going to use the rv, we were not using one of those "rv mattresses" but something comfortable. Ours was not pricey either.

tina

There is a very small, real mattress factory in Griffin GA that makes custom sizes for antique beds, as well as regular sizes for modern beds. The quality is excellent and they are lower than most "name" stores. It is the Griffin Mattress Company. 770 228-1320. All our mattresses have come from them.

The other option is to have your bed fixed to take a full-sized mattress. I have an antique French quarter-sawn walnut bed with bronze dore trim on it, and when I bought it the restorer was able to adjust it to take a modern full, and do it in such a way that you'd never know, even looking at the naked frame. (No making hospital corners, though--it's still pretty tight.)

Gardner Mattress makes custom sized mattresses.

I just had a custom size mattress made for an antique bed. I don't know where you are (didn't read all the posts) - mine didn't cost any more than a double. It was from Yankee Mattress in Northampton MA. Don't know if they ship.
Very comfortable. I also only got the mattress, no box spring.

I have an antique bed with a custom bunkie board instead of a box spring, and a regular full mattress on top of that. Using a box spring would make the top of the mattress so high that I would need a step stool to get into bed. The mattress is an inch or two too short and an inch or two too narrow for the bed, but once the bed is made, you can't see the difference.

My parents had 2 antique 3/4 sized beds and one of them was mine until I moved out. For years we used a very good quality thick piece of foam for a mattress. The springs were all metal and not encased, so they were still good. Up until a few years ago, you could still buy 3/4 sized sheets online at JCP. Just checked there and didn't see them anymore. Double (full) sheets will be just fine if you tuck the bottom in tight. The top will just have an extra couple of inchs drop.

One bed is now with another family member that was able to find a custom mattress for a great price. The other bed is in my attic (unassembled) waiting for me to decide whether to use it or give it up to someone in the family.