Meh - Have never cared for metal beds.

You can't lean the pillows against the headboard to read in bed without them sliding between the bars...
...you can't sit at the foot of the bed because of the footrail...
...they tend to make lots of noise and bang against the wall during enthusiastic "extra-curricular activities"...
...and the legs are perfect for toe-stubbing at night.

(They're bad Feng Shui too)

Really? They are bad Fend Shui? How come?? I'm curious because I have a metal bed.

Where can I find Laura Ashley in the US?

I think it largely depends on what type of iron bed you have. We have an original from the late 1800's and it's amazing! The bars are close enough together that you CAN sit back in bed and read without the pillows slipping (unless your pillow is made of jello), it's so heavy and sturdy it doesn't bang against anything, ever, during even the most enthusiastic activities and I've yet to stub my toe on it. Plus the springs are original as well (weird waffled things), so it's the best night's sleep if you're looking for support. Plus having lots of bars is good for tying things to.. ..Ahem. Like a key lanyard. Yeaah.

I love our giant metal bed. Would I put a very modern platform one in a guest room? Probably. But only in a guest room. :-)

I agree with what bepsf said (though I can't confirm the Feng Shui).

Any kind of footboard makes bed making a bit of a chore, and a tall one makes activities off the end of the bed very challenging.

Peachpie----could you give more details about those activities off the end of the bed please---leave nothing out please! Our readers need to know for educational reasons and design knowledge.

I agree with Corvuskorax on all accounts...lanyard included. Also have an iron bed from the late 1800's and have none of the problems as listed above. Maybe you just need the right bed. If at all interested, check it here:

http://flickr.com/photos/gina_ann9/2788416622/in/set-72157606897879849/

I have a distressed steel platform bed (made to look like an iron one) from Retrospect (formerly part of Room and Board) and it is none of the things bepsf and canadian-ginger claim- It's incredibly comfortable and sturdy, I do TONS of reading in bed and pillows have never slipped between the bars, and there is no footboard (Room and Board always has a footboard optional). Plus it's a platform so it's not bulky because there's no box-spring. It comes apart for easy moving and it looks very cool (dark pewter color). I miss Retrospect- I wonder why Room and Board stopped it.

Hmmm I dont normally like these, but this one stopped me in my tracks!

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

I've always loved the look of iron beds, but they were designed for a different era, when people didn't lounge in bed to watch TV or surf the net.

GinaAnn9, your bed is beautiful! I've always had a thing for antique iron beds.

That first picture really grabbed my attention... what a gloriously girlie room. Alas, happy couple-dom means constantly compromising my design esthetic to make Mr Man happy and comfortable at home.

we recently purchased a Gothic bed from Ireland www.celticwroughtironbeds.com shipping is 10 weeks as its custom made coolest bed we ever had