It Was Everywhere In The '80s — The Valuable Thrift Store Find That Makes Your Bedroom Elegant

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The 1980s were all about excess, and that extended to the bedroom. Wallpapers and paints focused on pastel colors, and flounces covered just about every available surface, from bed skirts to window balloon valances. Even the bedframe itself was also a showstopper, often made from brass and other metal. They didn't blend into the background like a wooden bed might; instead, they glinted in the light and their curled headboard designs added a touch of romance to the room. 

Nowadays, you can find these same bed frames in thrift stores as people clean out their homes and downsize. So if you see a brass headboard leaning against the wall, don't walk away from it. Not only will it make your room look elegant, but it can also be valuable. It's a thrift store find you don't want to overlook.

That's especially true if you find an Elliott's Designs bed. These cast iron beds were French-inspired, and fit in perfectly with the massive French Country trend popular in the mid-1980s. They originally retailed for around $2,000 at the time, and now, if you're able to score one, you can resell it for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. For example, depending on the design you find and the condition of the bed, eBay sellers are posting listings ranging from $550 to $1500. Intrigued? Here is how to know if you found an Elliott's Designs cast iron bed at the thrift store, and why you might want to hold on to it to make your own bedroom look luxurious and elegant.

The 1980s saw an intriguing boom in French Country style, thanks to books and movies that came out during that time and romanticized the country's provincial countryside. Elliott's Designs stepped in with Victorian-inspired, country-appropriate cast iron beds, and it was known for its quality just as much as its designs. It released its first design in 1979 and remained in production for two decades, and while no reproduction could match its quality, the business eventually closed due to cheaper replicas coming overseas. However, the brand considered its beds heirloom items, so they hold up nicely over time.

You will know if you have a true Elliott's Designs bed if it's extremely heavy. It's made from cast iron, so it will be hard to lift. The head- and footboard will likely have a rounded silhouette and have curl detailing. They come in various custom-to-the-brand finishes, but those finishes are usually a black or cream enamel with brass accents. You can also cross-reference if the design you're looking at in the thrift store matches any of the designs on the brand's rather dated-looking website. And, most importantly, it should have a maker's mark that says "Elliott's Designs from Rancho Dominquez, Calif."

Whether you see French Country or Victorian antiquity when you look at the cast iron bed, the end result is the same: this beautiful vintage bed will instantly make your bedroom feel more elegant. Its craftsmanship is obvious the moment you see it, making it a much more beautiful find than any big box store option you can screw together. Its delicate curves and ornate head- and footboard designs also add an air of soft antiquity to the room, which is something that people crave, no matter what decade you're in.

Case in point: When iron beds came back into style again in 1995, designer Judi Smolin explained to The Chicago Tribune why people continued to gravitate towards them, explaining that "[i]ron beds are a part of our history and reflect a slower, gentler time, and people are seeking a return to those times." 

However, in order for this romantic frame to work in your bedroom, you need a compatible style to surround it. While you don't need to have a room full of French Country decor, it would look rather off in an MCM or Wabi Sabi room. Instead, this is best suited for traditional, farmhouse, Victorian, or eclectic spaces.