Bedsteads

Antique beds and furniture from a medieval barn near Bristol

Bedsteads is a family business that has been trading since 1992 from Chelvey Court Barn, a medieval stone building on the outskirts of Bristol, just south-west of the city and accessible via the M5. The company was founded by Mark and Nikki Ashton and is now run by their son Bill, who joined the business after leaving school, together with his wife Rose; Mark and Nikki remain involved in a supporting capacity.

The showroom holds what the company describes as hundreds of antique beds, alongside antique furniture. Pieces have been sourced from across the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and further afield, covering a broad range from simple all-iron frames to brass-and-iron beds, fruitwood beds, bedroom suites and upholstered beds in all sizes.

Stock in the Somerset showroom

The bed range is organised around antique beds, French beds and iron beds, with superking, kingsize, double and single sizes represented. A separate category covers lightly restored and reproduction beds. Mattresses and bases are also offered.

Beyond beds, the showroom carries antique furniture including chests, tables, chairs and armoires, in both painted and original finishes, together with other types and styles of bedroom furniture.

Restoration, conservation and bespoke work

A small team of craftspeople with more than 30 years of combined experience handles restoration, conservation and repair, as well as bespoke furniture making. The workshop can restore, copy, design or make pieces in iron, brass or wood. It also offers to lengthen any type of bed and to widen metal bed frames. The company describes its restoration approach as sympathetic and respectful of each item's past.

Customers who cannot find a suitable piece in stock can work with the team to create something bespoke from their own sketches and ideas, with advice and quotations provided for restoration, copying, design or making.

Collection and delivery

National and international collection and delivery can be arranged, with delivery quotations available on request.