Jenny Lind Bed Makeover: How to Find the Perfect Mattress for Any Antique Bed

From yard sale treasure to cozy attic retreat, this antique Jenny Lind bed makeover has been one of my favorite vintage finds of the year. With its charming spindle posts and century-old character, it was love at first sight, but there was one big question. Could I actually find a mattress to fit?

The answer turned out to be yes, and the solution might just change the way you shop for antique beds.

The Antique Jenny Lind Bed Makeover Story: From Yard Sale Find to Attic Retreat

I’ve been dreaming of a Jenny Lind bed makeover for years, those charming spindle posts, the timeless antique style, the kind of bed that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook. A few years ago, I passed up not one, but two twin Jenny Lind beds at an estate sale in Vermont, and it’s still one of my biggest thrifting regrets (you can read that story here). So when I spotted a full-size Jenny Lind bed tucked away at a yard sale this summer, I wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.

The History of the Jenny Lind Bed

The Jenny Lind bed gets its name from a world-famous Swedish opera singer, Johanna “Jenny” Lind, who toured the United States in the early 1850s. Known as “The Swedish Nightingale,” Lind captured the nation’s heart with her voice and her gracious, humble personality. Her American tour, organized by showman P.T. Barnum, became a cultural sensation, so much so that her name was used to market a variety of goods, including the spindle-style wooden bed frame we now know as the Jenny Lind bed.

These beds are easily recognized by their turned spindles on the headboard and footboard, a style that became wildly popular in the mid-19th century and has never truly gone out of fashion. Today, antique Jenny Lind beds are sought after for their timeless design, cottage charm, and durability, making them a favorite for both vintage collectors and those looking to add old-fashioned character to a bedroom.

Ok, back to my yard sale find story… The bed had been repurposed as a quilt holder, with the frames screwed together in one solid piece. But after chatting with the seller, he assured me he still had every single bed part and would happily take it apart and reassemble it for me. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I was standing there looking at a complete, over 100-year-old Jenny Lind bed in all its spindle glory, and it was mine.

There was just one problem. Antique beds aren’t exactly known for their modern mattress compatibility, and I had no idea how I’d find one to fit. In the past, that uncertainty had been enough to make me walk away from some truly beautiful vintage finds. But this time, I discovered the secret, a simple, affordable custom mattress solution that made bringing this bed to life easier than I ever imagined. And once it was in place? It became the centerpiece of my newly wallpapered attic retreat.

Before You Buy an Antique or Vintage Bed

Shopping for an antique bed, whether it’s a Jenny Lind spindle bed or another vintage style, can be exciting, but there are a few things to check before you commit. Here’s my go-to checklist for making sure your find will be both beautiful and functional:

1. Measure the frame carefully
Antique and vintage beds often have non-standard dimensions, so knowing the exact measurements helps you determine if you’ll need a custom mattress.

2. Check for missing parts
Look for side rails, slats, and hardware. Missing slats are easy to replace, but missing rails or connectors may require more work.

3. Inspect the spindles and joints
On a Jenny Lind bed, make sure the turned spindles are secure and the joints aren’t wobbly. Solid joinery is key to stability.

4. Look at the finish
Scratches and dull wood can often be revived with products like Restore-A-Finish and Feed-N-Wax (my go-to combo for quick wood makeovers).

5. Plan for the mattress
If the bed doesn’t match modern sizes, budget for a custom mattress. It’s often more affordable than you think, and it makes all the difference in bringing an antique bed back to life.

Antique Jenny Lind Bed Makeover: How to Find the Perfect Mattress for an Antique Bed

When we got this antique Jenny Lind bed home, I was determined to figure out the mattress situation one way or another. I honestly had no idea you could order a custom mattress without spending a small fortune. In my mind, “custom” meant thousands of dollars, and regular mattresses are expensive enough! But it turns out there’s an easy, affordable solution for vintage and antique beds, and I wish I had known about it years ago.

I ended up calling Mattress Insider, tape measure in hand, ready to give them my dimensions. In about 15 minutes on the phone, they walked me through exactly what I needed to do to order a custom mattress. They explained why you want to stay within an inch of the bed’s guardrails, and they knew every little detail about working with antique bed frames. Professional, patient, and so easy to work with.

The mattress I chose was their “Elation” model in a six-inch height, their best-value option, perfect for a bed that won’t be used every day. This attic bedroom is more of a cozy retreat than a main sleeping space, so comfort and quality mattered, but I didn’t need a daily-use mattress. The total? Under $400.

Two weeks later, the mattress arrived rolled up, ready to unroll and let breathe for 24 hours before use. No complicated vacuum seal, no heavy lifting drama, just a high-quality, perfectly fitting mattress for my over 100-year-old Jenny Lind bed. Between the $100 yard sale bed and the $375 mattress, I now have a complete, gorgeous antique bed for under $500. And I couldn’t be happier with how this Jenny Lind bed makeover turned out.

Jenny Lind Bed Makeover: How to Make Bed Slats for an Antique Bed Frame

One thing my Jenny Lind bed makeover needed? Bed slats, those sturdy boards that go underneath the mattress to support it. This antique bed didn’t come with its originals, but making new slats was one of the easiest and most affordable steps in the entire makeover.

My husband and I picked up eight pieces of lumber at our local hardware store, measured to the exact width of the bed, so there was no need for cutting. Because the original 100-year-old slats would have been custom-made with rounded corners, he used a jigsaw to round the ends, ensuring a perfect fit inside the bed rails.

From start to finish, the project took just 30 minutes. Once the slats were in place, we added the new custom mattress, completing another simple but essential step in this antique Jenny Lind bed makeover.

Jenny Lind Bed Makeover: How to Style a Vintage Bed for a Small Guest Bedroom

A vintage bed brings instant nostalgia to a guest bedroom, and this antique Jenny Lind bed was the perfect way to create an old-fashioned, storybook feel. I wanted the styling to transport guests back in time, much like my own childhood memories of sleeping in the attic above my parents’ gift shop, where every detail felt warm, familiar, and filled with character.

The Best Coastal Bedding for a Vintage Bed

When styling this antique Jenny Lind bed makeover, I knew the bedding needed to complement the vintage frame, not overpower it. For a bed with beautiful spindle details, heavy quilts or bulky comforters can hide the craftsmanship that makes it special. Instead, I chose lightweight, breathable layers with a coastal touch, bedding that keeps the look fresh, airy, and perfectly in balance with the antique charm of the frame.

Lightweight Blue and White Seersucker Bedding

For the main bedding, I chose gorgeous blue and white Seersucker from Schweitzer Linen. The crisp stripes bring a fresh coastal feel to the room while keeping the bed light and airy. Most importantly, the seersucker fabric doesn’t overwhelm the vintage frame; it allows the spindles to remain the star of this Jenny Lind bed makeover. The high-quality fabric feels luxurious but casual, perfect for a small guest bedroom. Come winter, I may add a folded quilt at the foot of the bed for extra warmth, but for now, this lightweight seersucker highlights the beauty of the bed rather than covering it up.

Clothesline Crisp White Sheets

Underneath the seersucker, I always go with my favorite sheets from The Vermont Country Store, their signature Clothesline Crisp Sheets. If you love that nostalgic, freshly-laundered feel of sheets dried on the line, these are the ultimate choice. They’re bright white, beautifully crisp, and perfectly suited for a vintage bed, giving guests the cozy, old-fashioned comfort that pairs so well with this attic bedroom’s nostalgic vibe. These sheets are my go-to for every season, but especially here, where the focus is on timeless comfort and style.

Adding Simple, Vintage-Style Pillows to a Jenny Lind Bed Makeover

For this Jenny Lind bed makeover, the pillows play a supporting role; the bed itself is the star. The seersucker bedding came with two large square shams, but instead of propping them against the headboard (which would hide those beautiful spindles), I laid them flat at the foot of the bed. That way, guests can use them as they please, or you could style them in your own home on a vintage luggage rack, tucked in a basket, or resting on a side table.

To keep things cozy, I added a soft white cable knit lumbar pillow, then layered it with a smaller navy lumbar pillow featuring a bright red lobster, a nod to our Maine location and a subtle match to the pops of red in the wallpaper. I’ve always loved adding red accents to my decor, and you can read more about that in my post on adding pops of red to home decor. The result is simple and understated, letting the vintage bed take center stage while the bedding and pillows quietly complete the look.

Jenny Lind Bed Makeover: Why I’ll Never Pass Up a Vintage Bed Again

This antique Jenny Lind bed makeover has completely changed the way I shop for vintage bedroom furniture. In the past, I’ve walked away from beautiful antique beds at yard sales and estate sales simply because I assumed I’d never find a mattress to fit. But after scoring this full-size Jenny Lind bed at a yard sale and discovering how easy it is to order a custom mattress, I’ll never make that mistake again.

From the quick DIY bed slats to the nostalgic coastal bedding and subtle pops of red, every detail in this attic bedroom came together to highlight the charm of the bed itself. The spindles remain the star of the show, while the bedding and pillows play supporting roles. And the best part? This entire vintage bed, frame, mattress, and all came together for under $500.

*This attic bedroom can be tricky to photograph with its limited natural light, so while the images may not capture every detail perfectly, the cozy charm is even better in person.

Layering a Vintage Braided Rug Under a Jenny Lind Bed

This blue braided rug actually started out in our dining room, but during a furniture shuffle, I realized it would be perfect for this Jenny Lind bed makeover. The blue adds texture against the wallpaper, complements the spindle bed frame, and ties the whole vintage look together. It’s staying for now, though I may be on the hunt for more braided rugs, just like the handmade ones my mother created that we have throughout our home. Learn more about our home’s handmade braided rugs in my The History and Heart of Braided Rugs: A Family Tradition post.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to bring timeless charm to your own space, you’ll love my collection of vintage-style bedroom ideas. From antique bed frames and nostalgic linens to cottage-inspired color palettes, these rooms are filled with decorating tips to help you create a bedroom that feels both inviting and beautifully lived-in:

A Jenny Lind Bed Makeover to Remember

This Jenny Lind bed makeover has been one of my favorite vintage projects, from the thrill of finding the antique frame at a yard sale, to solving the custom mattress challenge, and finally styling it with timeless, collected touches that reflect my love for old-fashioned charm.

Whether you’re dreaming of restoring your own antique bed or just love the look of vintage bedroom decor, I hope this post inspires you to see the potential in every spindle and seam.

Want to See More Attic Bedroom Makeovers?

This Jenny Lind bed makeover is just the beginning! I’m updating two attic bedrooms we’ve recently refinished and wallpapered, each with its own vintage charm and cozy details. Subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss the next reveal, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes updates as this attic transformation series unfolds.

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