How do you fit a mattress in these?

You need a mattress with curved corners at the bottom. Standard rectangular ones push against the upholstery and wear the fabric. Many owners have mattresses custom made to fit the exact internal profile of the footboard. Alternatively, some foam mattresses can be trimmed at home to match the curve.

Can you change the fabric easily?

Reupholstering the curved panels takes time. A tradesman has to tension the fabric evenly across the inside and outside of the bend without creating wrinkles. It is routine work for a professional. Don't try stapling new cloth over the old stuff yourself.

We have quite an awkward staircase with a tight turn at the top, so I need to know if these beds come apart for moving?

Most of them pack down flat. The iron bolts unscrew, allowing the side rails to detach from the headboard and footboard. You are left with four manageable sections. The footboard is the bulkiest piece because of the curve, but it usually turns a tight corner on end without much trouble.

I noticed the side rails on the one I am looking at seem quite low to the ground compared to a modern divan, is that normal?

Yes, low rails are standard for the period. The original owners piled on thick feather mattresses and bolsters to build up the height. You can replicate this setup with a deep modern box spring. The wooden side rails aren't meant to be a visible feature once the bed is fully dressed.

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Antique Corbeille Beds

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Emerging in eighteenth-century France, an antique corbeille bed features a curved, upholstered footboard that wraps around the mattress like a basket to block draughts and retain warmth in large chambers.