Beds have been an essential part of human history for thousands of years. The principle of having somewhere warm to rest through the night has remained unchanged over the years. From simple piles of leaves and straw to ornate and luxurious pieces of furniture, the design and function of beds have evolved alongside human society. Beds are now more comfortable, accessible, and customisable, reflecting changing values and technologies. Today, the history of beds offers a fascinating glimpse into the changing values, technologies, and aesthetics of diverse cultures throughout history. Bed history shows how cultures have evolved aesthetically.
All creatures, from prehistoric to mammals, curled up on the ground in a foetal position to stay warm at night. However, what people consider as a bed has changed significantly!
The earliest known bed
The earliest known bed was created during the Miocene period (23.3 – 5.3 million years ago). During this time, apes moved their sleeping habitats from trees to hardwood, solid platforms to create a better night’s sleep. Since then, we have seen the evolution of the first mattress and the first raised bed.
The first mattress
South Africa is believed to be the place where the first mattress originated 77,000 years ago. Made using layers of plant materials, these mattresses were approximately 12” thick and 22 square feet. People would periodically burn the mattresses to eliminate pests.
It was common for family and friends seeking warmth, safety, and kinship to share the same sleep surface. Sleeping alone or in pairs was unheard of; the earliest mattresses were large!
Bronze Age (around 3300 BCE to 1200 BCE):
During the Bronze Age, Ancient Egyptians created raised beds to keep sleepers off the cold ground and prevent animals from crawling onto them.
An ancient Egyptian wooden bed from 3200 BCE was found in a tomb in Badari village, with a rectangular frame, legs, and a curved ebony headrest for neck support, possibly belonging to a pharaoh. The bed was adorned with gold decorations and inlaid with precious stones. The Egyptian bed raised the sleeper off the ground, protecting them from snakes and other nocturnal dangers. The design allowed air to circulate, offering relief from Egypt’s hot, dusty climate. The bed’s discovery highlights the advanced design and artistry skills of ancient Egyptian rulers and their luxurious lifestyles.
Iron Age (around 1200 BCE to 500 CE):
During the Iron Age, most people slept on straw-filled mattresses or piles of leaves on raised platforms made of wood or stone. Wealthy individuals might have slept on more elaborate beds made of wood, with woven ropes or animal hides serving as a base for the mattress. Beds were sometimes built into house walls and shared by family members. Curtains or partitions sometimes separated these beds to provide privacy. Beds were primarily functional and practical during this period, and not yet seen as luxury items or status symbols. It wasn’t until the medieval period that beds became objects of luxury and prestige. Wealthier citizens slept on metal beds, while less affluent slept on wooden ones or mats on the floor.
Medieval period (5th century to the 15th century CE):
Beds in the medieval period transformed from a simple sleeping place to objects of luxury and prestige. The wealthy and nobility slept on elaborate beds, often ornately carved, decorated with intricate designs, and draped with richly embroidered fabrics. Craftsmen adorned the most luxurious beds with gold, silver thread, and even precious jewels. These beds often had large canopies hung with curtains to provide privacy and protection from drafts. During this period, people introduced feather mattresses and pillows, which added to the comfort of the bed. However, for most people, beds were still relatively simple and practical. People slept on wooden frames with straw mattresses, sharing their beds with family members or livestock. The general population gained wider access to beds and started to view them as a necessity, during the later medieval period.
Renaissance period (between the 14th and 17th centuries):
During the Renaissance, the poor slept on pallet-style beds or simple platforms, while the middle class slept in four poster beds in separate, designated sleeping rooms on the upper floors of their homes. Many individuals shared beds, like female servants who slept with their mistresses for protection.
The wealthy and nobility slept on luxurious four-poster beds, which were often richly decorated with intricate carvings, gilt, and paintings. Canopies and curtains were often added to create privacy and intimacy. They adorned the beds with sumptuous fabrics and embellishments like tassels and fringes. Renaissance beds featured elaborate wooden headboards, with carvings and reliefs or paintings. Headboards often displayed the owner’s wealth and status, featuring inscriptions of their name or family crest. In addition to their aesthetic qualities, Renaissance beds were also designed for comfort. People stuffed mattresses with feathers, down, or other soft materials during this time, frequently covering them with fine linens or silks. Pillows were also commonly used to provide additional support and comfort.
Overall, the Renaissance marked the bed as an increasingly essential and prestigious piece of furniture, reflecting changing social and cultural values.
Beds in the Modern Period (around 1800 CE):
During the 18th century, beds remained large (partly as a show of status) but became more straightforward in style. Although typically still made of wood, metal frames were growing in popularity. People began to replace hay mattresses with cotton-stuffed beds. The idea of the bedroom as a private space for sleep became common across all classes during this period. The Industrial Revolution allowed for mass production of beds at a lower cost, transforming the industry. These typically featured less ornate, smaller beds, headboards, and footboards. One of the most significant changes during this time was the invention of metal bed springs, which eliminated the need for using ropes or wool straps to support the mattress.
Beds in the 20th century:
During the 20th century, the advent of new materials and technologies led to further innovations in bed design. One significant development was the introduction of adjustable beds, which allow the user to change the angle and height of the mattress and frame to suit their individual needs. This bed type has been prevalent among people with medical conditions or mobility issues and older adults. Water beds, wall beds, pocket-sprung mattresses, latex, and memory foam began to be manufactured, and bedding sizes were standardised. The manufacturers introduced larger queen and king mattresses in the 1940s, but these did not gain popularity until the 1950s. The renewed interest in coil spring mattresses during the 1950s led to the creation of divan beds. After WWII, people had bigger houses thanks to the economic boom. As such, people wanted bigger furniture. Marketing departments emphasised that people were becoming taller and needed bigger mattresses.
Beds today:
Another notable trend in modern bed design is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Many modern bed manufacturers now use natural and organic materials, such as bamboo, cotton, and latex, to reduce their environmental impact.
Technology has influenced bed design, with some companies adding built-in speakers, lighting, and charging ports. In recent years, online mattress companies have emerged, providing consumers with a variety of affordable and customisable mattresses that can be ordered and delivered directly to their homes.
Overall, the modern period has seen the bed evolve into a highly diverse and customisable piece of furniture, reflecting contemporary society’s changing needs and desires.
The history of beds is a fascinating one that has seen the evolution of sleeping arrangements over thousands of years. Throughout history, beds have played a crucial role in human comfort, evolving from simple grass mats to modern luxury and technology. Beds have had significant cultural and social significance, serving as symbols of status, comfort, and even religious importance.As we innovate and improve bed design, they will remain essential for years to come.
Shoppers have more choice than ever when choosing a bed frame and mattress. Whether people are looking for a wooden, metal, or fabric bed frame, here at Land of Beds we have something to suit everyone at extremely competitive prices.
Waterbeds:
The first waterbed was created by the Persians (around 3600 BCE) when they used goat-filled skins with warm water. Waterbeds were then used in medical settings in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
As we know them today, waterbeds were invented by a design student named Charles Hall in the late 1960s. Hall wanted a supportive mattress to ease his back pain and found inspiration in corn-starch and water, which creates a shape-conforming non-Newtonian fluid. Using a similar principle, Hall designed a mattress filled with water to evenly distribute the user’s weight and provide a high degree of support. He initially called his invention the “Pleasure Pit” but later changed the name to the “waterbed” to make it more marketable. Hall’s waterbed quickly became popular among young people and counterculture enthusiasts drawn to its unconventional and free-spirited nature. The waterbed evolved into diverse styles, meeting varying preferences and requirements, becoming a popular and mainstream product.
Today, waterbeds are less popular than they were in the past. Waterbeds remain popular for their customisable support and ability to relieve pressure points, appealing to a dedicated following.
Airbeds
In 1896, manufacturers marketed airbeds as a lightweight and customisable alternative to traditional mattresses. Featuring internal air chambers that could be adjusted to customize the firmness and feel of the bed, marketers emphasised the bed’s ability to retain its shape and durability over time. Over the years, airbeds have evolved, particularly since 1981, with many now featuring portable controllers or apps, making them more customisable than ever before.
Sofa beds
Sofa beds originated in ancient Rome, where people used a similar piece of furniture called a “lectus”. This low couch could be converted into a bed at night. In the 18th century, designers developed sofa beds with a foldable frame and thin mattress. Despite being uncomfortable and not durable, they paved the way for better designs in the 20th century.
During the 1920s and 30s, people widely used sofa beds in small apartments and studios due to their space-saving benefits, offering a comfortable place to sit and sleep. Today, designers continue to offer various sofa bed styles, ranging from classic pull-out beds to modern options like futons and sleeper sofas, catering to those who aim to maximise both space and comfort.
Our bed experts
With nearly 50 years of experience, our team of bed experts are passionate about all things mattress, bed and sleep-related! Give our team a call today on 01928 242829 or email sales@landofbeds.co.uk. Alternatively, chat live with a bed expert using the pop up message on our website or pop into one of our showrooms: Helsby or Wigan. Regardless of your chosen shopping method, a warm welcome awaits and our award winning customer service, and free independent advice are guaranteed.
Finally, if you are ready to make a purchase, we’re here to help make it as easy and smooth as possible. With free UK delivery on orders over £100 and a delivery tracking information page where you can track your order and check progress; from purchase through to delivery, we want your experience to be first class.