The History of the Bed

I was pleased by the interest I received after writing a brief post about the history of the mattress recently. So in continuation of this idea I thought I would write some information on the history of the bed itself.

I think many of us know that mattresses have evolved over the years, but what about beds. Where did they start and how were they made? Here is a brief overview in the life of the bed:

8000BC

It is thought that the first “beds” were created in around 8000 BC with materials such as straw and palm leaves – people wanted more comfort from the ground and used whatever soft materials were available to them.

3200 BC

The earliest beds that are similar to the ones we see today were dated to this time after evidence of them was found in Scotland. By this stage people were trying to raise them from the floor in order to avoid drafts, pests and dirt. It is thought that stones were used with straw or other similar natural materials on top.

Egyptians

At first beds were only for the rich and it seems the Egyptians had the right idea and the money to make it happen! Their beds were made of stone or even wood and often had steps built in to ascend at bedtime. Sometimes these beds were decorated with ivory or mother of pearl making them very opulent – the ultimate bedtime luxury at the time.

Medieval Times

It is thought that in Germany they started making beds with similar materials to the first beds from 8000 BC. Around this time they also introduced carpets and curtains and laid on the bed with a linen sheet for warmth.

The Renaissance

By this stage beds were commonplace, but the Renaissance saw the boom of stunning beds with more decoration and ornate features than ever before.

18^th Century

Iron Beds as we know them today were first introduced at this time. They were popular as they decreased the risk of pests and wood based insects. Feather pillows also arrived in the 18^th century.

Faux Leather Bed

Of course, nowadays there are many options and styles available for the best bed (and night of sleep) that you require. 

When visiting a bed supplier, the wide range available makes it easy to find one to suit your home and comfort at a price that meets your budget (but don’t forget your mattress!). Beds designs include traditional and modern metal and iron, leather (real and faux), divan and wooden. Eco friendly versions of the wooden bed are now also available to purchase at a reasonable price.

Mattress Comfort Evolution

Mattresses are amongst the most important and expensive items that we purchase for our homes today. With so many styles and comfort options available it is no wonder so many people are picking the wrong mattress for the best nights sleep.

Looking into the history of the Mattress recently, I was amazed to find that historians believe the first (very primitive) mattress was used several thousand years ago. I have put together a short timeline with some of the most important information I could find:

New Stone Age: The first mattress was thought to have been fashioned or leaves grass and straw.

3600 BC: Goat skins filled with water are used in Persia

200 BC: Matresses start to look more like our own with Ancient Rome fashioning cloth stuffed with hay, wool or reeds for comfort.

1500 AD: The renaissance sees mattresses being covered with velvet and silk.

1800 AD: Matresses are being made with cotton and linen in both the stuffing and the outer materials.

1900 AD: Springs are used to help prevent lumps in the mattress.

1960 AD: The waterbed is invented.

1970 AD: NASA invent memory foam and it’s use is developed for consumer bed use.

Leather Bed King Size

Thankfully, we have come a long way since then with mattresses available from many specialist manufacturers such as Silentnight and Sealey and with a luxury bed design in Oak, Leather, Iron or Metal we can rest easy knowing that we are getting a much better nights sleep than our ancestors!

With beds available in a wide variety of colours, designs and finishes, there is no excuse for your bed not to fit in with your surroundings.

Metal beds come in a traditional and modern style – with antique looks still remaining popular, wrought iron beds are still en vogue. However silver metal beds look great in a modern home with their clean lines and stylish design most popular in silver.

Leather beds remain are now also available in faux leather, which is becoming more cost effective and realistic every day. Ottoman style storage is also available in these beds to make good use of the space underneath.

Wooden beds are most popular in Oak and Pine. Many bespoke bed manufacturers will design and create a bed to the requirements of your home.

For more information on purchasing a luxury bed and the most suitable mattress for you, contact a bed supplier.