Usually made of wood, the bed can also be made from other materials. Here is the chronological evolution of the materials of the bed, that have been changing and developing in the course of time, as well as the respective technologies of construction.
Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers, circa 8,000 B.C.
For prehistoric nomadic people, nights were usually spent resting on a pile of leaves or grass mounded into a depression in the ground. Researchers speculate that the hunter-gatherers slept curled in the fetal position, as the small, oval “beds” couldn’t provide enough room to stretch out fully.
For prehistoric nomadic people, nights were usually spent resting on a pile of leaves or grass mounded into a depression in the ground. Researchers speculate that the hunter-gatherers slept curled in the fetal position, as the small, oval “beds” couldn’t provide enough room to stretch out fully.
Ancient Egypt, circa 3000 B.C. - 1000 B.C
Along with their other amazing inventions and technologies, the ancient Egyptians also invented the raised bed. This not only kept the sleeper off the cold ground, but also made it harder for rodents, insects or snakes to crawl over the bed.
Made of plain wood for the commoners or covered with gold, jewels and ebony for the high social status people, the simple platform bed was topped with a mattress made of wool cushions. Linen sheets and a stone or wooden head support added extra comfort.
Ancient Rome, circa 1000 B.C. - 476 A.D.
The wealthier citizens of ancient Rome slept on raised beds made of metal, with woven metal supports to hold the feather or straw stuffed mattress. Less wealthy people had similar beds made from wood, with wool strings holding up the mattress. Poor people, on the other hand, still had to manage to sleep with a mat on the floor.
Medieval Life, circa 5th through 15th century
In medieval Europe, the bed largely depended on its owner's position in life and was an opportunity to show off someone's status.
Wealthy people's beds were large, impressive and often ornately carved or encrusted with gold or jewels. Typically made of heavy wood, the beds of the wealthy were raised high off the floor, sometimes so high that a step stool was required to reach them. Four-poster beds were created during this time, hung with heavy velvet drapes and canopies, which served to show off the owner’s wealth and also protected him from insects. The mattress was thickly stuffed with down feathers and sheets were made of fine linen. As these beds were very expensive, they were treasured belongings and passed down through the generations.
Wealthy people's beds were large, impressive and often ornately carved or encrusted with gold or jewels. Typically made of heavy wood, the beds of the wealthy were raised high off the floor, sometimes so high that a step stool was required to reach them. Four-poster beds were created during this time, hung with heavy velvet drapes and canopies, which served to show off the owner’s wealth and also protected him from insects. The mattress was thickly stuffed with down feathers and sheets were made of fine linen. As these beds were very expensive, they were treasured belongings and passed down through the generations.
Peasants, on the other hand, slept on a hay-stuffed bag on the floor or on a simple platform. Poor families usually shared the bed, privacy was not a medieval concept.
Renaissance, circa 14th through 17th century
While the poorest people continued to sleep on simple pallets of hay laid on the floor or on a simple platform, it was now common for those of middle-class status to have not only a four-poster bed, but also a separate bedroom to hold it.
For the wealthiest people, the four-poster bed became even more lavish and ornate during this period, with fanciful carvings, inlaid paintings, colorful trim, and luxurious, heavy fabric curtains to enclose the bed on all four sides when desired, along with a canopy that could be made of fabric or wood.
18th century
During the 18th century, beds became simpler in style, although still often surrounded by heavy curtains. Beds were still usually made of wood, but metal bedframes started to become popular as well. Cotton stuffed mattresses replaced down feathers or hay, although they were still suspended in the bedframe with a system of wool straps or ropes.
19th century
Although four-poster beds were still very popular, the heavy curtains of earlier centuries faded away during the 19th century. By the late 1800s, however, the posts were typically much smaller, as well as the headboards and footboards. One important development of the bed during this time was the invention of metal bedsprings to support the mattress, instead of ropes or wool straps. However, while this bedsprings gave more support and stability to the mattress, they were also annoyingly squeakly.
20th century
The 20th century was a busy time for bed innovations. The murphy bed and the waterbed were invented and rose in popularity during this era. The two most common types of mattress today, innerspring and memory foam, were also developed during the 20th century.
By the 1960s, mattresses and pillows were often made of foam instead of cotton or wool.
Renaissance, circa 14th through 17th century
While the poorest people continued to sleep on simple pallets of hay laid on the floor or on a simple platform, it was now common for those of middle-class status to have not only a four-poster bed, but also a separate bedroom to hold it.
For the wealthiest people, the four-poster bed became even more lavish and ornate during this period, with fanciful carvings, inlaid paintings, colorful trim, and luxurious, heavy fabric curtains to enclose the bed on all four sides when desired, along with a canopy that could be made of fabric or wood.
18th century
During the 18th century, beds became simpler in style, although still often surrounded by heavy curtains. Beds were still usually made of wood, but metal bedframes started to become popular as well. Cotton stuffed mattresses replaced down feathers or hay, although they were still suspended in the bedframe with a system of wool straps or ropes.
19th century
Although four-poster beds were still very popular, the heavy curtains of earlier centuries faded away during the 19th century. By the late 1800s, however, the posts were typically much smaller, as well as the headboards and footboards. One important development of the bed during this time was the invention of metal bedsprings to support the mattress, instead of ropes or wool straps. However, while this bedsprings gave more support and stability to the mattress, they were also annoyingly squeakly.
20th century
The 20th century was a busy time for bed innovations. The murphy bed and the waterbed were invented and rose in popularity during this era. The two most common types of mattress today, innerspring and memory foam, were also developed during the 20th century.
By the 1960s, mattresses and pillows were often made of foam instead of cotton or wool.
Nowadays
Today there is more choice than ever before when it comes to bed materials. Innerspring, memory foam, hybrids, latex, and air are just some of the mattress types available. While platform beds and four-posters are still very popular styles, there are many other types of bed: wrought iron, sleigh, bunk, loft, and futon, to name a few.
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