Beds have developed in multiple regions of the world, including the Mediterranean world, Africa, India and China. Western styles are the mainstream today.
Origin of bed
The monkey species, which are similar to humans, make very elaborate beddings. Early humans likely gathered natural materials to make beds as well. To explore the origins of beds, we need to trace back to the origins of humans.
Prehistoric Age
It’s known that during the Stone Age, mattresses were made from aromatic plants containing insecticidal compounds. Beds made of grass over 200,000 years ago have been unearthed.
Ancient Times
Evidence shows that ancient people used natural landforms, rocks and caves to make their homes. In the hunting-gathering lifestyle, animal skins were plentiful. They slept on beds covered with animal skins and plants.
A bed found in Sibudu Cave in South Africa has been dated to around 3600 BC. The materials used are Cyperaceae and camphor trees.
In Egypt and Mesopotamia, advances in textile technology led to the production of cloth and the creation of simple beds. Wooden and stone beds have been excavated from the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Most of them are semi-cylindrical and gold-plated. The ancient Assyrians, Medes and Persians also used beds similar to those in Egypt, decorating them with inlays of metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory.
In India, there were beds that were placed on the ground, and also beds that were hung from the ceiling or a platform called the Hamsa Toolika Talpa.
Skara Brae in Scotland was inhabited from approximately 3180 BC to 2500 BC, and it’s estimated that the stone boxes found there were lined with cushioning material and used as beds.
People in ancient Rome used beds for various purposes, including sleeping, weddings, meals, studying, sleeping and cremation. Bed mattresses were stuffed with reeds, hay, wool, feathers, etc.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the bed was sometimes used as a chaise lounge for reading and eating.
In the ancient Greek epic “Odyssey,” the main character Odysseus makes a bed for himself and his wife from the trunk of a giant olive tree. There are also descriptions that the bed was inlaid with gold, silver and ivory. “The Odyssey” is said to be the work of Homer in the 8th century BC.
Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, the ruling class such as the nobility and the wealthy slept on luxurious wooden or stone beds. Leaves and animal skins were used as cushioning materials.
Around the 12th century, many beds were decorated with inlays, carvings and paintings, and silk was also used as a material. Cushions were also placed on beds. Beds that sloped so that the head is higher than the feet became popular, and folding beds came into use as well.
In the 14th century, four-poster beds appeared, and in addition to silk, velvet, gold and wool fabrics were used as well. Canopies decorated with furs and elaborate embroidery were also popular.
In the 15th century, beds became larger measuring approximately 2 metres or more on each side. The canopies became the ones enhancing the luxurious feel further of the beds. Bean shells, straw and feathers were used for mattress filling. On the other hand, common people still slept on simple beds made of grass.
Modern Period
Beds reached the peak in the 17th century. In England, beds were covered on all 4 sides, while in France the duchess style, with curtains only at the head, became popular. Luxurious materials such as pearls, gold and silver were used lavishly.
Metal beds became popular in the 18th century. The claim was that there were no insects that may be found in wooden beds.
With the Industrial Revolution, production technology improved dramatically, making it possible to mass-produce beds. In the 19th century, new types of bedding were developed, such as spring beds and box spring mattresses. Beds that can be folded up and stored in walls or built into cupboards became more common. On the other hand, four-poster beds were the norm in Britain until the mid-19th century.
In the 20th century, advances in technology led to bed frames made of wood, metal, plastic, and synthetic materials. In search of a more comfortable night’s sleep, new materials such as latex, memory foam and pocketed coils have emerged to create even more comfortable mattresses.
Current Era
With the diversification of people’s lives, a wide variety of beds are available to meet individual needs in the present day. Examples include electric reclining beds and mattresses with adjustable firmness. Products characterised by comfort, health, functionality, sleep science, design, etc. can be found.
Beds continue to advance
Beds have advanced along with the evolution of humanity and the development of lifestyles and culture. From prehistoric times to modern times, beds have remained an essential part of people’s lives.
In the future, further scientific and technological innovations will likely lead to the emergence of new beds that improve sleep quality and cultural standards.
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Author: Takuya Nagata. Amazon Profile
Follow @nagatackleA novel writer and creator. Graduated from UCA, the UK’s university. Discussed Japanese minimalism in the senior thesis. Founder of “MINIRISM” (minirism), the art movement that contributes to the development of societies, such as ecology and lifestyle. Later opened the knowledge hub “The Minimalist.”
Once travelled to Brazil and trained football at CFZ do Rio (Centro de Futebol Zico Sociedade Esportiva) in Rio de Janeiro. Played soccer for the Urawa Reds (Urawa Red Diamonds), one of the biggest football clubs in Japan, and toured Europe. Retired at a young age and voyaged alone to England. Established careers as a journalist, football coach, consultant, etc. across Europe such as Spain. The founder of “Propulsive Football” (PROBALL), the world’s first-ever competitive mixed football, facilitating diversity and spirit for equal participation in society.
Knowledgeable in creative and technology fields as well. Launched the SPACE Culture & Entertainment hub “The Space-Timer 0.”
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