We spend around a third of the day sleeping in our beds – granted this is usually the night time when we should be sleeping – but how many of you have actually considered where the bed comes from? What are its origins and how has it evolved from what it used to be to how we know them today? At Casa Bella, we’ve been digging up the answers for you!

Humble origins

People have always had a bed, even if it’s not what we would recognise today. Back in ancient times it would normally be on the floor, where people were safe from predators and the harsher weather conditions. This would then be made up of dirt, leaves and straw to form a mattress.

Looking to Ancient Egypt, beds were still on the floor except for those in a higher social and wealthy class were beds would be raised to escape drafts and critters that may bother you through the night. Early wooden beds were made for this and mattresses were still made of straw and leaves to make them more comfortable. Move forward to Ancient Rome and this became a bit more widespread.

Still not the most comfortable of beds as we recognise today but much better than the floor!

Big changes

Satara Mango Dakota Double Bed Satara Mango Dakota Double Bed

Over the years, more changes were made still and big change was in the Renaissance period were mattresses become a bit more standard and sealed. Feathers and furs were used, along with other luxury materials for those in the higher classes such as velvet. These people also benefitted from bigger beds.

More widespread beds were still raised and a transition would slowly begin here and the upcoming centuries to introduce ironwork that would replace the wood. Given the nature of mattresses used and combined with wood, many critters would make the beds their home and so the problem hadn’t completely solved from the eras before. Ironwork beds were seen as an answer to this and mattresses were sealed to make sure that people would have as much comfort as possible. This was mainly seen towards the 18th Century as the materials became a lot more popular and accessible.

The modern bed

Mandir Sheesham Super Kingsize Bed Mandir Sheesham Super Kingsize Bed

Now, in the 21st Century, the overall structure may resemble what’s been seen in more recent eras but there couldn’t be more differences. One of the biggest is the wide range available to anyone, so no matter what you’re looking for, you can find it. Sizes, styles and even materials are all available to choose from. Even at Casa Bella, our range of beds is to accommodate as many people as possible with some extremely popular choices being the Satara Mango Dakota Double Bed and the Mandir Sheesham Super Kingsize Bed.

Mattresses themselves are often now spring-based although other materials can still be used in some cases and as technology advances, we’re likely to see bigger changes. The focus is still on comfort but also on our health – are we getting the most out of every night of sleep we have and how do we feel in the morning. Questions like these are pushing the market forward and changes are always on the horizon.