If you’ve ever been to an antique store, you may have noticed that many of the beds are quite high off the ground. Have you ever wondered why this is? It turns out, there is a reason why antique beds are so high.
Beds so high off the ground
Well, it has to do with the way beds have evolved over time. In the 1700s, most people slept on mattresses that were placed directly on the floor. These mattresses were often quite thin, and sometimes even filled with straw or other materials.
So why are antique beds so high? Because over time, people began to raise their beds off the ground in order to keep them clean, away from pests and escape cold air from the ground.
It’s because they are a product of their time! As beds have evolved, they have gotten taller and taller. Today, most beds are only a few inches off the ground, but some antique beds can still be quite high. So next time you see an antique bed, you’ll know why it’s so high off the ground.
Although antique beds were high off the ground, they were actual shorter compare to today’s beds.
How did beds evolve?
The first beds were likely just piles of soft materials, like leaves or grass, that people would sleep on. Over time, people began to raise their beds off the ground in order to keep them clean and away from pests.
As beds evolved, they began to get taller and taller. In the early 1800s, it was not uncommon for beds to be over two feet off the ground! Today, most beds are only a few inches off the ground, but some antique beds can still be quite high.
Bedrooms and Beds in the 1700s
In the 1700s, bedrooms were not designed for comfort. Rather, they were designed to be functional. The bed was usually placed against a wall and the nightstands or bedside tables were placed next to it. The mattress was typically on the floor, either on a wooden frame or on ropes, and covered with a straw-filled tick (or straw mattress).
The bedding was made of coarse linen sheets, a ticking, a blanket and a small pillow. In addition to being uncomfortable, the bed was also unhygienic because of the straw and linens. The bedroom evolved from its functional beginnings into an area of comfort and privacy in the 1800s.
The nightstand became a chest at which one kept personal belongings or a small collection of books. The bedroom furniture we see today was made to look beautiful rather than functional.
Types of Mattresses Used in the 1800s
The quilt was a popular form of bedding in the 1800s. This is because it was more affordable than other types of bedding. Quilts were made from linen, cotton, wool, and silk.
There are many different types of mattresses used in the 1800s. Some people would use feather beds or straw bedding.
