Bed design, like so much else in life, has gone through various stages of evolution over time. The earliest evidence of a bed design is found in ancient Rome; a culture that embraced functionality, comfort and directed aesthetic. Ancient Roman beds were integral to every home and bedding channels were some of the most comprehensive aspects of their furniture and home decorations.
In ancient Rome, the wealthy owned elaborate beds covered with woven fabrics, in the form of a lectus, while others slept on mats draped with linen. These beds were known as lectus simples, which translated means a simple bed or something of the sort. It was likely a sleeping mat, which provided an isolated area off the floor for sleeping.
Known for comfort and functionality, Ancient Roman beds had been designed to allow for easy access to sit, lay down and sleep. Ancient Roman beds had no headboards, however, some beds had wood posts and footboards. Legs usually were slotted with cross rails. These beds known as lectus tricliniari, or reclining beds had been designed for three people reclining at the same time and for more comfort had been filled with straw, down feathers, and wool.
To be fashionable, as in any other period, rich men and women had elaborate beds with canopies to give privacy and also protected them from insects while they slept. Something that is still founds on markets today is the custom made mattress, each family had its own style, of their own preference making it their very own, these were filled with down feathers, cotton, linen, wool and long grass stems, but some beds had elastic paper, horsehair and cords made of feathers.
Another type of bed that was widespread across Roman society was the lectus cubiculari, a bed on a platform. It was usually curtained with sheer fabrics of linen, wool or silk and this type of bed was low in design and had only 3 posts to give more comfort and free movement. Its headboard had a discreet design and some families also designed their own headboards that had written mantras about bravery, knowledge, strength and so on, in short sentences.
Engraved stones were found in the tombs of Roman households, engraved with the depiction of a bed structure and its properties. This evidence allows us to further understand the types of beds Ancient Rome had. Overall it appears that the type of bed depended on the wealth and status of the family or person. The wealthy went to great lengths to create a bed that was fashionable, exquisite, comfortable and it also could tell stories through its designs.
Lightweight Materials
An interesting thing to note is that Ancient Roman beds were made of wooden frames without springs, ropes and a variety of lightweight materials like cotton, linen, and feathers to avoid extra weight that would make the bed difficult to move around. During Roman celebrations, the bed frame was used to place wine and food – which we still do today in our feasts.
Various types of furniture were designed for comfort and practicality such as the couch, which still today has a resemblance of the Ancient Roman version. In ancient Roman households, it was part of the decor to have luxurious couches filled with soft pillows, shrouds and covers further emphasizing the importance of comfort and the art of conversation.
Beds, therefore, had its own integral role to play in the life of Romans both as an essential item of furniture and as an important social activity that indicated one’s wealth and status. Romans favoured the sanctity of a pleasant sleeping atmosphere through the use of comfortable bedding, lighter materials and also decorative elements.
Interconnectedness
One thing that seems ever-present throughout the Romans society was its interconnection with other societies and cultures from which it learned several aspects. This was of course also the case when it came to the design of beds since several bed types, such as the Persian type beds and the North African beds (which had cushions and scatter fabrics) were seen as structural counterparts to the Roman bed design.
It is highly likely that Romans were inspired by the bed typologies that were known in other cultures, which is why in their own beds they favoured heavier materials such as marble which was also used to create decorative elements in their beds.
Roman beds were made in various shapes and sizes, some being more elaborate and decorated than others indicating the socio-economic status of the person or family. Romans were also adept at using small spaces to their advantage, meaning that their beds were kept comfortable and not only illustrated the owner’s tastes but also helped in keeping them warm at night.
Adaptability
Regarding the movability of beds, Romans always found a way to achieve it, which could be done by having an additional piece of wood beneath the bed which not only helped with excellent support but also increased their durability and made them even more useful for the user.
Due to the adaptability of Roman furniture and beds, the human body was considered comfortably supported in the most recurrent situations from sleeping on the floor to sleeping in more elaborate beds, which allowed them to sleep in ‘normal’ positions. This adaptability of their beds is also one of the reasons why Romans set in certain design trends and managed to influence their neighbouring regions, not only culturally but also in their design of beds.
Luxury Accommodations
For luxurious accommodations, noble families had elaborate beds made with a host of decorations. By the 2nd century, inlaid and embossed ivory plaques and brass fixtures decorated the carved wooden frames of middle- and upper-class beds, making them works of art as well as comfortable sleeping spaces.
Palatial homes had beds with massive frames, elaborate canopies and a host of accessories, including toga-draped curtains, covers, pillows and even sea sponges for additional comfort. Terracotta and marble beds were popular among the wealthy, with marble beds coming in intricate animal shapes, such as couches shaped like horses and even boats for those living by the sea.
But whether these beds had wooden frames, inlaid ivory or brass fixtures, or marble beds in the form of animals, one thing is clear: in Ancient Rome beds were as luxurious, grand and as ornate as their owners could afford.
Functional Amenities
The furniture in Roman homes and villas were designed to make day-to-day living easier. This included beds, where built-in dressings and storage spaces constituted an important part of the furniture. Wealthier families may have had beds with built-in reed mats and cupboards to hold bedding and cushion covers to prefer comfortable warm sleeping.
Wooden furniture was a popular material used in Roman homes and villas, with various types of designs that provided comfort and function. Some beds have been found to have head and foot boards with shelves in between, which were used to accommodate religious items, instruments, personal belongings and more. Other beds might have been even more complex; with cupboards, doors and compartments for clothing and toiletries.
With beds being an essential item of furniture in ancient Roman households, it appears that with the variety of styles, designs, materials and added amenities, there was no limit to the possibilities for sleeping comfortably and making a statement about one’s wealth and status.
Legacy of Style
Evidence of Roman beds can still be seen today, providing an insight into their legacy of style and the attention to detail that went into the design process. Not only did Roman beds provide a source of comfort, they also were an art form and a luxurious statement that was passed down through generations.
From the basic of beds to the more elaborate ones, people always found ways to innovate and used their resources to create furniture that was comfortable, practical, elaborate and fashionable. Ancient Roman beds were meant to be enjoyed, to be shared with family, friends and to attract guests and the attention of the wealthiest. It appears that the Roman bed has not lost any of its charm and intrigue over time.
