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Bed hangings or bed curtains are fabric panels that surround a bed; they were used from medieval times through to the 19th century. Bed hangings provided privacy when the master or great bed was in a public room, such as the parlor. They also kept warmth in, and were a way of showing one’s wealth.
Why did beds have curtains around them?
The canopy bed arose from a need for warmth and privacy in shared rooms without central heating. Even in very modest homes, it was not uncommon to hang a simple curtain across a room to shield the bed from cold drafts and create a sense of division between living space and sleeping space.
Why did four poster beds have curtains?
Bedrooms often had drafts and could be cold at night: the curtains could be closed to help keep the occupant of the bed warm. A four poster bed with backboard and tester allowed extra space from which to display and hang expensive fabrics and heraldic decoration.
What is the purpose of a canopy bed?
Originally intended to conserve warmth and offer privacy, canopy beds are now beloved for their sumptuous design. These beds, typically four-posters, feature fabric draped over the top and on all sides, often finished with tassels or other details to add drama.
Where did the canopy bed Come From?
Canopy beds have been in China since as early as the 4th century, and those older versions were made with brocade silk. When they came into use in Europe, it was for a highly serviceable reason: Medieval noble families slept in the great hall of their castle, and most of their servants slept in the hall with them.
Why did Victorian beds have curtains?
The high posts were made to hold a top frame that could be covered in fabric or netting. Night air was thought to be unhealthy, so the beds had both a cover and side curtains to keep out diseases of the night. By the 1800s, canopies kept out insects but not air.
What’s the point of a four poster bed?
Four poster beds offered a warmer sleeping environment as the curtains could be drawn at night, keeping the occupant snug all night long.
Why is it called a tester bed?
Often called “testers,” which derived from the Latin word testa (or head), canopy beds were used by Medieval noblesse for warmth and privacy as they often slept in difficult-to-heat great halls alongside their attendants.
Why were beds so high off the ground?
So why were iron beds so high off the ground? The old beds and even their wooden counterparts were elevated higher than what we’re use to today because of cold drafts that were close to the ground. Thus actually eliminating the need for a dresser in a small bedroom that has little space for other than just a bed.
What does half tester bed mean?
Definition of half tester bed : a bed with a low foot and a canopy projecting from the posts at the head.
What is the cantaloupe rule?
Soto follows what she calls the cantaloupe rule: “Decorative accents that are smaller than a cantaloupe cramp a room.” Opt for a single, statement-making piece instead. Photo by iStockphoto.
Are canopy beds childish?
Canopy beds are inherently playful—we usually find them in childrens’ rooms, after all. Some may see this as a bad thing, but there are plenty of ways to have fun without making a space feel childish. Invite yourself to experiment with cheeky wallpaper, textured drapes, and brightly colored linens.
What is a tester bed?
Definition of tester bed : a four-poster of moderate height with a canopy supported on a frame.
Why did medieval beds have curtains?
Bed hangings or bed curtains are fabric panels that surround a bed; they were used from medieval times through to the 19th century. Bed hangings provided privacy when the master or great bed was in a public room, such as the parlor. They also kept warmth in, and were a way of showing one’s wealth.
What were medieval beds like?
Medieval Life (Circa 5th Through 15th Century) 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. The mattress was thickly stuffed with down and feathers, and sheets were made of fine linen.
What is a captain bed?
noun. a bed consisting of a shallow box with drawers in the side and a mattress on top.
What time did Victorians go to bed?
Sleep became and important, scheduled part of the Victorians lives, with many going to bed just after dusk to wake a few hours later, sometimes as late as 3am.
What is the top of a bed post called?
Finials are designed to fit beautifully with bed posts and other smaller posts that require a thin, yet tall piece to bring the project together.
Why do some beds have posts?
There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could really mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That’s how canopy beds came into existence.
What is a upholstered bed?
Today, upholstery is most commonly used to describe different types of beds that have fabric coverings. An upholstered bed typically consists of a layer of padding that’s covered by a textile. Together, these help cushion and soften the baseboards, sideboards, and headboards.
What were Tudor mattresses made of?
The best beds had a canvas mattress or two filled with wool or straw and then the featherbed. The under-mattress(es) might be laid on canvas spread over the bed slats, or possibly on woven rushes.
What is a canopy over a four poster bed called?
tester, canopy, usually of carved or cloth-draped wood, over a bed, tomb, pulpit, or throne. It dates from the 14th century and is usually made of the same material as the object it covers. It can be supported either by four posts, by two posts at the foot and a headpiece at the back, or by suspension from the ceiling.
