We cover Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
As with many things in our history, bedrooms and the furniture contained within them have evolved considerably throughout time. Where once nomadic people would rest their head on a pile of grass at the end of a long day, now we enjoy complete privacy and furniture which is designed to perfectly complement us.
Some of the oldest examples of bedding were discovered by archaeologists in Sibudu, South Africa. Produced from sedge grass, it is thought that it dates back some 77,000 years. The aromatic leaves repelled mosquitos and in some places continue to be used to this day.
Unlike today, where we take privacy in our bedroom for granted, during the medieval period this was far from the case. It was not uncommon for large groups of people to share a space, with everything from the cooking of dinner to sleeping taking place in this area – hard to imagine in this day and age!
By the time you reach the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, the idea of a designated room for sleeping had become commonplace. The middle classes would likely own a home with an upper floor. Here you would find a sparsely furnished room – likely featuring just a bed and a chest for the storage of clothes. This space would become the focal point for much of daily life, including socialising, sleeping and even births and death.
Fast forward to the Victorian period and greater emphasis was put on privacy. The master and mistress of the house would commonly have a private bedroom of their own, with separate rooms for their children and serving staff. While indoor toilets were rare, it would not be uncommon for many of the other tasks we reserve for the bathroom today to be carried out in the bedroom.
Today our bedrooms are a key element of our home. They are the place we retreat to for sanctuary at the end of a long day. Many of our bedrooms are equipped with the latest technology – ensuring that the trend of being a multi-purpose room continues even now.
Do you think our fitted bedroom furniture could transform your room? Call in and see us at our showrooms in Norwich or Cambridge and let us introduce you to the almost endless list of design options!
