Box-bed

Box-bed in Austria

A small box-bed (also known as a closed bed, close bed, or enclosed bed; less commonly, shut-bed[1]) is an enclosed bed made to look like a cupboard, half-opened or not. The form originates in western European late medieval furniture.

The box-bed is closed on all sides by panels of wood. One enters it by moving curtains, opening a hinged door or sliding doors on one or two slides. The bed is placed on short legs to prevent moisture due to a dirt floor.

In front of the box-bed is often a large oaken chest, the same length as the bed. This was always the 'seat of honour,' and served also as a step for climbing into the bed. It was also used to store clothing, underwear and bedding the rest of the time.[2]

  1. ^ Morris, William (1889). The Roots of the Mountains. pp. 8, 15, 41, 45, and others – via Project Gutenberg.
  2. ^ "Box beds in Brittany". oldandinteresting.com. 12 August 2007. Archived from the original on 25 June 2023.