While we may never know what caveman first decided to elevate his bedding from the ground, the ancient Egyptians are credited with the first actual platform beds, meaning that they were invented long before the box spring. In fact, even looking forward to more modern beds, you’ll find that loft beds, the style preceding platforms, were developed long before box springs came into existence.

In ancient Egypt, the inhabitants of platform beds were more often than not Pharaohs and other royalty as opposed to commoners, slaves, and servants, who continued to sleep on the ground. Later, modern platform beds were developed in what was more of a loft style bed, in which the bed was elevated up on four poles so that not only was the bedding removed from the ground but also provided more floor space for living in a small abode. In the times of the Egyptians, lower level royalty probably had reeds and wooden poles holding up their makeshift mattresses, while Pharaohs likely had poles built from silver and gold.

Today’s beds also often incorporate the box spring, which really came into existence only in the early 20^th century. It is used for several purposes, including to provide extra support for the mattress so that it lasts longer, as well as to elevate the sleeper higher from the ground. To see what the mechanisms within a box spring actually provide, you can look at a modern day trundle day bed, which is configured to offer the same support without using a box spring so that the trundle can collapse and fit beneath the daybed. The modern mechanism has evolved somewhat, though, so that the basic structure is more often constructed from wood or MDF as opposed to weak metals.

The bedroom furniture you find today is often in the form of a platform, as these are the latest trend in design. Now, though, the modern design is set up so that the bed is typically quite low to the ground. The platform style bed can be used with or without a box spring, since the base is usually configured to support the mattress of its own accord. However, for those who wish to be more elevated from the ground, the box spring can come in handy, adding height to the low-slung bed. For others, the lack of a box spring leads to a more natural feel with the mattress lower to the ground.

Lifestyle Solutions is a prime source of all sorts of platform beds, including many that can make great centerpieces for your master bedroom. However, they are available in all sizes from this fine manufacturer and are not only high quality but also priced to fit any budget. While it is an old idea from perhaps several millennia past, the platform style bed has a new, contemporary twist in the modern day, and with or without the box spring, it can be a great addition to your design element.

Tags: BED News

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 20th, 2008 at 7:58 am and is filed under BED News.
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