| If you're trying to assemble a unique but timeless | | | | A futon effectively remedies this. |
| bedroom set, antique beds can be just the solution. | | | | In the western tradition, perhaps the most popular |
| Beds have come a long way since the days of | | | | antique beds are canopy and four-poster beds. |
| sleeping on the ground. The period from pallets of | | | | These beds first began to appear in 16th Century |
| straw to rope and straw beds obviously aren't likely | | | | Europe and were more functional than elegant. Likely, |
| to garner much popular enthusiasm, but once some | | | | commoners first created this design to offer sleepers |
| more modern comforts and refinements became | | | | extra elemental protection in houses most likely |
| commonplace, beds from these periods have | | | | roofed in thatch. The four-poster bed had four |
| become quite popular. | | | | beams, each about four feet long that supported a |
| One type of antique bedding that has recently | | | | wood top. From this 'roof,' curtains were hung to |
| experienced a resurgence is the futon. This Japanese | | | | provide extra privacy as well as protection against |
| bed should not be confused with fold up couch/bed | | | | draughts. The canopy bed is its American |
| combos that have also recently become popular. A | | | | counterpart. These beds didn't have a wood roof, |
| traditional Japanese futon consists of a shikibuton and | | | | only the four posts which supported curtains to much |
| a kakebuton. The shikibuton is a mattress stuffed | | | | the same effect. Once nobles adopted the tradition, |
| with cotton, wool, or a similar batting which usually | | | | after all castles were draughty too, they burgeoned |
| ends up being about four inches thick. The kakebuton | | | | into the ornately beautiful affairs we think of today. |
| is the thick quilted bedcover that keeps the sleeper | | | | Nowadays, modern insulation and heating techniques |
| warm at night; it can be made from any number of | | | | have rendered both canopy and four-poster beds |
| materials but silk is the most highly prized. The | | | | functionally useless. Nevertheless, their consummate |
| reasons these have become popular again are | | | | elegance and style has rightfully earned them a place |
| two-fold. The first reason is simply that a futon can | | | | in any antique-phile's bedroom. Though there are |
| be set up on any floor every night and folded and | | | | many different types of antique bedroom ideas other |
| put away during the day to free up space for other | | | | than the futon and the canopy bed, these two |
| activities. The second reason is that they have been | | | | designs have lasted for opposite reasons. One bed |
| proven to be very good for the back. Laying on a | | | | lasts because it remains functional and the other bed |
| futon for the first time, it might not strike you that | | | | carries on solely because of its beauty. So whether |
| this is the most comfortable place to sleep, and you'd | | | | you're looking for form, function, or the best of both |
| be right. Nevertheless many chronic back problems | | | | worlds these are some great ideas to consider. |
| develop from sleeping on materials that are too soft. | | | | |