The world’s most bizarre beds

Technology, engineering and architecture has developed at a huge pace over the last few decades, but there is one area of our life that has not seen much change since the medieval times – where we choose to go to sleep.

Beds have remained similar in size, shape and design for hundreds of years. However, there are some plucky designers out there who have decided to put a spin on traditional design.

Here we take a look at some of the world’s most bizarre beds:

• • The book bed – Designed to save space, this innovative bed folds up during the day. Its ‘pages’ are made of duvets so when it opens you can just clamber in and drop off. The bed book was designed by Japanese artist Yusuke Suzuki for families in urban areas. If you’re short of space in your guest room consider a day bed. These nifty designs double as sofas during the day but can be quickly transformed into a bed. Check out our range of day beds here.
  • Stand up bed – We’ve all been tired enough at one point in our lives to be able to sleep virtually anywhere – even standing up. A vertical snooze can have painful results, however, should you nod off and fall over – but there is a comfortable solution. Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto has designed a stand up bed, a huge, squashy structure that allows you to snuggle in and snooze while holding you upright.

While this looks impressive, we’re not convinced sleeping vertically will take off. Our memory mattresses are just as comfortable as Neto’s design, moulding to your body to guarantee a great night’s sleep. Take a look at our range here.

• Burger bed – Personalised for The King so he could watch TV while relaxing, Elvis’ bed was nicknamed the ‘hamburger bed’ by his daughter Lisa Marie as it resembled a round bun. Made of velvet it featured a TV and stereo in the headboard. Considered a piece of rock’n’roll history, the hamburger bed was on display in the Country Hall Music of Fame for many years, until it was sold on eBay for $50,000.
  We pride ourselves on matching our customers with the right bed to ensure they get a great night’s sleep every time. If you want some extra comfort while relaxing, consider a V-pillow – ideal for reading and watching TV in bed.
• Great Bed of Ware – Staggering not only for its design but also its size, this gigantic four-poster could reportedly sleep four couples comfortably. Measuring an impressive 10×11 foot, it features an elaborately carved headboard and posts, as well as heavy curtains. It dates back to 1590 and is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
• Sonic bed – A commissioned art installation, the Sonic Bed was put together by sound artist Kaffe Matthews. Visitors are invited to take their shoes off and climb inside the oversized, polished wooden bed, which is fitted with specially constructed pieces that move around them as music is played. The purpose-built, portable bed was designed as part of a social experiment to explore people’s perception of sound. Our range of Nectus Fusion beds may not feature an in-built sound system, but their clever memory gel formula helps control your temperature, so you’ll never be woken up by being too hot or too cold. Their divan bases also come with a range of storage options. Click here for more details.