page_title: Box-bed
section_title: The closet-bed in the Netherlands
hierarchical_section_title: Box-bed / The closet-bed in the Netherlands
caption_attribution_description: Nederlands: Etersheim: Etersheimer Braakmolen - interieur: tafel en bedstede
context_page_description: A box-bed is a bed enclosed in furniture that looks 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 removing curtains, opening a door hinge 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 was often a large oaken chest, with 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.
context_section_description: In the Netherlands the closet-bed, or bedstede, was in common use into the 19th century, particularly in farmhouses in the countryside.  Closet-beds were closed off with a door or a curtain.
  One of the advantages of the closet-bed was that it could be built into the living room and closed off during the day, making a separate bedroom unnecessary.  The other main advantage was that, during the winter, the small area of the closet-bed would be warmed by body heat. This meant the stove would not need to be kept stoked at night. The door would not be shut completely, but left open a bit.
  During the 16th and 17th century, closet-beds were much smaller. Lying down was associated with death, and therefore sleeping was done in a half-upright position. These closet-beds held two people, and beneath them were often drawers "rolkoetsen" that pulled out and provided beds for the children.
caption: A Dutch bedstede
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