What were beds in the Middle Ages made of?

Answer 1

Among royalty, the nobility and wealthy people such as merchants and craftsmen, beds were very similar to the modern types - a wooden frame, legs, headboard and foot-board. They had leather, silk or rope straps to support a mattress; some had side-rails to brace the ends and prevent the covers from slipping off. Twelfth century beds in England often had a round knob carved at the top of each post and globular or claw feet.

Mattresses were stuffed with feathers and there could be extra, thinner mattresses on top (called coutes). Some of these beds were made so that they could easily be taken apart and re-assembled. Both pillows and roll-like bolsters were used.

In monasteries, monks slept in beds like this but with a straw-filled mattress instead of the feather variety. The Rule of St Benedict specifies: "For their bedding let a straw mattress, a blanket, a coverlet and a pillow be sufficient."

Poor folk would have no wooden bed, but a straw mattress or pile of straw on the floor and coverings of woollen blankets.

The link below takes you to a late 12th century image showing two monks sitting on a bed and a chair, discussing religious matters (they are St Boisil and St Cuthbert):

Answer 2

I'm not completely shore but i think if they where peasant's, they would most likely sleep on hay bales or rugs, but if they where rich (e.g the lord of the manor) they may have a bed.

Answer 3

If you were rich enough you would have a nice bed, but if you weren't as lucky you would usually have a bed made out of hay or straw.

Answer 4

Coconut shell fiber, of a sheet of wood on four on 4 legs just like today's, with a thin mattress. Or a thicker one for royal or a rich family those day's.