Why Did Medieval Europeans Prefer Small Beds?

When you picture a medieval bed, you might imagine a grand wooden frame big enough for a king.

But the truth? Many medieval Europeans — even tall ones — slept in surprisingly small beds.

So why would people with broad shoulders and long legs choose such compact sleeping spaces? The answer lies in history, lifestyle, and even a few surprising medical beliefs.

 

Sleeping Positions Were Different in the Middle Ages

 

 

Semi-Reclined Posture and Medieval Medical Beliefs

 

Unlike the fully flat sleeping style we use today, many medieval people slept in a semi-reclined position, propped up by pillows or bolsters.
Doctors of the time believed lying completely flat could cause health problems, such as allowing “vapors” to rise from the stomach to the head.
Sleeping at an angle was thought to aid digestion and breathing. Smaller beds supported this posture naturally.

 

Why Smaller Beds Supported This Position

 

Because people didn’t stretch out fully, they didn’t need a long mattress. Beds were designed for a curled or reclined pose, making them shorter and narrower than modern ones.

 

Limited Space and Shared Sleeping Arrangements

 

Smaller Rooms, Bigger Families

 

Medieval houses were much smaller than today’s homes, and entire families often shared one or two rooms.
Compact beds saved space, leaving room for other essentials like storage chests or work tables.

 

How Smaller Beds Helped Keep Warm

 

In an era without central heating, sleeping close together under heavy blankets kept people warm in winter. Smaller beds made it easier to conserve body heat.

 

Cost, Materials, and Luxury in Bed-Making

 

Expensive Wood, Fabric, and Fillings

 

Wood was valuable, and so were the textiles used for mattresses and bed curtains. Larger beds meant more expense, so most households stuck to modest sizes.

 

Why Large Beds Were Reserved for the Wealthiest

 

Grand, oversized beds did exist — but they were status symbols for royalty or the very rich, not everyday furniture.

 

The Truth About Medieval Height

 

Debunking the “Short People” Myth

 

It’s a popular myth that people in the Middle Ages were much shorter. In reality, average male height in medieval England was about 5’7” (170 cm) — not far off today’s figures.
So bed size wasn’t about small bodies — it was about culture, space, and sleeping habits.

 

Why Bed Size Was About Culture, Not Height

 

The semi-reclined position, room limitations, and material costs all influenced bed dimensions far more than height ever did.

 

How to Sleep Comfortably in a Small Bed Today

 

Use Supportive Pillows for Elevation

 

If you sleep on a compact bed, try a supportive pillow arrangement to create a comfortable semi-reclined posture.

 

Upgrade Comfort with a Mattress Topper

 

A high-quality mattress topper can instantly improve support and softness, making even a small bed feel luxurious.

 

Layer Bedding for Temperature Control

 

Medieval sleepers used thick layers for warmth. Today, breathable duvets and blankets can keep you comfortable year-round.

 

Choose Ergonomic Designs

 

Opt for mattresses and pillows that provide good spinal alignment, especially if you’re tall or have broad shoulders.

 

From Medieval Sleep to Modern Comfort

 

At Newentor, we combine space efficiency with comfort — whether your bed is a king size or compact single.
Our mattress toppers, ergonomic pillows, and breathable bedding help you sleep like royalty, even without a palace-sized bed.

 

Explore our pillow collection here and experience how modern sleep science can make any bed — big or small — a perfect place to rest.