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In Europe, leather or rope was used in the framing. This probably led to the expression "sleep tight" as the rope or leather would loosen over time as the bed was used. Beds were often used as chairs and tables, as limited space in smaller homes with large families meant beds were generally not seen as a standalone piece of furniture. On the other hand, royalty and wealthy individuals used their beds for different activities. Formal beds were sometimes used as reception rooms to receive guests. A second bed might be kept for sleeping and sexual activity. It was also quite common to share beds, even with strangers, as bedding space was often limited in inns and other places for the public.<ref>For more on Medieval beds in Europe, see: Forgeng, J. L. (2013). <i>The Middle Ages: everyday life in medieval Europe.</i></ref>
During the Medieval period, beds in different regions began to develop canopies or curtains. While this provided privacy, the idea was it also protected against insects and other pests that might be around at night. The curtains also allowed for warmth and protected against drafts. <ref>For more on Medieval beds, see: Johnston, R. A. (2011). All things medieval: an encyclopedia of the medieval world. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.</ref>
The Vikings (or Danes/Norsemen) were known to use a style of bunk bed, where cupboard were fashioned into beds that could then be stacked on to each other. The intent was to use this style of bedding to save room so that they can be moved during the day or multiple people can sleep in an area more easily. The Danes and Norse also built beds with slates that could also be easily placed inside small boats and be taken apart to move inside and outside of boats. <ref>For more on Dane/Norse bed designs, see: Green, J., & Bergin, M. (2002). <i>Gods & goddesses in the daily life of the Vikings.</i> London: Hodder Wayland, pg. 75.</ref>
Native Americans also had developed a variety of bed types. These varied range from simple mats placed on floor and to cots or even bunk beds that could be staked stacked in small accommodations or houses usedby larger families.<ref>For more on Native American furniture, see: Keoke, E. D., & Porterfield, K. M. (2003). <i>American Indian contributions to the world: 15,000 years of inventions and innovations.</i> New York, NY: Checkmark Books, pg. 42.</ref>
==Modern Development==
