The tester top covered only the top half of the bed, but the curtains could still enclose the bed. The heavy curtains were drawn to keep out the night’s “impure air, gases and contagious effluvia.” By the 1870s, the four-post bed was going out of style, and the half-tester replaced it. Beds were made with posts that ranged from 8 to 9 feet tall and with testers that could hold curtains. ![]() In the 18th century, our ancestors were certain that night air caused disease. King- and queen-size beds are a mid-20th century idea. A 19th century double bed now seems far too narrow. The single bed of the past was much smaller than those seen today. It was not until the 1860s that box springs were used. By the mid-1800s, wooden slats were used. Tightly strung ropes that had to be tightened regularly supported the mattress. In past centuries, mattresses were made from cornhusks, straw or other lumpy materials that were stuffed into a cloth bag. Today’s beds are large, and their mattresses are made to be comfortable, firm and good for the back.
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