The Proclamation May Have Proved Less Than Accurate, but for Almost a Century Between the 1850S and 1950S, Separate Beds Were Seen as a Healthier, More Modern...
The proclamation may have proved less than accurate, but for almost a century between the 1850s and 1950s, separate beds were seen as a healthier, more modern option for couples than the double, with Victorian doctors warning that sharing a bed would allow the weaker sleeper to drain the vitality of the stronger.
When did couples begin sleeping in the same bed?
According to a new book from Hilary Hinds, a literature professor at Lancaster University, this dates back to the 1920s when twin beds had become the modern and fashionable choice for middle-class couples.
Did husbands and wives used to sleep in different beds?
The concept of separate beds for the wealthy was no problem. Members of royalty and the wealthy often had their own separate quarters, but that's because they could afford to with their big houses. Likewise, beds and bedding were expensive even if you did have enough rooms for separate sleeping places.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.