The Sideways Bed

My latest fascination (if you could call it that) is with the "sideways" bed, and no, this is not a technical term. The idea is to place a daybed or small bed parallel against the wall and drape it with swags of fabric, usually attached to the wall. Many times the beds, which usually have headboards and footboards, can double as a sofa. This style of bedding has deep roots in French history and was quite popular during the Empire period especially. (And if anyone has any additional historical information to share please do so.)

I could see using a bed like this in a dressing or sitting room. Or, if you're single and sleep in a twin-sized bed, you could try this in your bedroom (I wouldn't advise this if you have a significant other). Personally, I don't think you should try this with any bed other than a rather narrow one as it might look rather odd. But, if space is tight in your bedroom or in your studio apartment, then you might want consider this type of daybed to create some multi-functionality in your home.



A photograph by Horst P. Horst in a 1949 issue of House & Garden. All of the fabrics featured in this photo were made of cotton.


A bedroom designed by Colefax & Fowler. The Louis XVI-style bed is given the English treatment with the use of Colefax "Climbing Geranium" chintz.


This daybed serves as a sofa in this room designed by Colefax & Fowler. In this case the daybed/sofa is placed within a niche, and the same print is used for the wall within the niche, the bedding and pillows, and the tent-like swag.


Although this is more of a canopy than the other examples featured here, I do like this elaborate treatment of a Directoire bed. I can't tell if the fabric is attached to the ceiling, the wall, or the bed, but it certainly creates a cocoon like feeling. Design by David Hicks.

Image at top: An Empire style room in the Morris Jumel Mansion in New York.