Bed frames have undeniably been around for millennia, and have modernized greatly over time. The Egyptians were accountable for the first ever bedsteads, in about 3500BC. Their elaborate achievement, made out of one entire piece of wood, were highly adored belongings for the superior and affluent, and were often handed down to relations after the death of the owner. Although the Romans also had bedsteads, the Egyptians had by far the grandest and most detailed of them all.

Interestingly, the next class of bed to become ubiquitous was the collapsible bed. What is often thought of as a state-of-the-art designs used in houses all over the land to house guests in small tight rooms, was really manufactured by the Vikings - conquerors of Britain. They constructed wooden framed beds that could be easily stored and transferred on big voyages - who would have known that the horrible and marauding Viking would be so conscious about getting his beauty sleep?

The second meaningful fashion to be brought in was in Elizabethan England, in the 17th century. These were, indeed, four poster beds. Now synonymous with honeymooning couples and premium hotel rooms, the earliest four poster bed was offered totally for the cream of society and was a greatly desired after part of furniture. With the ability to draw curtains around the bed, it reserved the best in privacy - far away from the intrusive eyes of servants and other employees of the estate.

The final critical improvement of the bedstead has come more recently, with a collection of metal frames, leather frames and novelty beds arriving on to the market, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. The metal frame has made superior quality beds more affordable, and really appeals to the younger crowd who choose style and an avant-garde finish, but who may not have the disposable cash that the older generation has. Leather beds are very much upmarket, costing far more than the normal timber bed. They give excellent understated fashion, and fit in to a room very easily - enhancing the features of an already complete bedroom. And novelty beds are a new phenomenon - beds for youngsters arranged like rockets or racing cars, making every bedtime an adventure for the kid with the hyperactive mind and a distaste for sleep time!

finally, the bedstead has consistently been an complete part of household life. Not only does it allow the buyer to get a relaxing and enjoyable night's sleep, it actually provides a great centrepiece to any bedroom, bringing all the design characteristics together to gain a dazzling visible effect when needed. So when wondering what item of furniture to purchase next, don't forget the unassuming bed, which has been serving us for years, and will go on to give warmth and style for years to come.