What Is a Bed Cupboard? This Cozy, Old-World Trend Is Popping Up Everywhere

Some design elements are too quirky to ever really fade away. For example, hundreds of years ago, in Europe, it wasn't unheard of to sleep in a closet or cupboard bed. A decidedly cozy solution, but not one that stood the test of time as the years passed. Nowadays, though, traces of the bed cupboard remain—and are quietly transforming modern homes.

So while we certainly don't suggest that you sleep in a claustrophobic closet, there seems to be an enduring appeal to an enclosed sleeping nook. We spoke to interior designers to get to the bottom of this phenomenon—and how it can help you get a relaxing snooze.

What Is It?

In many ways, a bed cupboard is exactly what it sounds like—a sleeping space enclosed in a piece of furniture. Centuries ago, they truly resembled cupboards, with four legs and either a hinged door or a curtain that one could crawl through to catch a quick snooze.

Back in the day, some of them had intricate carvings, while others had drawers for additional storage—but most were fairly bare bones.

History

Bed cupboards date back to medieval times and were originally designed with function in mind.

"[They] were born out of the need to create a private space where one didn't exist," says Cathy Cherry, founding principal of Purple Cherry Architects & Interiors. "This could have been a one-room house without a bedroom, or even a space that housed a collection of co-workers or strangers."

Another practical use was to keep warm in colder weather. An enclosed space—and one lifted off the ground—helped to keep the evening chill at bay. They were especially widespread in Brittany, France—you can still find original examples on sites like 1stDibs.

As the functional need for them waned, bed cupboards fell out of style at the end of the 20th century. However, they remain part of the interior design zeitgeist in other, less obvious ways.

Bed Cupboards Today

In the 21st century, bed cupboards look a bit different. The idea of a cozy, enclosed sleeping space remains in 2025—albeit not quite as close quarters as it was in medieval times. Sleeping nooks, where beds are tucked into a corner, are cropping up in certain homes.

"Everyone likes a cozy nook to tuck into—for privacy and comfort," says Tom Riker, founder of interior design studio James Thomas. "It takes us back to our childhood and feels almost fort-like."

Cherry adds that this approach is especially popular in bunk rooms, but could also be used in a studio "to create a definition of space without requiring any serious construction."

Another contemporary incarnation is a bed situated within a tented room, or even a standalone fabric tent. This approach still gives the sense of an enclosed, cozy space—without being surrounded on all sides by solid wood.

How to Design One

Using historical references is a great idea, but for most people, a wood sleeping cupboard won't be a good fit for their home or their comfort level. "I'd steer away from an all-wood cupboard and instead use upholstery to soften the look," says Riker. "Layer the interior with a mix of pillows, and use drapery to enclose the space, as opposed to incorporating wood shutters."

If you're going for a sleeping nook look, then map out exactly what you want first. "Think through your vision and goals—what size bed you'd like to incorporate, what type of extra storage you want, and what materials you would like," says Cherry. "Collect inspirational images that resonate with your vision."

Balancing these old and new influences will help create a one-of-a-kind, beautiful sleeping area. "I love the quirkiness of bed cupboards," adds Riker. "They feel unexpected and add a bit of whimsy to a space."