The History of Bunk Beds

Some historians consider bunk beds a Medieval invention while others credit the Iroquois of northeastern North America with the invention. We do know that the Iroquois used bunk beds in their longhouses between 300 and 500 years ago. In the 1800s, bunk beds became popular in military barracks as well in in jails and on modes of transportation with limited space, such as trains and ships. When the baby boom occurred in postwar America in the mid-20th century, however, they made their way into family homes. Many TV shows and movies began depicting bunk beds as a gathering place for young siblings and their friends, including hits like The Brady Bunch. They also became common in summer camp cabins and college dorm rooms. Today, bunk beds are still often used wherever multiple children, teens, or young adults are sleeping in close quarters.