1. Royal and Noble Households:
- Kings and queens usually had large, luxurious bedrooms adorned with lavish furnishings. Their sleeping chambers were private and well-guarded.
- Noble families also had dedicated bedrooms with comfortable beds, curtains, and rich tapestries for warmth.
2. Peasant Houses and Cottages:
- Peasants and common people generally slept in small communal areas within their homes. Families would huddle together for warmth due to limited space.
- They often shared straw or hay pallets spread on the floor or simple wooden bunk beds.
3. Religious Communities:
- Monasteries and convents had shared dormitories where monks, nuns, and friars slept.
- Privacy was minimal due to the communal lifestyle and devotion to a shared religious purpose. Beds might have straw mattresses or thin layers of cloth for comfort.
4. Traveling Pilgrims and Merchants:
- Pilgrims on religious journeys or merchants on trade routes often sought shelter at way stations, hostels, or inns along the way.
- Accommodations were basic, with guests sleeping on benches, shared beds, or even on the floor.
5. Castles and Fortified Mansions:
- In fortified castles, members of the ruling family had private chambers, while knights, soldiers, and servants might sleep in the halls or guardrooms.
- Bedrooms might have been located in towers, offering better defense against potential attacks.
6. Merchant Class:
- Wealthy merchants and artisans could afford comfortable beds with pillows, mattresses, and woolen coverlets.
- They might have guest rooms for visitors, although often guests slept in the same room as their hosts.
During medieval times, it was also customary for people to retire to bed quite early, around sunset. This was due to the absence of artificial lighting and the need to conserve available resources, such as candles. People would make use of the daylight hours for activities and retreat to their sleeping places when the day drew to a close.