During the harsh winters of Northern Europe, heating homes was a challenge until an innovative craftsman devised a solution: a bed resembling a closet, designed to shield sleepers from the night's chill after the family hearth had died down. These masterfully crafted wooden beds, featuring one or two compartments, protected Europeans who weren't prone to claustrophobia from the freezing temperatures for centuries, starting from the 1500s.
The box bed, which emerged in the late Middle Ages, appeared in various forms across Europe, with examples found in Britain, Scotland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Their use persisted in some regions until the 20th century, which is understandable given the frigid European winters and homes that relied solely on wood fires for warmth. Before the advent of electricity, people generally didn't heat their dwellings extensively, meaning that the cold outdoor temperatures often permeated indoor spaces as well.
Perhaps this is why Rubenesque women and wives were popular. Put them on the lower bed. Heat rises. 
During the harsh winters of Northern Europe, heating homes was a challenge
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