Dünnbette

Dünnbette is a term found in some German-language sources that refers to a thin bed or a lightweight sleeping surface designed to save space in compact rooms and itinerant settings. The exact form of a Dünnbette varied, and the term is not tied to a single standardized design.

Etymology and usage context

The word combines dünn, meaning thin, with Bett, meaning bed. It appears in historical inventories, travel writings, and architectural descriptions where space constraints or mobility required a low-profile sleeping arrangement. The term may describe both a minimal bed frame and a slender mattress or mat placed on a simple base.

Description and forms

A Dünnbette typically features a low or foundation-based frame and a comparatively slim mattress or sleeping surface. Variants include foldable or roll-up configurations, lightweight wood frames, and rope- or slat-supported bases. Materials commonly used range from wood and canvas to cloth coverings, with a focus on reducing height and occupied space.

Historical context and regional usage

Dünnbette is associated with settings where space was at a premium, such as small urban lodgings, caravans, or shipboard staterooms in parts of Central Europe. In some contexts the term may refer more to the overall thinness of the sleeping surface rather than a distinct mechanical design, and regional usage could emphasize slightly different constructions.

See also

Trundle bed, loft bed, roll-up mattress, space-saving furniture.

Notes

The term is not universally standardized and may have varied meanings across regions and periods. References to Dünnbette are primarily found in historical descriptors rather than in contemporary appliance catalogs.