Lits à housse

Refers to a simpler type of bed that originated in France in the first half of the 17th century, replacing the massive carved frames of earlier beds. The frame of a lit à housse was a simple cubelike form, broken only by plumed finials at the corners of the tester, and covered entirely in fabric. This type of bed featured a deep valance and four curtains: two wide curtains went from the center of the foot of the bed round the outside of the footposts and to the center of the sides; two narrow curtains went from the bedhead to the center of the sides. Towards the end of the century the lit à housse became more elaborate and taller, although the frame continued to be entirely covered by fabric. Lits à housse are so-called because they resemble a grand state bed with its protective covers.