The history of the bedroom and the bed itself provides an interesting peek into societies of the past. Just like people, our homes (including the bedroom) are continuously evolving. Where ancient nomadic people used to lie down on grasses and animal hides. Archeologists studying the ancient people of Sibudu, South Africa, have found evidence of bedding made from sedge grass dating back 77,000 years ago. In China, the idea of heating stones and then resting upon them during the night may have taken place during the Neolithic period. Archeologists think that these beds, called huoqiang, may have been used as long as 7,200 years ago. Each culture across the globe has a different story to tell about the evolution of the bed and bedroom. Some indigenous peoples may live in homes that have remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years. And others, like the bustling cities in Asia, are undergoing significant changes in housing as we speak. So much of how a person lives within their home stems from changes in architecture as well as developments in furnishings – and all of this is greatly influenced by societal and economic developments, as well as changes in available materials. The bedroom of the modern world reflects massive advancements in technology and comfort. Unlike communal societies of the past, today’s western bedroom emphasizes privacy, even from our own family. In a way, today’s western bedroom offers the best of all the bedroom trends from centuries past: our bedrooms are private, quiet retreats, designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, and filled with technology that focuses on wellness. Of course, our bedrooms don’t all look the same. One of the best trends in bedroom design is the fact that people choose individuality inside the home.