The 17th century (or 1600s) have been referred to as the "the century of magnificent beds."
France's Louis XIV had over 400 beds in his palaces, many of which were truly fantastic. Some had embroideries with pearls and silver or gold figures. The bed at Versailles had crimson velvet curtains and had "The Triumph of Venus" embroidered on it. So much gold was used that the velvet was barely visible.
Natural Latex Pillow
In the 1700s, feather pillows were first used as bed coverings in Germany, and France soon adopted this idea. However, in France they used much more variety on this theme than did the Germans.
In France, the "bed of justice" was held to denote the royal power even more than the throne. It was used by the the king to reclined when he attended parliament. Princes, on the other hand, sat in chairs, officials stood, and lesser officials knelt. Louis XI is credited with its first use, and the custom continued until the collapse of the monarchy. In the chambre de parade where the ceremonial bed was kept, certain people, namely ambassadors or lords, were welcomed in a more intimate fashion than the crowd of courtiers.
At Versailles, women would welcome friends in their beds both prior to and after childbirth, during times of mourning, and shortly after marriage. As a matter of fact, friends were received in the beds during any occasion that was considered deserving of congratulation or condolence. Soon this strange custom became more widespread, perhaps to avoid other more difficult and expensive ways of social etiquette.