Keeping Warm for a Long Winter’s Nap

by Erin Feith, Research Assistant
December 9, 2024

Long before the advent of central heating, there was another way to combat the cold: bed warmers, also known as warming pans. As suggested by their name, bed warmers were used by the lady of the house or household staff to remove the chill and any dampness on bed linens ahead of tucking in for the night. Through their evolution in design, they became a staple in the home, tempering winter’s harshness for generations.

While its concept could be found in ancient civilizations, it wasn’t until the 16^th century that the bed warmer consisting of a rounded pan and handle took hold. This configuration allowed the user to more safely manage the device as they moved it up and down the sheets to warm the whole bed. Typically made of copper or brass, the lidded pans were filled with either coals or later embers from the fireplace in the 18^th century. Early handles composed of wrought and cast iron were largely replaced by wooden handles made from beach or oak, which proved much less cumbersome as they were lighter to move.

Also changing over time, the lids of bed warmers played a key role in their use. From their earliest days through the 19^th century, lids featured perforations that would allow the coal the access to air needed to continue smoldering. A necessary feature, they provided ample opportunity to personalize and embellish. The wealthy especially could engage skilled metalworkers to create intricate designs or even family crests. By the mid-19^th century, less decorative lids gained favor as many opted for embers rather than live coal, thus reducing the need for as many piercings.

Bed warmers occupied a place of prominence near the fireplace of homes nationwide through the early 20^th century. Their use saw a decline with modern developments such rubber water bottles and electric blankets which presented a more convenient option for heating bed linens. However, by serving as a precursor to all that followed, the bed warmer left an enduring legacy as a household item that brought the heat for centuries.