Discover the Breton closed bed, a traditional piece of wooden furniture whose two emblematic doors have been preserved at Kerbeleg.
What is a “lit clos”?
The closed bed is a traditional piece of Breton wooden furniture, designed as a closed alcove. In the past, it was used to provide protection from the cold and privacy in rural homes. A real cocoon, the Breton closed bed quickly became a symbol of the region’s culture and craftsmanship.
Origin and function of the closed bed
- Appearance: Middle Ages
- Purpose: protection from the cold, privacy
- Materials: solid wood, often oak
- Closure: sliding panels or doors
In Breton farmhouses, the enclosed bed was used for resting in the warmth of a small space. As well as being practical, it was also an important decorative element, sometimes richly carved.
The closed bed, the heart of the Breton home
In every home, the closed bed was more than just a bed: it embodied family warmth. Placed next to the fireplace, it became the place for evening gatherings, storytelling and traditions handed down from generation to generation.
Some families had several enclosed beds, often superimposed or side by side, to accommodate children and adults. Craftsmen competed with each other to create symbolic, religious or floral motifs, making the Breton closed bed a real work of art.
From past to present
Today, the closed bed is no longer used in everyday life, but it is enjoying a resurgence of interest.
- In museums: it is presented as a testimony to Breton heritage.
- In interior design: it inspires cabin beds, mezzanine beds and original furnishings.
- In bed and breakfasts: some establishments are restoring old closed beds to offer travellers an authentic experience.
In this way, the Breton closed bed continues to seduce, combining tradition and modernity.
A cultural symbol of Brittany
The closed bed is an emblem of Brittany’s identity, just like the Breton language, traditional headdresses and Celtic music.
It is a reminder of a time when solidarity and community life were the order of the day. Preserving and passing on this piece of furniture means keeping alive an essential part of Breton history.
Where can you see an enclosed bed today?
- Breton ecomuseums and museums: Rennes, Quimper, Finistère..
- Guest houses: some offer the chance to sleep in a restored closed bed. All that remains of Kerbeleg are its doors, hung as decoration in the kitchen.
- Antique dealers and craftsmen: restoration and sale of old models.
The closed bed is much more than a piece of furniture: it’s part of the Breton soul. A rural heirloom, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a source of modern inspiration, it embodies the cultural richness of a region that takes great care to preserve its heritage.
