Folding beds have been around at least since the 1920s. The original Murphy Bed Company still exists and is selling beds today. Other companies making contemporary folding beds are: Modern Wall Beds, whose birch bed is pictured here (prices start at $1795). Bonbon in the U.K. makes elegant folding beds, but they are pricey. Others companies offering folding beds are: Regin Sleep System and Rocker Woodworking and Hardware. A long discussion of folding beds can be found on Apartment Therapy. One reader posted a good overview of designer folding beds. She says:

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The designer of this bed wants you to turn the “wasted” space under your bed into a convenient, dust-proof storage with this organizing system. This 12-drawer bed features four drawers on each side, as well as four drawers at the foot of the bed that extend the full length of the bed’s frame. The frame comes in double, queen, and king sizes, and you can use the mattress you already have.

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This bed frame, constructed in Japan, is made in the style of the Edo period, which was known for its simplicity and restrained elegance. On the eco-level, the bed is constructed out of solid mahogany, which is sustainably farmed. The bed can support a futon or a traditional style mattress. One benefit of this type of design is that no box springs are needed. The queen size sells for $649. :: Haiku Designs

Looolo is one of a handful of innovative companies whose production methods are 100% sustainable. Thus the name Looolo is a visual representation of 100%. They create modern cushions and blankets using methods that have zero environmental impact. Here’s how they achieve that: all the materials used in manufacture are organic (organic buckwheat and cotton for example) and these are dyed with water-based, non-toxic dyes.

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Want a bit of the ocean in your clothing or in your bed? Seacell is a fabric made out of Lyocell (a 100% wood pulp fiber) and seaweed. The theory is that your skin will absorb nutrients from the seaweed, which is quite mineral- and vitamin-rich. From what I can gather, Seacell incorporates 5% seaweed content. The manufacturer, Zimmer AG, says that the porous, open structure of the Seacell fibers “breath” well and absorb what your skin expels. Seacell is mostly being used in bras and underwear, but it also being used in bedding. REI sells a Seacell travel blanket, for example. Seacell is available from Underwear Options

After trying bamboo fibers shirts, I’m sure sleeping under this bamboo fiber duvet would be great. You can read about the efficiency of bamboo fiber here. Bamboo fiber sheet sets are available from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Let’s face it — naturally produced mattresses are not cheap. Most organic king-sized mattress are priced between $1200-$2500.

We’ve found one store, Soaring Heart, that produces reasonably priced organic mattresses. They offer cotton futons mattresses, inner springs, natural latex and wool toppers.

Their web site is full of advice about natural bedding. Their break-down of the various options available is quite helpful.

You can find a 6″ king-sized natural cotton futon mattress priced at $250.

What’s so great about natural mattresses anyway?

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Pacific Coast take great care in cleaning the feathers to remove the dust dirt and allergens that create a problem for most people. They are cleaned and rinsed 8 times with a biodegradable cleaner.

Available from: Soaring Heart ($120-$290)

Sheets like ones featured here are the healthiest sheets available.

Natural dyes are used for coloring, and the sheets finished without chemical softeners or chlorine. They are made from 100% organic cotton.

Since you come in contact with sheets every night, minimizing chemical residues in your sheets is quite beneficial.

Available from: Real Goods ($25-$65)