THIS WAS TO be ‘The bed of the year 2000′.

This 1958 picture shows the Sphere, a large plywood structure exhibited by a Belgian wood manufacturer at the World Fair in Brussels, Belgium that year. The caption reads:

The futuristic bed is completely enclosed except for the narrow entrance, which can be closed from the inside of the Sphere to revolve. Inside the air-conditioned Sphere is a book shelf, radio or television set, a bar and electric cigarette lighter, all within reach of the hand. The sleeper lies on a thick circular latex mattress. Blankets are not needed. The bed can accommodate two persons comfortably.

The enclosed bed isn’t that far-fetched as it turns out – remember we showed you these pics of a design for ‘pod’ airplane seats which turn your airplane space into a “lair” of privacy and noise-reduction? Japan and the US are also fans of the ‘pod’ or ‘capsule’ hotel where your most basic sleeping needs are met in a streamlined space. Bedrooms are so 1957.

AP/Press Association Images

See: Could these be the airplane seats of the future?>