Canopied beds served several purposes during the Middle Ages.
1. Privacy. Medieval noble families slept in the great hall of their castle, and most of their servants slept in the hall with them.
2. Warmth. Castles were cold, which meant the curtains also added a much needed extra layer of warmth.
3. Protection. The high posts were made to hold a top frame that could be covered in fabric or netting. Many houses had thatched roofs and the top canopy protected the occupants from any bugs that might drop from the roof.
4. To prevent disease. Night air was believed to be unhealthy, so the beds had both a cover and side curtains to keep out diseases of the night.
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