It’s Amazing What 50 Years Of Snooze Can Do

The year was 1974. This was the year that one of the first specialist bed stores in the country opened its doors in Melbourne, offering new standards of service, range, and expertise. It was called Capt’n Snooze.  

While the name may have changed, Snooze remains the go-to destination for all things bedroom. Across six decades, Snooze has played a significant role in driving bedroom trends and delivering the best quality mattresses and most relevant bedrooms to the people of Australia.

We take a whimsical journey back through the decades of our history to remember the beds and bedroom styles of the day, from the groovy '70s to the modern minimalism of today.

1970s

After the first Capt’n Snooze store opened in 1974 it wasn’t long before our specialist bed store established itself in Victoria as the destination for mattresses, bed frames and bedroom essentials. Rapidly gaining popularity, by 1976 Capt’n Snooze had expanded across Victoria and into NSW.

Bedrooms of the 1970s experimented with unconventional textures and earthy tones. Rattan was a popular choice for bed frames and bedroom furniture. Its breezy charm swept through homes, embodying the laid-back vibes of the decade. 

This era must also be remembered for the rise of the waterbed. Waterbeds offered a sleek and futuristic appearance and added a touch of glamour to bedrooms, making them a coveted item among trendsetters and style-conscious consumers. The novelty of the waterbed captured the imagination of Australians but despite their popularity, waterbeds also had their drawbacks. They required regular maintenance, and their weight and size made them challenging to move and install, limiting their appeal to certain demographics.

Many bedrooms during this era were designed with timber-panelled walls. Teak and walnut were popular choices for bedroom furniture which often featured sleek, curved lines. It was common to see such furniture resting atop a plush, shag carpet.

1980s

The famous Capt’n Snooze character was born in 1984. From the outset, this character played a central role in creating the Capt’n Snooze brand identity, representing the fun and playful spirit of the company while helping to establish the store as the number one destination for mattresses and beds.

So strong was the power of this character, if you ask anyone who is old enough to remember the time, they will almost certainly recall Capt’n Snooze’s natty outfit and kooky demeanour. An unforgettable character, there is a special place in our hearts and the hearts of many Australians for our beloved Capt’n Snooze. 

During the 1980s Capt’n Snooze stores offered the popular designs of the day, like chunky colonial-style beds and curvy bed frames and furniture. This was in slight contrast to the bold, flashy aesthetic and unapologetic embrace of opulence that otherwise characterised the 1980s.

The 80s also brought with it a wave of excess and flamboyance expressed by neon colours, mirrored surfaces, and geometric shapes. Postmodern influences like sleek chrome accents and abstract art pieces made a statement, while the ‘tech’ gadgets of the day, like digital alarm clocks and portable stereos, became must-have accessories.

1990s

In 1992 Capt’n Snooze expanded into Queensland and joined forces with franchised bedding group, Bedpost creating one of the world’s largest franchised specialist bedding chains.

During the '90s many Australian bedrooms took their cues from the grunge movement, opting for minimalist designs with an edge. Picture exposed brick walls and industrial accents. The 90s also gave rise to the prominence of the futon bed. 

Futon beds surged in popularity for several reasons. They appealed to the growing trend of minimalist living, offering a space-saving solution while their dual functionality made them especially attractive to young adults seeking affordable and practical furniture. The 90s also witnessed a thirst for Eastern culture and design, and futons embodied this aesthetic with their simplicity and versatility.

While bunk beds were not a new concept, the 90s saw a growing demand for space-saving furniture. Bunk beds offered a practical and efficient way to maximise vertical space, making them ideal for children, smaller bedrooms, and shared living spaces, such as apartments and townhouses.

Naughties

In 2006 Capt’n Snooze became just, Snooze, and with the turn of the century came a newfound appreciation for sleekness and sophistication. Australian bedrooms began to embrace clean lines, neutral colour palettes and had an emphasis on functionality. Scandinavian-inspired designs became all the rage, with minimalist furniture and clutter-free spaces replacing the 90s edge. 

Sleigh beds were also embraced in this decade. Defined by their distinctive curved headboards and foot ends resembling traditional sleighs, these bed frames offered a classic look and the ability to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. Sleigh beds were available in a range of materials and finishes, including rich hardwoods and plush upholstery.

2010s

The bedroom furniture landscape in Australia during the 2010s reflected a desire for modernity, comfort, and versatility. We saw bedroom furniture that focused on style and a more refined and luxurious feel. 

One key trend of this decade was the rise of the TV bed. Seamlessly blending technology into the bedroom, these bed frames integrated television screens into the foot end of the bed frame itself, offering the ultimate entertainment and comfort indulgence combined.

2020s

Now, we're going to our room. Snooze is on a mission to redefine the bedroom as the most important room in the house. As a sanctuary. 

The present time sees a delightful blend of retro nostalgia and contemporary flair often with integrated storage and tech. Mid-century modern furniture mingles with bohemian accents, creating a glorious fusion of old and new. There is also a significant focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly materials and conscious design choices defining the landscape of modern bedrooms.

Post-COVID there has been a shift of people spending a lot more time in their homes and therefore making their bedroom space more multi-purpose, meaning incorporating desks and more technology into the bedroom and bedroom furniture.

Customisation is also seeing a surge in popularity with the ability to now choose design elements of your bed frame from the stain to the base and headboard, to technological inclusions such as in-built LED lighting, and charging ports. Adjustable mattresses and smart bases are also gaining prominence allowing you to choose sleeping and resting positions that suit your activity. 

For 50 years, Snooze has been a stalwart of the Australian mattress and bedroom industry. Throughout the changing landscape of Australian bedrooms, we have embraced, and delivered each and every trend as well as timeless looks, underpinning everything we do with exceptional quality. Amidst the ebb and flow of changing styles and technology, one thing has remained constant: Snooze has been at the heart of Australian bedrooms for 50 years. Here’s to the next 50 years of magnificent dreams.