A Real American Hardwood® bed is more than a piece of furniture—it’s a statement of craftsmanship, materiality, and enduring style. From the rich warmth of walnut to the crisp elegance of maple, American hardwoods offer a depth of character that elevates bedroom design. The choice of species, grain pattern, and finish helps determine how well the bed integrates into a broader interior vision—whether proudly traditional, smoothly transitional, or adventurously modern. Beyond trends, a well-crafted hardwood bed reflects a commitment to quality and a connection to natural materials that enhance the space. Here are three beds that do just that.
Founded more than 50 years ago, the Thos. Moser workshop in Auburn, Maine, handcrafts heirloom-quality furniture using sustainable American hardwoods. Its wide range of products—including chairs, tables, desks, and case goods—are rooted in Shaker and Arts & Crafts traditions, updated for today’s lifestyles. A classic example of the company’s elegantly restrained style, the Ellipse bed is inspired by furniture produced after World War II, when resources were scarce and used with careful economy. Available in cherry or walnut, the bed has a graceful simplicity that would complement many room styles.
Amish furniture making is a time-honored tradition, particularly in Ohio, where workshops are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, use of solid American hardwoods, and traditional joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon or dovetail construction—all done without modern automation. One such workshop, Frog Pond Furniture in Millersburg, produces the handsome Bristol collection, which includes a bed, armoire, nightstand, and several other pieces. Made of solid white oak, the collection has a rustic honesty that’s pleasingly straightforward without feeling heavy or unpolished—perfect for bringing a touch of artisanal charm to even the most urbane bedroom.
The Bristol bed, armoire, and nightstands in white oak by Frog Pond Furniture through Amish Collective.
For a summer house on Massachusetts’ historic Nantucket Island, Walpole-based interior designer Cynthia Hayes commissioned a custom bed that gives the traditional four-poster a sleek, contemporary makeover. Made by Scott James Furniture & Design, a Tiverton, Rhode Island, workshop, the glossy painted-poplar frame and headboard create a boldly graphic effect in the light-and-airy bedroom, referencing the heritage-rich, old-world location while keeping the overall atmosphere breezily modern. It’s a great example of what can be done with hardwood given a bit of imagination—and a furniture budget that supports fully custom design.
A custom four-poster bed in painted poplar made by Scott James Furniture & Design for Cynthia Hayes Interior Design. Photography by Nat Rea.
Thos. Moser
thosmoser.com
@thosmoser
Frog Pond Furniture
through Amish Collective
amishcollective.com
@amish_collective
Cynthia Hayes Interior Design
cynthiahayesinteriordesign.com
@cynthiahayes_id
Scott James Furniture & Design
scottjamesfurniture.com
@scottjames_furniture
Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.