What is a classic barley twist?

A classic barley twist refers to a specific attribute of a piece of furniture. The “twist” refers to a furnishing’s twisted form — in a table’s legs or in its trim, for example — that resembles a twisted stalk of barley sugar. The twist was frequently made of beech or walnut.

What does barley twist mean?

The term “barley twist” refers to thin spiraling forms. Most often when barley twist is used, it relates to furniture. During the 19th century, many chairs, tables and casegoods featured barley twist legs. You can find a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.

What is a barley twist lamp?

A barley twist lamp is a table lamp or floor lamp that has a spiraling base. Usually, the bases are solid mahogany wood, but other types of wood and even metal are sometimes used. Find a variety of lamps from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

What era is barley twist furniture from?

Barley twist furniture dates back to the Jacobean and Stuart eras in England and the Louis XIII and Louis XIV eras in France. During this time, many furniture makers produced chairs, tables and case goods with twisty legs. The name barley twist comes from barley sugar candy enjoyed at the time. Shop a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.

How are barley twist legs made?

Barley twist legs were originally cut by hand until the invention of the lathe, which assisted with creating the twisted design. Barley twist legs are named after sticks of barley sugar and feature a spiral look. Browse a selection of furniture featuring barley twist legs on 1stDibs.

Barley Twist Headboard

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Portuguese Rosewood Tester Bed

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H 87 in W 43.75 in D 84 in

Portuguese Rosewood Tester Bed

Located in Essex, MA

With barley twist supports and conforming headboard, with trim with metallic thread crests.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Other

Antique French Country Louis XV Walnut Caned Bergere Full Size Bed

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H 55 in W 79 in D 56 in

Antique French Country Louis XV Walnut Caned Bergere Full Size Bed

Located in Dayton, OH

featuring caned design with medallion crested headboard and barley twisted accents. Circa French Victorian

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Anglo Indian Canopy Bed

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H 88 in W 58 in L 88 in

Anglo Indian Canopy Bed

Located in Palm Beach, FL

cornice supported by barley twist columns. The headboard is expertly carved with floral and nautical

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Carved Oak Barley Twist Bed Headboard Footboard Arts & Crafts

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H 54 in W 56.5 in D 3 in

Antique English Carved Oak Barley Twist Bed Headboard Footboard Arts & Crafts

Located in Shreveport, LA

Direct from England, a beautiful antique English oak Barley Twist bed…headboard and footboard

Category

Vintage 1920s English Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

Stunning Four Poster Oak Bed Barley Twist Uprights Linen Headboard, circa 1930

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H 83 in W 54 in L 83 in

Stunning Four Poster Oak Bed Barley Twist Uprights Linen Headboard, circa 1930

Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury

headboard France 1890, magnificently carved and beautifully-articulated. The Barley twist turned uprights

Category

Vintage 1930s British Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

Late 20th Century Vintage Maple King Panel Bed with Barley Twist Posts

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H 73 in W 82 in L 73 in

Late 20th Century Vintage Maple King Panel Bed with Barley Twist Posts

Located in Charlotte, NC

decoratively carved & barley twist posts to headboard, curved inward footboard to attach to side rails and

Category

Late 20th Century American Victorian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Maple

Anglo Indian Ebonised Four Poster Bed, circa 1890

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H 93 in W 73 in D 87 in

Anglo Indian Ebonised Four Poster Bed, circa 1890

Located in London, GB

reeded and with barley twist, the headboard with a beautiful full length foliate carved pediment.

Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Beds and Bed Frames

Turkish Moghul Carved Bed

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H 84 in W 65 in D 85 in

Turkish Moghul Carved Bed

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand carved Turkish Moghul style bed with ornate carved headboard and barley twist posts finished

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Beds and Bed Frames

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