Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

18th Century Colonial Walnut Rope Poster Bed

About the Item

This remarkable circa 1790 walnut rope bed represents a rare and exceptional example of late 18th-century American craftsmanship, likely originating from the Pennsylvania region. Constructed entirely of solid walnut, the bed features exquisite craftsmanship with mortise-and-tenon joinery and dowels, with no nails or screws, demonstrating the era's dedication to traditional techniques. The simple yet elegant design reflects the post-colonial aesthetic, with straight, baluster-style turned posts all of uniform height—indicative of the refined proportions and understated beauty of the period. The bed’s headboard is particularly striking, showcasing a full, uninterrupted slab of walnut that highlights the natural beauty and depth of the wood’s grain. This clean, minimalist form, absent of excessive ornamentation, speaks to the restrained elegance of American colonial furniture, where function and form were harmoniously balanced. A minor, purely cosmetic hairline crack is present in the headboard in a small section to the right as shown in photos, a characteristic of age that does not affect its integrity, while both the headboard and footboard remain in excellent structural condition. The bed has received a preservation cleaning, revealing what is known to be the original finish. The finish remains in good condition for its age, preserving the authenticity and richness of the wood. Though the bed is currently missing its side rails, the headboard and footboard remain intact, preserving the original integrity of this rare find. The notches present on the frame suggest the use of modern metal rails, but custom wooden rails can be crafted to restore the piece to its original configuration. As a 3/4 size bed, this piece is a rare and coveted size for collectors, offering both historical and aesthetic appeal. This walnut rope bed stands as a testament to the enduring quality of early American furniture. Its simplicity, combined with the rich history and craftsmanship, makes it a valuable addition to any distinguished collection. A truly rare and authentic piece from a pivotal moment in American furniture history, it carries with it the quiet dignity of a time gone by. HB - 52.5w x 44.5 h FB - 52.5w x 38h Posts - 56.75h Center to center on rails - 49.5w
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 56.75 in (144.15 cm)Width: 52.5 in (133.35 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
  • Style:
    Federal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Walnut,Turned
  • Place of Origin:
    United States
  • Period:
    1790-1799
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Circa 1790
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. I would describe this bed as excellent structural condition and good condition of the original finish appropriate for the age of 230+ years old.
  • Seller Location:
    Unionville, TN
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: Rope Bed1stDibs: LU10211242910862

More From This Seller

View All
Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed
Located in Unionville, TN
A museum-worthy American Empire bed, circa 1820, crafted from solid walnut with Rosewood veneer. The bed features hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joinery, and original large iron bed bolt...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed

Early 19th Century American Empire Rosewood Veneered Bed

£18,792
Free Shipping
19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress
Located in Unionville, TN
A rare example of American Empire craftsmanship, this circa 1840 wig cabinet showcases the bold, sculptural lines and refined materials characteristic of the period. Constructed from...
Category

Antique 1840s American American Empire Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Walnut

19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress

19th Century Empire Wig Cabinet Dresser - Unrestored, Restoration in Progress

£3,896
19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress
By George Hepplewhite
Located in Unionville, TN
This early 19th-century English mahogany butler’s desk, dating to circa 1800-1810, exemplifies the craftsmanship and refined utility of its time. Crafted from richly grained mahogany...
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Regency Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress

19th Century English Mahogany Butler's Desk Unrestored - Restoration in Progress

£2,708
Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair
Located in Unionville, TN
This late 19th-century Victorian cane rocker belonged to Minnie Firestone Adams, born in 1888 in Arkansas. It has remained in her family for over a century and was entrusted to us to...
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Rocking Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

Circa 1880 Victorian Parlor Rocking Chair

£484
Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair
By Lewittes Furniture Enterprises
Located in Unionville, TN
When I flipped this velvet barrel-back chair over, I found a shipping tag from Cain-Sloan Co., one of Nashville’s most iconic department stores. Founded in 1903 and once located on C...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair

Vintage Cain Sloan Gold Tufted Barrel Upholstered Chair

£817

You May Also Like

PORTUGUESE BED D. JOSÉ 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PORTUGUESE BED D. JOSÉ 18th Century in rosewood wood with carvings. Backrest with central medallion upholstered in damask fabric. Small defects. Dim.: 194 x 120 x 197 cm. good con...
Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Night Stands

Materials

Wood

PORTUGUESE BED D. JOSÉ 18th Century

PORTUGUESE BED D. JOSÉ 18th Century

£2,997
French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Very rare Directoire period four poster bed. Headboard and footboard are original - including paint. The tops curve gracefully outward. The friezes at either end feature beaut...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century

French Directoire Period Four Poster Bed, France 18th Century

£8,136
French 18th Century Directoire Bed
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 18th century Directoire bed.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 18th Century Directoire Bed

French 18th Century Directoire Bed

£2,829
18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An 18th-century Rosewood tester/canopy bed originating from a significant palace in Goa. The bed features exquisitely carved posts, and the solid wood headboard contributes a blend o...
Category

Antique 18th Century Indian Spanish Colonial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rosewood

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

£4,160
18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An 18th century Rosewood tester bed from an important palace in Goa. The posts are beautifully carved and the solid wood headboard adds a touch of simplicity and sturdy elegance. Cro...
Category

Antique 18th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rosewood

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

£4,134
Portuguese Baroque Canopy Bed, 18th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Baroque four-poster bed (ceiling), with headboard. The headboard, decorated with boned shaped, shakes and strings, are turned into bobbin-shaped discs and balls in the sides and th...
Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

Portuguese Baroque Canopy Bed, 18th Century

Portuguese Baroque Canopy Bed, 18th Century

£5,006

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

American Colonial 18th Century
American Colonial Furniture 18th Century
Pennsylvania Walnut
18th Century Uniform
18th Century Federal Furniture
Wooden Beds Traditional
Bed Of Nails
Metal 4 Post Bed Frames
4 Poster Full Size Beds
Colonial Wooden Bed
Modern 4 Poster Bed
4 Poster Metal Bed Frame
Poster Bed Rope
3 4 Antique 4 Poster Bed
Antique 3 4 Rope Bed
Moorish Headboard
Napoleon King Bed
Queen Headboard Campaign
View All Popular Beds and Bed Frames Searches