HGTV Stars Love Spindle Beds, Here's Why
A spindle bed’s timeless design ensures it will always remain stylish. Ahead, learn more about these charming pieces of furniture — and how to style your own.
Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp
Jonathan Knight's bedroom boasts a spindle bed, as seen in Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp.
Photo by: Sean Litchfield
Sean Litchfield
Jonathan Knight's bedroom boasts a spindle bed, as seen in Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp.
When Jonathan Knight, co-host of HGTV’s Farmhouse Fixer, shared an image of his lake house bedroom on Instagram — yes, the one he renovated for himself and his husband Harley Rodriguez on Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp — all eyes went to the gorgeous wood spindle bed in the center of the room.
“I have always been a fan of spindle beds,” Jonathan wrote in his caption before admitting he owns a bunch of vintage spindle beds, but never a king-size reproduction like the one featured in his photo.
Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp
“We build our natural finish spindle beds from white oak and sugar pine woods," says Anne Bradshaw Kirchofer, owner of English Farmhouse Furniture. "For beds that are going to be painted, we use mahogany and alder woods.”
Photo by: Sean Litchfield
Sean Litchfield
“We build our natural finish spindle beds from white oak and sugar pine woods," says Anne Bradshaw Kirchofer, owner of English Farmhouse Furniture. "For beds that are going to be painted, we use mahogany and alder woods.”
Characterized by a series of vertical, wheel-inspired spokes running along a headboard or footboard, spindle beds — also known as "spool beds,” “bobbin beds” and “Jenny Lind beds” — became popular in Colonial America when European settlers sought to design beds lighter in weight than the period's standard solid wood frames.
Today, Jonathan isn’t the only HGTV star you’ll find embracing these iconic beds. Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV’s Home Town have an elegant heirloom-quality spindle bed (built by Ben's woodworking hero Andrew Reid) in the main bedroom of their 1930s farmhouse in Laurel, Mississippi. Nicole Curtis of HGTV's Rehab Addict has a vintage blue spindle bed in the guest bedroom of her lake house in Lake Orion, Michigan. Ahead, find out why these hosts, along with other HGTV stars, are happily including spindle beds in their own homes and projects.
Spindle Beds Are Beautifully Designed
They speak to a bygone era. Their inherent charm combines sophistication and simplicity with intricate design and craftsmanship. Lightweight and airy, spindle beds act as a room's focal point without overwhelming it.
And They Complement a Variety of Design Styles
Spindle beds complement a range of home styles. Their classic lines and subtle detailing make them a good fit for traditional, cottage and coastal designs. In contemporary homes, they introduce a hint of vintage charm, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
The light wood spindle bed perfectly complements the soft-colored furnishings and textiles in Erin and Ben Napier’s bedroom.
The light wood spindle bed perfectly complements the soft-colored furnishings and textiles in Erin and Ben Napier’s bedroom.
Spindle Beds Are Versatile
In a main suite, spindle beds add a touch of elegance; in a kid’s room or nursery they introduce a sense of whimsy and charm; and in a guest room they create a welcoming atmosphere. “Because of their intricate lines, I prefer spindle beds in more sparsely designed spaces, no matter what type of bedroom,” says Vern Yip, host of HGTV’s Design Star.
They Can Be Left Natural or Painted
Spindle beds are traditionally made from durable hardwoods such as maple, pine, cherry, walnut, oak and mahogany. The choice between keeping a spindle bed in its natural wood form or painting it depends on the desired aesthetic. Natural wood finishes highlight craftsmanship and grain patterns, adding warmth and authenticity, while painting a spindle bed in white, pastels or a bold hue like hot pink or apple green can introduce a fresh, modern twist. As for the veneer, matte or satin finishes can enhance the bed's elegance, while a bright gloss adds a contemporary flair. “I think spindle beds look great anytime there’s contrast between the spindle bed finish and the overall room color, making the spindle bed more of a feature,” says Vern.
Spindle Beds Spotlight Beautiful Bedding
A spindle bed’s simplistic design is a perfect match for breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. Crisp white bedding can highlight the bed's delicate look, while subtle patterns or soft pastels add a touch of personality. “I've designed several homes with spindle beds and love a layered look," says designer and home expert Cortney Novogratz. "Think a plump duvet, cozy throw or quilt and pillows with texture."
“I painted these metal variations of wooden spindle beds in our daughter’s room for a soft and playful finish,” says Cortney.
Spindle Beds Come in all Sizes
Historically, spindle beds only came in a twin size and an intermediate size between twin and full — often referred to as a 3/4 size. Reproduction spindle beds are available in larger sizes, including queen, king and even California king. "I rescued my favorite spindle bed from the trash!" says Nicole. "I've never bought one new. The originals don't take up extra space, which is great because I'm dealing with century-old homes and bedrooms rarely large enough to allow for oversized headboards or beds."
If you love the vintage look but need a bigger bed, consider bracketing two antique twin spindle beds together. Doing so will provide flexibility, allowing you to separate the beds to accommodate different sleeping arrangements, such as in a guest room.
Andrew D Myers
"The downfall for a clean freak like me is I need to dust the spaces between the spindles," says Nicole of the salvaged spindle bed in her guest bedroom. "I'm an obsessive user of lemon oil on wood. For painted beds, a simple dry dusting with a rag will do."
Spindle Beds Are Readily Available
You can find original spindle beds on online marketplaces like Chairish, 1stDibs, eBay and Etsy. Vern prefers to shop reputable antique markets and auction houses. “Be careful when buying online as the pictures don’t always reflect the condition of these beds,” he notes. Novogratz hunts for spindle beds at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market as does the owner of Jonathan’s favorite spindle bed vendor, English Farmhouse Furniture. “Spindle beds were the inspiration behind starting my furniture company in 1994,” says English Farmhouse owner Amy Bradshaw Kirchofer. “I went on a buying tour throughout New England but found many of the spindle beds were in poor condition and limited in sizes, so I started producing my own.”
HGTV Editors' Favorite Spindle Beds You Can Buy
Check out our editors' top picks for spindle beds you can buy online.
