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Design in Detail: Classic Bed

Designing the perfect platform bed.

A person wearing a black sweater and cap sits on a stool at a workbench in a workshop, surrounded by tools hanging on a pegboard and drawers, with natural light coming through a window.

The design brief for the Classic Bed was both exceedingly simple and incredibly complex: design a better bed.

A person sketches technical drawings of a bench and its parts on white paper, surrounded by markers, pens, and measuring tools arranged on a white surface.

Globally inspired and designed in San Francisco eight years ago, the Classic Bed draws inspiration from modern architecture, interior design, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Stripping away the unnecessary, the Classic Bed is the result of years designing and redesigning to achieve the perfect balance of functionality, minimalism, and sustainability.

Exploded line drawing of a classic bed frame showing labeled parts: long rails, short rails, short legs, center leg, a center rail, and long screws, with a parts list and numbers corresponding to components.

A four-step diagram showing a transformation of a rectangular prism: first as a plain block, then with a curved top, then with notched cuts and small cubes on top, and finally with four tall prongs.

The Classic Bed is made from solid rubberwood, chosen for its strength, density, stability, natural imperfections, and sustainable attributes. With a focus on mindful production, the wood used is 100% upcycled, salvaged from rubber trees at the end of their latex-producing lifecycle. It is sourced near our makers, greatly reducing the Classic Bed’s carbon footprint. Upcycled rubberwood, now used across the Bedroom Collection, ensures approximately 70% lower eco-impacts in the manufacturing process than the average hardwood.

A minimalist wooden bed with a light wood finish, featuring a rectangular headboard and white bedding with a single pillow, set against a plain white background.

The Japanese joinery used for the Classic Bed is a time-honored technique. This craftsmanship approach utilizes precision cuts and avoids metal hardware or the need for tools. It provides strength, durability, and ease of assembly, all while minimizing movement and noise.

A person wearing a beige sweater assembles wooden furniture joints on a carpeted floor, carefully fitting two interlocking pieces together.

Close-up of a wooden furniture corner with a gray felt or fabric cushion fitted neatly over the edge, showcasing smooth wood grain and soft textile texture in warm light.

The Classic Bed’s timeless, minimalist design is subtly sophisticated with clean lines and subtle curves. The platform frame is low-profile, opening up a room while maintaining a generous amount of underbed space. Slightly tapered and rounded legs both protect shins and offer understated elegance. From production to delivery, every detail serves a designated purpose. Its unassembled pieces are designed to fit together during shipping to eliminate the use of styrofoam. Once set-up, the Classic Bed pairs with customizable upgrades for continuous design optionality.

A woman with short brown hair in a sleeveless beige top assembles a wooden bed frame, focusing intently as she aligns the headboard in a softly lit room.

A neatly made bed with beige pillows and a fitted white sheet, featuring a textured beige headboard. Beside the bed is a wooden nightstand with books and a small decorative object.

A minimalist bedroom with a wooden bed frame, white bedding, two white pillows, a wooden nightstand, potted plants, a dresser, a large basket, and a neutral rug on a light-colored floor.

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Design in Detail: Signature Bed

Signature Bed

A minimalist bedroom with a low brown bed frame, white bedding, a beige throw, two bedside tables with plants and lamps, light walls, and a large cream rug on a tiled floor.

Designed for the simple pleasures of slow mornings

Thuma + Heller Max Breakfast Set

Two matching breakfast sets, each with a cup, saucer, and plate—one set in gray, the other in off-white—are placed beside a white box labeled Heller max breakfast set on a plain white background.

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Brand Catalog

A modern bedroom with a wooden bed, white bedding, a nightstand with a potted plant, and a built-in shelf with decor items. Large text reads THUMA across the image.