Jenny Lind, also known as the Swedish Nightingale, was an immensely popular Swedish singer who made her American debut in 1851. P.T. Barnum promoted her American tour, and to create buzz he made a ‘Jenny Lind’ brand. ‘Jenny Lind’ products included Jenny Lind hats and gloves, Jenny Lind tobacco, and, the subject of today’s post, Jenny Lind furniture.
from the Library of Congress
The Jenny Lind bed–a spool bed with square corners on the head and foot boards–was supposedly the type of bed that the singer slept on during her American tour. However slight the connection between Jenny Lind and the furniture style that bears her name, the association has endured and Jenny Lind furniture is still popular today.
A lithograph of Jenny Lind with tinsel painting from the American Folk Art Museum.
Jenny Lind beds in particular are a favorite of ours. They look equally perfect in dark and moody bedrooms and bright and happy bedrooms, giving both a vintage leavening that always appeals to us. This bedroom, with its navy walls and abutted persian rugs, is a dreamy oasis.
This bright and light bedroom is pretty much the opposite of the room above, but the classic Jenny Lind bed works just as well.
This image has long been a favorite of ours. The otomi coverlet, the lace-edged sheets, the modern line drawing, and of course the Jenny Lind bed–we love it all.
Jenny Lind furniture also looks great in kids’ rooms. The spools, painted in playful hues, look like stacks of toys or candy.
Jenny Lind furniture shows up a lot on Craigslist and in thrift stores. But if you’re looking for something specific, Jenny Lind furniture is also cropping up in retail stores in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few options from around the web:
1. Side Table // 2. Navy Spindle Bed // 3. Bookshelf // 4. Four Post Bed // 5. Twin Bed
What do you think, are you a fan of Jenny Lind furniture? Did you have a Jenny Lind bed in your childhood room? Did you see one years ago at a thrift store that still haunts your dreams? Tell us your Jenny Lind story in the comments!