Definition of a Rice Bed

Identification

• Rice beds resemble classic four poster beds, except their is no "roof" covering the bed. Instead, four posts, which are usually ornately carved, rise from each corner of the bed frame.

History

• In 18th century America, Southern plantation owners made fortunes selling rice and tobacco. They purchased and designed fancy four post beds which started to become known as "plantation beds" or "rice beds" to signify the source of the wealth that bought them.

Features

• Rice beds are traditionally carved from cherry or mahogany woods and feature carvings of rice or tobacco.

Geography

• Rice beds are most renowned for coming from South Carolina; the most popular type of rice bed is called the "Charleston Rice Bed."

Fun Fact

• You can spy rice beds in classic films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "Pride and Prejudice."