Bed Threads Furniture: Product Designer Ponti Lekhawichit on the Inspiration Behind the Range

Plus, her top furniture investing tips for creating a dream bedroom.

While a fresh set of sheets can totally transform a space, it’s not the only thing that creates a home. Your furniture plays a key role in how you function day-to-day and how beautiful your space is. For this reason, Bed Threads have taken things one step further and created a curated collection of bedroom essentials that create a complete roomscape.

Designed by the Bed Threads team in Sydney, Australia, this collection is the culmination of our almost six years experience touring and styling homes and two years of rigorous product design and development.

Comprising nine essential pieces – bed heads, bedside tables, a sideboard, and accessories – each item possesses a relaxed sophistication not unlike the linen that started it all. These pieces can be mixed and matched with cherished pieces you already own.

In celebration of the launch, we spoke to Bed Threads' lead product designer
Ponti Lekhawichit about the inspiration behind this collection and her advice for those looking to invest in their first pieces of furniture.

Hi Ponti! As the lead product designer for our Bed Threads Furniture range, can you share the inspiration behind this collection?

This collection is something entirely new for Bed Threads, but born from the same desire to create quality pieces that are easy to live with, and elevate even the most simple of spaces. For our first-ever furniture range, I was inspired by the juncture of modernity and tradition. The collection is translated into tactile and comforting interiors which combine organic shapes, irregular and imperfect forms, and plenty of arches. The inspiration comes from styles such as modern Mediterranean and Australian coastal, defined by a warm and cosy aesthetic with a vacation vibe.

Talk us through your creative process. Where did you start?

As a designer, it’s so important to truly understand the brand and how our customers might like to live with what we make. We had a strong vision for our first furniture collection and wanted it to feel like a natural extension of our existing range. This really allowed me to tailor my design process and translate the vision into what you now see as the overall aesthetics of the collection.

How does this new furniture range tie in with other Bed Threads collections?

I think our new furniture pieces perfectly complement our amazing linen bedding. The natural, neutral tones of the mango wood and rattan set the perfect backdrop for any bedding colour combination and allow you to turn your bedroom into your own unique sleep sanctuary that you’ll get excited to retreat to each evening!

What do you think makes the Bed Threads Furniture range unique?

We set out to focus on sustainable furniture and create handmade products that offer a natural element to everyone’s home décor. We saw an opportunity to develop a well-rounded collection with only the essentials for a beautiful bedroom, providing just enough options for people to be able to express their unique style, but also not be overwhelmed by design decisions.

Who is this collection for?

This collection is designed for anyone wanting to create serene spaces that are imbued with subtle luxury and understated elegance. It’s for everyone who loves Bed Threads, and who values quality design and natural materials.

Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?

The Classic Linen Bedhead is probably my favourite! It’s made from pure linen, with a slight arch in a classic shape. It’s timeless and something you’ll have in your home forever.

What advice would you give to someone looking to invest in their first pieces of furniture?

I think it’s important to ask yourself “Is this a timeless piece, and can I live with it long-term?” It’s definitely better to buy fewer, more versatile high-quality pieces that can move with you from home to home.

Tell us about your career journey to date. Were you always interested in product design?

I was always drawn to different areas of design and my career naturally fell into products as it’s a personal passion. Product design is something different every day and it allows you to wear many hats and work across a multitude of business areas. From concepts, sourcing materials, working with makers to get everything just right as well as production and logistics. The design industry also lets you see the big picture, what’s trending and how what’s happening in the world impacts what we have in our homes which leads me to where I am now.

What is your personal design philosophy?

I tend to embrace traditional designs with a modern twist. My gold standard is “less is more”. I love clean-lined contemporary design and organic forms.

Do you have a single piece of advice you’d give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue a similar line of work?

My advice would be to always stay curious and never stop learning. Always be open to feedback and criticism, as it's the best way to improve your work and grow as a designer.