A maharaja bed design is the grand Indian palang: a very high carved wooden back, strong posts and usually a big storage box underneath. It comes from old haveli and palace furniture, and many families still order one for a new home or a wedding.
Each bed design: maharaja king, maharani queen and simple double, is shown with a full size and wood note. The nine wooden maharaja bed design images below go from the full carved king to simpler versions that suit a flat. Save any maharaja bed design photo you like and show it at the workshop. For other carved styles see carving bed design, and for teak choices see teak wood bed design.
Maharaja Bed Design with Box Storage
The classic maharaja palang (a traditional Indian bed) pairs a tall carved back with a deep storage box. These three keep the carving on the headboard and the space underneath.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildTeak, dark melamine
- StorageLift-up box
A high teak back carved with vines and a crown, over a deep lift-up box for quilts and suitcases. The classic palang that families order for a new home.
Tell your carpenterAsk for a ply top board inside the box with a teak frame outside; it saves weight and cost.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildSheesham, walnut PU
- StorageHydraulic lift
The same carved look with a hydraulic box, shown open. Gas lift pistons make a heavy wooden lid easy to raise.
Tell your carpenterA solid wood lid is heavy; choose higher rated pistons and test the lid stays open halfway.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildSegun, honey polish
- Storage2 front drawers
Two carved front drawers sit under a segun double frame. Pulling a drawer each morning beats heaving up a solid wooden lid.
Tell your carpenterDrawers on solid wood runners swell in monsoon; ask for metal channels fixed to a ply carcass.
Royal Maharaja and Maharani Bed Designs
The fullest version of the style: tall posts, gold highlights and fabric panels. A maharani bed design is the softer partner look, with curves, ivory and pastel tones. Compare with our royal bed design page.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildTeak, antique gold
- StorageHydraulic lift
Four tall carved posts and gold rubbed into the high points of the carving. It fills a large master bedroom with presence.
Tell your carpenterPosts above 5 ft need a dowel and bolt joint into the frame so they never wobble.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildWood, ivory duco, velvet
- StorageLift-up box
Carved wood painted ivory frames a soft pink velvet panel. Gentler than the maharaja look, it suits a room with pastel walls.
Tell your carpenterIvory paint over carving needs a soft spray gun finish; brush marks show in every groove.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildSheesham, dark polish
- StorageLift-up box
A pair of peacocks carved into the top crest of a dark rosewood back. It is the most asked for motif on this style.
Tell your carpenterPeacock carving is detailed work; ask to see a finished piece from the same carver before ordering.
Simple Maharaja Bed Design Latest Looks
Not every home wants deep carving. These versions keep the high back and palang shape but use less carving or cleaner lines, so they fit a modern flat.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildTeak, natural matte PU
- StorageLift-up box
A tall plain headboard with just a narrow carved border. It keeps the maharaja outline and is easy to dust.
Tell your carpenterA narrow border of 2 to 3 inches is enough; ask for CNC carving to keep the cost down.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly and wood, walnut PU
- StorageHydraulic lift
A jali (cut out lattice) pattern in the headboard replaces hand carving. It looks fresh and lets the wall colour peep through.
Tell your carpenterJali cut from ply edges must be sealed with PU or they will soak up damp in the monsoon.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildTeak, beige fabric
- StorageLift-up box
A carved teak frame around a beige padded centre. You lean on the soft part and look at the carved part.
Tell your carpenterFix the padded centre from the back with screws, so re-covering it later is a one hour job.
Wood Choices for a Maharaja Bed
| Wood | Carving | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teak (sagwan, segun) | Clean, crisp | Medium heavy | Oily, stable, resists termites well |
| Sheesham (Indian rosewood) | Very crisp, dark streaks | Heavy | Takes a deep polish |
| Mango wood | Fair, softer | Lighter | Costs less, must be treated |
| Ply with carved wood panels | Panels only | Lightest | Box from ply, carving from solid |
A maharaja bed design wooden throughout can weigh a lot. A wood maharaja bed design can still use a ply box with a solid wood front, and the bed stays strong while being easier to move.
What to Tell the Carpenter for a Maharaja Palang
- Mattress size first. A maharaja king is normally built for 72 x 78 inches; measure your mattress before work starts.
- Headboard height from the floor, usually 5 to 6 ft for this style, and the crest design on paper.
- Carving: hand or CNC, and the depth.
- Storage: lift-up, hydraulic or drawers. Heavy wood lids need stronger pistons.
- Termite treatment on all wood before polish.
- Polish: melamine for a glossy finish, PU for harder wear.
- How it comes apart. A big carved headboard must bolt off, or it will not pass through a standard 3 ft door.
Questions people ask
What is a maharaja bed?
It is a large traditional Indian bed with a very tall carved headboard, strong posts and usually a storage box. The style comes from palace and haveli furniture.
Can a maharaja bed design with box have hydraulic storage?
Yes. Because carved wood lids are heavy, choose higher rated gas lift pistons and check they hold the lid steady when half open.
Is a simple maharaja bed design possible?
Yes. Keep the high back and posts, but limit carving to a border or the crest. A jali pattern cut by machine also gives the look with less hand work.
What size is a maharaja double bed design?
A double takes a mattress 48 inches across and normally 75 inches long. The carved frame adds several inches on each side, so plan for about 4 ft 8 in by 7 ft.
How do I clean the carving on a wooden maharaja bed?
Dust weekly with a soft paint brush, then wipe with a dry cloth. Once a year a light coat of wax polish keeps the wood from drying in winter.
What is the difference between maharaja and royal beds?
Maharaja beds are almost always carved solid wood with a palang shape. Royal beds can also be padded velvet with gold trims. See our royal bed design gallery.