Last weekend I had the chance to see one of my all-time favorite furniture lines: Thomas Moser. Best known for their exquisite, hand-crafted wood furniture, the Maine-based company was here in Charlotte to showcase their collection in a trunk show at the Blake Hotel. Visitors were invited to see, touch and experience the furniture. I found myself reclining in a supremely elegant lounge chair, that also happened to be fall-asleep comfortable. Now isn’t that kind of like having your stilettos and wearing them too?
Super comfy: the Cherry Chaise lounge chair by Thos Moser
Thomas Moser is a family-run company based in Auburn, ME, employing local master cabinetmakers in the production of a full range of solid wood furniture. From dining sets to desks, their mission is simple: to “build furniture that celebrates the natural beauty of wood”. What I love about Thomas Moser pieces is how clean and fluid they are in form. You can see traces of Japanese, Craftsman and Shaker aesthetics in the designs, yet they manage to stay both modern and timeless.
One of my favorites of the Moser collection, the Aria chair is unsurpassed in loveliness. My photo doesn’t do it justice.
About 90% of Thomas Moser furniture is solid cherry, sustainably harvested in Pennsylvania. Most pieces are also available in walnut upon request. It takes many, many hours of highly skilled labor to produce even a simple chair. Skilled cabinetmaker Jim Hagan was on hand to explain the painstaking precision and attention to detail that goes into every piece of Moser furniture. The construction of the furniture itself – the dovetail drawer joints and wedged tenons in the chair spindles – is part of the inherent beauty of each piece.
Cabinet maker Jim Hagan discusses the construction of a Thomas Moser chair.
Wedged tenon detail on a Moser chair arm
Thomas Moser furniture is so highly regarded that the White House commissioned a set of chairs for the Pope’s visit during George W. Bush’s presidency.
High endorsement indeed: the Harpswell chair, commissioned for the Pope’s visit to the White House in the 1990’s, is Thomas Moser’s most popular dining chair today.
Thomas Moser furniture is an investment, to be sure. But the prices are commensurate with the quality and workmanship that goes into it. One of the sales reps told me that she’s had customers call to place their first order and they’re so excited. They’ve been saving, maybe for years, to buy a special piece. Well, some people aspire to own a fancy sports car or a Louis Vuitton handbag. While others, they appreciate a fine piece of furniture. I can really relate to that last group!
I’ll leave you with a few more of my favorites from the trunk show:
Four Poster Platform bed and Dr. White’s Chest
Eight Leg Writing Desk and Regent Swivel Chair
Pasadena rocking chair
For more information about Thomas Moser and to view their full catalog, visit their website here.
Last weekend I had the chance to see one of my all-time favorite furniture lines: Thomas Moser. Best known for their exquisite, hand-crafted wood furniture, the Maine-based company was here in Charlotte to showcase their collection in a trunk show at the Blake Hotel. Visitors were invited to see, touch and experience the furniture. I found myself reclining in a supremely elegant lounge chair, that also happened to be fall-asleep comfortable. Now isn’t that kind of like having your stilettos and wearing them too?
