The Furniture

Over his lifetime, Thomas Day became a master cabinetmaker and entrepreneur. The legacy of his career as a furniture maker can be seen through his strong, characterizing design features like fluid linework, wavelike and spiral shapes, and unique motifs that still make his work recognizable today. His work is specialized by the use of materials like imported mahogany and the use of veneers on his furniture. Today, the works of Thomas Day can be found in museums and private collections all across the country.

The North Carolina Museum of History currently holds the largest collection of Thomas Day Furniture as he is largely considered the 'father of the North Carolina furniture industry.'

Below, explore some of the pieces found in the Thomas Day House.

Dresser with mirror, 2 drawers on dresser top, all dovetailed Dresser with mirror, 2 drawers on dresser top, all dovetailed	Marble top washstand Marble top washstand	Bureau with Book Page style top drawers, 3 dovetailed drawers, serpentine pilasters, and rolled feet Bureau with Book Page style top drawers, 3 dovetailed drawers, serpentine pilasters, and rolled feet
Walnut Settee with carved frame, curved lines, and Thomas Day signature Walnut Settee with carved frame, curved lines, and Thomas Day signature	Side chair with minimal decoration and leather seat Side chair with minimal decoration and leather seat	Side Chair with Original Finish and Upholstered Seat Side Chair with Original Finish and Upholstered Seat
Marble Top Server - Mirrored Back - Curvilinear Legs and Supports Marble Top Server - Mirrored Back - Curvilinear Legs and Supports	Bedstead walnut bench with scrolled feet and castors Bedstead walnut bench with scrolled feet and castors	Parlor chair, tufted back Parlor chair, tufted back

"Thomas Day, Cabinet Maker returns his thanks to his friends and the public for the patronage he has received, and wishes to inform them that he intends continuing his business at his old stand, and is well prepared to manufacture all kinds of Mahogany, Walnut, and Stained Furniture. He has on hand a small stock of Mahogany Furniture, made of the best St. Domingo mahogany, in the newest fashion, and executed in the most faithful manner."

Advertisement, The Hillsborough Recorder, April 6, 1825

Governor Reid Collection at Thomas Day House

David Settle Reid (1813–1891) was a prominent North Carolina politician—serving as governor and a U.S. Senator—who was a major client and patron of Thomas Day. Reid, along with his wife Henrietta Settle Reid, commissioned furniture from Day's Milton, NC workshop during the 1850s, including a mahogany bureau and a walnut lounge.

Despite living in a time of intense racial restrictions and slavery, Day’s reputation for excellence secured patrons like Reid, allowing him to operate a successful business, although he ultimately faced insolvency following the financial panic of 1857.