A bed alcove divides Jefferson’s room. Poplar Forest carpenters reconstructed the frame and masons bricked in the walls and plastered them. Because of the bed’s location, Jefferson would have had to turn either right or left upon entering the room.  

The frame accommodated a six-foot long bed, which meant that 6' 2" Jefferson would have slept propped up, which was usual for the time.

A lunette window, another favorite Jefferson architectural element, lighted the narrow and twisting stairwell at the west end of the room. The stairs led to the lower level.

Winding staircase leading to lower level

Lunette window overlooking the west mound