Somewhat of an overlooked icon of American design, Ficks Reed was founded by Louis Ficks in 1885 as the National Carriage and Reed Company, a New York purveyor of wicker baby carriages. By the turn of the century, however, the company had moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and, under the auspices of Ficks Reed, began manufacturing furniture with wicker, rattan and bamboo.
Over the coming decades, Ficks Reed would benefit from an increased interest in Asian imports, as evidenced in everything from the growing popularity of chinoiserie wallpaper and Chinese porcelain to the Japanese influence in Frank Lloyd Wright’s modern architecture.
The brand was also bolstered by partnerships with several prominent architects and designers throughout the 20th century, including Paul László, Pipsan Saarinen Swanson — creator of the company's Sol-Air Group and elder sister of Eero Saarinen — John B. Wisner, Paul T. Frankl and Dorothy Draper.
Each Ficks Reed partner brought their unique sensibility to the designs — Swanson’s had skeletal frames while Draper, a largely forgotten decorator and pioneer of the Hollywood Regency style, favored more ornate detailing; László created low-slung seats — but all were rendered in the company’s signature wicker and bamboo.
Thanks in large part to the Draper relationship, Ficks Reed furniture has long been a fixture at The Greenbrier and Colony hotels, as well as other luxury properties including the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton resorts and The Breakers in Palm Beach. In 2006, Draper protégé Carleton Varney continued his mentor’s legacy by debuting a new 20-piece collection for Ficks Reed based on her original designs.
A recent resurgence in the popularity of wicker and rattan has given way to newfound demand for Ficks Reed rattan chairs and other furniture in the secondary market, where original vintage pieces are often refinished, repainted or lacquered to further underscore the textural detail of their bamboo and rattan frames.
Find vintage Ficks Reed sofas, tables, armchairs and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Set of Eight Elinor McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Dining Chairs
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A set of eight genuine McGuire organic modern rattan dining chairs featuring of a pair of arm chairs and six side chairs. These impeccably crafted rattan chairs display an upholstere...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
$3,250 / set
H 37.5 in W 21.25 in D 19 in
Set of Six Pierce Martin Modern Bamboo and Rattan Wrapped Arm Chairs
By Pierce Martin
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Six Pierce Martin Modern Bamboo and Rattan Wrapped Arm Chairs, with beige upholstered seat cushions, "Pierce Martin" label to undersides. 37.5" H x 21.25" W x 19" D; seat: 19...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
$39,500 / set
H 31 in W 18 in D 20 in
Radiant Set of 14 Rattan Chairs in Cordovan and Caramel by Wisner for Ficks Reed
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. This large restored set of difficult to find examples is Unique on the market. Expert custom upholstery service is available. An exceptional set fourteen (14) vintage Campaign style dining chairs from a difficult to find seating series by Ficks Reed. The set consists of two (2) host arm chairs and twelve (12) side chairs. Stout rattan and hardwood frame with beautiful cane accents and details. Comfortable, stout and sturdy; intended for heavy regular use. Fabulous design, quality and craftsmanship. Aged to absolute perfection! These unusual pieces...
Cane, Rattan
$10,395 / set
H 38 in W 24.25 in D 21.5 in
Barbara Barry for Baker Script Rattan Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Script Rattan Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each chair measures: 24.25 wide x 21.5 deep x 38 inches high, with a seat height of 19 and arm height/chair clearance ...
Upholstery, Rattan
$10,395 / set
H 37.5 in W 24.25 in D 24.5 in
Barbara Barry for Baker Script Rattan Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Script Rattan Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures: 21.5 wide x 24.5 deep x 37.5 high, with a seat height of 19 inches Each captains chair me...
Upholstery, Rattan
$22,500 / set
H 31 in W 18 in D 20 in
Radiant Set of 8 Rattan Chairs in Cordovan and Caramel by Wisner for Ficks Reed
By John Wisner, Ficks Reed
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. Expert...
Cane, Rattan
Vintage Woven Rattan Dining Chairs in Quadrille
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This set of six vintage dining chairs seamlessly blends Mid-Century Modern silhouettes with the organic warmth of Coastal design. Each chair is expertly crafted with a pencil reed ra...
Fabric, Rattan
$3,200 / set
H 37.5 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
Set of Four Vintage Bielecky Brothers Rattan Wrapped Dining Chairs
By Bielecky Brothers
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A stylish set of four vintage rattan dining chairs by the renowned Bielecky Brothers, celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and hand-woven rattan furniture. These chairs fe...
Upholstery, Rattan, Wood
Set of Seven McGuire Rattan Cane Belden Dining Chairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome set of seven rattan barrel back dining chairs made in the California organic modern coastal style by McGuire artisans. The Belden chairs feature a gracefully curved horsesho...
Brass
Set of Six McGuire Woven Rattan Cane Dining Armchairs
By Jacques Garcia, McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare set of six rattan cane dining armchairs designed by Jacques Garcia for McGuire. The chairs feature a graceful round barrel back design hardwood frame with a near ebony espresso ...
Wicker, Raffia, Rattan, Hardwood
