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.
1970s Rattan Wicker Sculptural Rolled Back Dining Side Chairs, Set of 4
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare sculptural rattan dining chairs set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful s...
Rattan
1960s MCM Rattan Wicker Pink Slipper Lounge Chairs, Set of 2
By Ficks Reed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, rattan pink upholstered slipper chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautif...
Upholstery, Rattan
1960s Rattan Wicker McGuire Reclined Club Chairs, Set of 2
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare reclined wicker chairs you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is stateme...
Leather, Upholstery, Rattan
1970s Rattan Sculptural Peacock Chairs, Set of 2
By Ficks Reed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, rattan chairs you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best...
Upholstery, Rattan
1970s Rattan around Barrel Dining Table and Chairs, Set of 4
By Michael Taylor
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, rattan dining table and chairs set you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful s...
Rattan, Glass
1970s Rattan Reed Curved Art Deco Style Sofa and Coffee Table, set of 3
By Ficks Reed
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, Organic twist reed living suite you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set ...
Upholstery, Rattan, Reed, Glass
RATTAN WICKER ARMCHAIRS WITH STOOL LINA ZERVUDAKI, FRANCE 1950s
By Lina Zervudaki
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Stunningly beautiful and very rare rattan armchair set with textile upholstery in excellent original condition attributed to the weaving master Lina Zervudaki who modernized and revo...
Textile, Bamboo, Rattan
Sublime Pair of Modern Rattan and Cane Lounge Chairs by Ficks Reed, circa 1950
By Ficks Reed
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and installation ready. These rare examples are unique on the World market. Expert custom upholstery service is available. An incredible meticulously restored pair of unique modern rattan and cane lounge chairs from a limited series by Ficks Reed Company, circa 1950. Expertly crafted hardwood and rattan construction with cane panel detail. A fabulous design that is extremely comfortable. Unforgettable chairs intended to anchor a memorable room. Excellent Restored Condition. The chairs have been professionally cleaned and re-lacquered; the finish demonstrated a beautiful warmth, depth and sheen. Newly upholstered in a fine neutral textured Romo fabric. Retains the maker mark. All cane bindings are intact and complete. The price listed is for the pair of chairs and...
Cane, Rattan, Wood
1960's Italian Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in New York, NY
1960's modern Italian rattan lounge chairs with new Bouclé fabric upholstery, lightly restored with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Bouclé, Rattan
Set of Four Midcentury Painted Wicker Rattan Cube Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern set of four off-white painted wicker cube lounge chairs or club chairs. Constructed from rattan frames covered with woven wicker and pai...
Wicker
Pair of Ficks Reed Rattan Lounge Club Chair Ottoman, John Wisner Campaign Style
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair Ficks Reed rattan Campaign style lounge or club chairs plus one ottoman with interesting brass cap accents by John Wisner for the Far Horiz...
Upholstery, Rattan
A sculptural set of three mid century modern rattan club chairs
Located in Houston, TX
A sculptural set of three mid century modern rattan club chairs with a side table, circa 1970s. Beautifully proportioned with rounded barrel backs and a warm, organic presence, these...
Bamboo
