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.
1960s French Rattan Daybed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible vintage rattan daybed from France, 1960s. Long rattan frame with croisillon detail. Original rattan shows nice age and patina. Newly a...
Linen, Rattan
Rattan Sofa by Clark Casual
Located in Highland, IN
This lovely rattan sofa has a dynamic frame of curved and swooping lines which make it a delight from every angle. The basket-like form cradles the seat and back cushions and makes f...
Upholstery, Rattan
Pair of rattan daybeds, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of rattan italian daybeds The piece showcases a lovely overall condition and patina. Do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information. We would be more than deli...
Rattan
1970's Vintage Wicker Daybed
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Beautiful Woven Wicker Rattan Day Bed. The woven wicker bed features an open fretwork design on each side. The bed will require a new cushion and upholstery. Please contact us for c...
Wicker
Large Tito Agnoli (attr) Bamboo Daybed Bamboo and Rattan Daybed
By Bonacina, Tito Agnoli
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sensational large bamboo daybed with elegant curvature on legs and beautiful woven rattan details. Sturdy, lightweight frame. In original condition with visible wear consistent with ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Restored Two-Strand "1940s Transition" Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This restored two-strand "1940s Transition" rare rattan chaise lounge showcases the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The intricate rattan weaving evokes a sense of nostalgia, while the...
Rattan
Vintage Coastal Stick Rattan Loop Loveseat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring seaside elegance to your space with this Vintage Coastal Stick Rattan Loop Loveseat. Its unique looped design and durable rattan frame offer a blend of style and comfort, makin...
Rattan
Day Bed With High Side Rails, Crafted In Wicker
Located in Roma, RM
Day Bed With High Side Rails and curved motifs, Crafted In Wicker. The mattress/cushion is not included, the price refers to the daybed without the cushion. If you are interested in ...
Wicker
Rattan Trellis Sofa by Creel and Gow
By Creel and Gow
Located in New York, NY
Rattan Trellis sofa. Made for Creel and Gow in Morocco: Measures: 75" x 30" x 38" H- Seat Height with Cushion: 19". Introducing Creel and Gow's exclusive wicker and rattan collecti...
Rattan
Vintage Bamboo & Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage bamboo and rattan chaise lounge/divan. Good, sturdy condition with some wear due to normal age and use. No cushions included.
Bamboo, Rattan
Ficks Reed Rattan Lounge Chair & Ottoman, 1970's
By Ficks Reed
Located in Rochester, NY
Ficks Reed rattan large cube form lounge chair and matching ottoman in as found very nice original finish. Measures together - 58" w x 30" d x 30" h to top of back seat cushion of c...
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan, Reed, Foam, Wood
Pair Tall Rattan Armchairs Lio Carminati, Italy, 1950's
By Gio Ponti, Lio Carminati
Located in Rochester, NY
In the style Gio Ponti, a great looking pair of large tall wing back rattan armchairs in overall nicely aged original warm honey colored surface. Lio Carminati, Italy circa 1950's. 5...
Rattan, Cane
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Radar Wrought Iron Chaise Lounge
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Rochester, NY
By designer Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini a wrought iron Radar outdoor garden chaise lounge ( lounge chair and leg rest ) in old black painted surface w/ scattered areas of wear ...
Wrought Iron
Pair Rattan Round Chairs / Pod Chairs - Style of Isamu Kenmochi, Circa 1960's
By Isamu Kenmochi
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of rattan round chairs / pod chairs in old white painted surface. These chairs were made in Hong Kong likely by the Deutsch Trading Company and are very similar to the Isamu Ken...
Wicker, Rattan, Paint
Set of Three Salterini Curved Wrought Iron Outdoor Garden Benches, 1950-1960
By Salterini
Located in Rochester, NY
A matched set of three Salterini wrought iron curule form garden benches with mesh tops / raised floret decoration on sides / circular hollow disc feet. As found from estate - struc...
Wrought Iron
Pair James Mont King Cole Chairs, Circa 1960's
By James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of King Cole Chairs. The name of these chairs comes from a James Mont commission for a lavish penthouse design in the King Cole building in Miam...
Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Bentwood
