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.
Ficks Reed Style Sofa Patio Furniture Rattan Vintage Sofa Palm Beach
Located in Rochester, NY
Ficks Reed style 3 seater sofa in immaculate condition. Part of a set including another armchair. DM for details on set! But this piece is gorgeous and in immaculate vintage conditi...
Rattan, Wood
1980s Rare Palecek Sculptural Rattan President Sofa
By Palecek Furniture
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning rattan sofa you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the best, i...
Rattan
Coastal Rattan Settee with Botanical Upholstery
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The settee with botanical upholstery brings a relaxed but refined touch to your room. Its handwoven rattan frame and softly patterned cushions create an airy, natural look. Curved ar...
Fabric, Rattan
Vintage Braided Rattan Magnolia Print Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Embrace the effortless elegance of Palm Beach style with this stunning vintage braided rattan sofa. A definitive example of Hollywood Regency design with a tropical twist, this piece features a meticulously hand-woven frame accented by thick, sculptural braided trim that traces its sweeping silhouette. The natural honey-toned rattan provides a warm, organic foundation that perfectly complements the plush, deep-seated cushions. Upholstered in a timeless magnolia floral print in crisp white and verdant green, this sofa brings a fresh, botanical energy to any curated interior. Its generous scale and high-quality craftsmanship make it a sophisticated anchor for a sun-drenched sunroom or a breezy coastal living area. This substantial lounge sofa measures 85.5” long, 32” deep (with a 21.5" seat depth), and 30” high at the back, featuring a comfortable 16.5” seat height at the front. It remains in great vintage condition, with the rattan frame displaying minor scuffs and a beautiful natural patina consistent with its age and history. The magnolia print...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
Radiant Restored Vintage Rattan Cane Basketweave Parsons Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning restored Billy Baldwin style Parsons three-seat sofa, circa 1975. Elegant hardwood form, painstakingly veneered in basketweave cane. Exceptional quality and craftsmanship....
Cane, Hardwood
$3,500
H 33 in W 39 in D 56 in
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian Rattan & Split Reed Barrel Back Loveseat Sofa Chic
Located in Dayton, OH
A quaint vintage Bohemian barrel back loveseat, circa 1970s. Made from a contoured split reed frame with woven rattan panels. Features a white uph...
Fabric, Rattan, Reed
$11,500
H 28 in W 55 in D 40 in
Restored Rattan 3-Strand Sectional Settee Sofa by Paul Laszlo for Ficks Reed
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Restored original 1950 Paul Laszlo designed three-strand sectional settee featuring three-strand staple-shaped arms and arched bases made by Ficks Reed furniture company. This stunni...
Rattan
$4,415
H 30.71 in W 51.19 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Italian Tropical Chic Loveseat by Vivai del Sud, Rattan & Bamboo
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Catania, CT
This is an exceptional and highly sought-after Mid-Century Italian loveseat settee manufactured by the celebrated Roman design house, Vivai del Sud, circa the 1960s. The piece exempl...
Bamboo, Rattan
$7,450
H 29.5 in W 82.25 in D 21 in
Vintage McGuire Rattan Rings Sofa in Peter Fasano for John Roselli “Sconset”
By McGuire
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional vintage McGuire sofa is a masterclass in coastal sophistication and artisanal craftsmanship. Featuring McGuire’s iconic rattan-wrapped joints and the signature tripl...
Fabric, Rattan, Bamboo
Midcentury Organic Modern Bent Rattan Sofa Demilune Ends
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Divine midcentury organic modern bamboo rattan sofa or settee with demilune or crescent shaped ends. The bentwood rattan frame features a channel back conforming seat cushion with ne...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Restored Mid-Century Rattan Sectional Sofa with Custom Upholstery
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Experience the perfect blend of Old Florida charm and Chinoiserie elegance with this meticulously restored Mid-20th Century rattan sectional. This four-piece set features custom textured upholstery by Sunbrella, offering vintage appeal with modern comfort. The addition of four navy textured throw pillows...
Rattan, Upholstery
Restored Mid-Century Coastal Rattan Sofa in Catalina With Sunbrella Fabric
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A remarkable mid-century rattan sofa that embodies the relaxed elegance of Old Florida design. Professionally restored and refinished in Benjamin Moore’s Catalina, this substantial s...
Rattan, Paint
Mid-20th Century Monumental Restored Stacked Rattan Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
The piece has been reimagined with modern functionality, featuring custom-built hidden storage compartments beneath each seat cushion—perfect for stowing away throws, pillows, or ent...
Upholstery, Rattan, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Pencil Reed Rattan Sofa-Sculptural Rolled Arms & Brass Feet
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Absolutely stunning monumental pencil reed rattan sofa featuring oversized sculptural rolled arms with intricate woven detailing and brass cap feet. A statement piece with strong Org...
Rattan, Wood, Plywood
Vintage Rattan Chippendale Fretwork Settee Bench With New Sunbrella Cushion
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
stunning vintage rattan Chippendale fretwork settee showcasing an elegant geometric lattice back, gracefully curved arms, and beautifully handcrafted bent rattan construction. The i...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Coastal Bent Rattan Sofa by Ficks Reed With Houndstooth Upholst
By Ficks Reed
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Classic bent rattan meets graphic drama in this Mid-20th Century three-seat rattan sofa by Ficks Reed. Featuring an arched apron design and curved rattan arms, the frame has been pre...
Upholstery, Rattan
