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.
1950's Ficks Reed Rattan Split Settee or Lounge Chairs
By Ficks Reed
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare Ficks Reed rattan split seat settee or pair of open sided one arm lounge chairs. Completely original finish and upholstery. Exceptional quality piece of furniture circa 1950's. ...
Upholstery, Rattan
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ficks Reed
By Paul Frankl, Ficks Reed
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location,. Lounge chair and ottoman by Ficks Reed. As found condition. New Straps included. Frames are solid. Upholstere...
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 27.5 in D 35.5 in
Pair of Ficks Reed Rattan Lounge Club Chair Ottoman, John Wisner Campaign Style
By John Wisner, Ficks Reed
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
$2,516
H 29 in W 49 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Rattan Settee in the Style of John Wisner for Ficks Reed
By Ficks Reed
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Vintage settee/loveseat with serpentine arms, in the style of John Wisner for Ficks Reed, 1950s. Very well executed rattan and hardwood construction, with spring support, beautiful ...
Fabric, 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, Wood, Foam, Reed, Rattan, Upholstery
American Designer, Settee, Bamboo, Rattan, Iron, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo, rattan and black-lacquered iron settee or bench designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x 41.25"...
Iron
Mid Century John Wisner for Ficks Reed Rattan Lounge Chair
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid 20th Century John Wisner design for Ficks Reed Rattan and Walnut Lounge Chair. Measures 28.5" in width, 32" in depth and 30" in height. Seat height is 16", 12 " without cushion...
Synthetic, Bamboo, Rattan, Walnut
McGuire Cerused Twisted Rattan Settee and Lounge Chair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of rattan seating hand-crafted in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The set features whimsical twisted pole rattan that gracefully curves aro...
Leather, Fabric, Rattan, Oak
Vintage Ficks Reed Rattan Arm Chair & Ottoman
By Ficks Reed
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Bamboo, Cotton
$4,995
H 33 in W 27.25 in D 32.25 in
Pair of Restored John Wisner for Ficks Reed Far Horizons Rattan Lounge Chairs
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A tasteful fusion of modern, Eastern and boho-chic style. Luxurious bamboo seating group by John B. Wisner for Ficks Reed. Wisner’s “Far Horizons” collection was first introduced in ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Formica
Ficks Reed, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric sofa produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan consistent with age ...
Fabric, Rattan
$5,995 / set
H 31 in W 28 in D 40 in
Vintage John Wisner for Ficks Reed Pagoda Bamboo Rattan Lounge Chairs - Set of 2
By Ficks Reed
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Campaign Style John Wisner for Ficks Reed Pagoda Bamboo Rattan Lounge Chairs with Brass Finish - Set of 2 This fantastic patio chair set features a woven chair back, a bambo...
Wood
$6,800 / set
H 33.5 in W 29 in D 35.5 in
Ficks Reed, Lounge Chairs, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Ficks Reed
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of moulded bamboo, rattan and blue fabric lounge chairs produced by Ficks Reed, USA, c. 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally replaced. Moderate wear to rattan con...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Sold
H 31 in W 75 in D 40 in
Rattan Campaign Style Ficks Reed Far Horizon Collection Sofa by John Wisner
By Ficks Reed, John Wisner
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage rattan Campaign style Ficks reed Far Horizon Collection sofa designed by John Wisner. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The cushions are good, but you may want to reupholster. Has been cleaned, restained, & oiled and one leg wrap been replaced. Brass caps have purposeful patina. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th century. Note: If you love this rattan Ficks Reed Far Horizon Collection by John Wisner sofa...
Brass
Ficks Reed Split Reed Stick Wicker Sofa
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Split Reed sofa, sette by "Ficks Reed" original finish, polychrome trim edges, offered with cushions. We are also offering the matching club chair from...
Reed