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, 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
$3,269
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 70.87 in
Elegant Three-Seater Sofa, Rattan and Bamboo, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant three-seater sofa from the 1960s. Beautifully shaped rattan and bamboo frame. This wonderful sofa is in very good condition with slight signs of wear from age and use, preser...
Bamboo, Rattan
$6,040Sale Price|20% Off
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 Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful vintage rattan Campaign style Ficks reed Far Horizon Collection sofa designed by John Wisner. We love the warm light brown bamboo color on...
Brass
$2,394Sale Price|40% Off
H 31 in W 73 in D 32 in
Restored Mid-century Rattan 3-Strand Full Pretzel 3-Seat Sectional Sofa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored rattan 3-strand full pretzel 3-piece sofa. Meticulously refurbished, its unique design offers a blend of retro charm and modern sophistication. Elevate your...
Fabric, Rattan
Fantastic Restored Vintage Modern Rattan Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent sofa is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: meticulously professionally restored and completely Installation Ready. Expert custom upholstery service is available. An exceptional vintage modern three-seat sofa, circa 1950. Stout, expertly crafted rattan frame construction. Beautiful design and detail. The matching pair of loungers...
Rattan
American Designer, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric, bamboo and rattan sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Cushions reupholstered in brand new fabric. Overall Dimensions (...
Bamboo, Rattan
$2,510
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
Three Seat Rattan Sofa By Palm Springs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Transform your living or lounge space into a sun-drenched retreat with this vintage Palm Springs rattan sofa—a statement piece that effortlessly bl...
Rattan
$6,800
H 25 in W 89 in D 36.25 in
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
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
Henry Olko Mid Century Modern Square Series Rattan Sofa USA 1970s
By Henry Olko, Willow and Reed
Located in Stamford, CT
An exquisite and rare rattan sofa by accomplished Henry Olko for his Willow and Reed company, circa 1975. This unique sofa is from the Olko's Square series. Substantial and sturdy rattan and hardwood construction with precision cane detail. A very comfortable sofa. Cushions are in great condition. There are matching pieces available: A pair of arm chairs...
Fabric, Rattan, Cane, Hardwood
Restored 1940s Pencil Bamboo, Rattan Sofa Set with Armchairs & Table, Italy
Located in Stamford, CT
Restored and reupholstered 1940s pencil rattan sofa, pair of armchairs, and glass top coffee table. It is reminiscent of the rattan creations of Gabriella Crespi. These are substanti...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood, Bamboo
Rattan Settee with Schumacher Fabric Cushions, 1920s
Located in Stamford, CT
1920s Adirondack stylish rattan loveseat. Cushions fabricated in a Schumacher fabric.
Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs by Arco, Rattan & Bamboo, 1970
By Arco
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of large Arco rattan and bamboo lounge chairs made in Germany found in Paris. Circa 1970 in a classic mid century style. Well made and substantial pieces made by the German comp...
Bamboo, Rattan, Rush
Midcentury Rattan Armchairs with Circle Sides, Corset Backs, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of gracefully curved back rattan arm chairs with corset backs and circle sides. Two orange cushions.
Rattan
Victorian Hand-Woven Wicker Chaise Lounge, Late 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
A remarkably sturdy and intact Late 19th Century Wicker Chaise Lounge in old blue painted finish. The seat has been replace with authentic woven reed. It is a great sculptural piece....
Wicker, Rattan, Wood
