Ficks Reed Desks
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.
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ficks Reed Desks
Fabric, Rattan, Laminate
Late 20th Century American Ficks Reed Desks
Laminate, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Oak
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Ficks Reed Desks
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Organic Modern Ficks Reed Desks
Rattan, Plywood
1810s American American Colonial Antique Ficks Reed Desks
Mahogany, Leather, Poplar, Pine
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Formica, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Ficks Reed Desks
Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Rattan
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Ficks Reed Desks
Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Ficks Reed Desks
Rattan
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Teak
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Ficks Reed Desks
Laminate, Formica, Wood, Hardwood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ficks Reed Desks
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century North American Ficks Reed Desks
Bamboo, Hardwood
Ficks Reed desks for sale on 1stDibs.
Creators Similar to Ficks Reed
- What is Ficks Reed furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Ficks Reed furniture has been around for more than a century and built their reputation around high-quality furniture made of wicker, rattan, woven peel, bamboo and selected hardwoods. Most of the furniture from this noted brand features a beachy or earthy quality that has a resort feel. Shop a collection of authentic Ficks Reed furniture from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024To identify Ficks Reed furniture, first look for the maker's mark. You can typically find a paper or metal tag located in a discreet spot, such as beneath a tabletop or under the seat of a chair. Examining the materials may also help you make a positive identification. Ficks Reed cane pieces tend to have a smooth, tight weave with no loose ends or irregularities. The furniture maker also typically used rattan or bamboo rather than metal frames. If you need assistance identifying a piece, seek the help of a certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer. Explore an assortment of Ficks Reed furniture on 1stDibs.