How To Buy Good Cane Antique Chairs
Cane has been used in furniture making for centuries already. Its widespread use, however, can be somewhat attributed to the first production of the Bentwood Chair in 1859 by Michael Thonet. Basically, a patterned cane seat is used to fill up the seat frame for a wooden chair. As cane production is sustainable and produced cane patterns are aesthetically interesting, it was only a matter of time before cane was also used in tables, sofas, armoires, and other furniture. Today, cane antique chairs from their golden era in 1859 to the 1920s are considered valuable collectibles.
Early cane antique chair designs were of the traditional Victorian style – ornately styled with serpentine crests, rolling arms, and fancily styled backs. The store Dovetail Antiques, which specializes in dealing antique wicker furniture, has a large number of options for cane-seated wicker chairs of the Victorian era. There are single pieces from the famous Heywood Brothers and Company for sale at $1450 to $1650, with restoration and painting included in the prices. There are also available sets - $4850 for a set of 3-piece parlor set in ball feet, and $2250 for a wicker chair and rocker set – quite a bargain! A lovely and rare high back walnut Victorian office chair with a caned back and seat is also available in Southampton Antiques at $1750. But if you have extra bucks to spend, I recommend you go for Newel Antiques’ superb paper mache Victorian chair black lacquered and pearl inlaid f caned seat – at a reasonable enough price of $2250.
Aside from Victorian pieces, cane antique chairs also came in the form of French-inspired furniture. Sets of antique French caned chairs are available in Newel Antiques. Prices of Louis XV sets range from $18000 to $37500, depending on the number of pieces and the type of chairs and material. The cheapest, when taken per piece, is a set of 8 gilt side chairs for $18000. The $37500 set contains 12 walnut side chairs with caned seats and backs. For Louis XVI sets (distinguished by their straight leg designs), prices range from $4500 to $42500. The cheapest, at $4500 for a 6 piece set of bronze-bordered mahogany side chairs, is a very good deal for starting collectors. The most expensive set priced at $42500 is a set of 10 lyre-back mahogany side chairs – still a pretty good deal! At the same price and same number of pieces, there is also a French Regence style option - white with intricate carved legs and seats and backs made of cane.
If you are not really an antique collector, but would still love to have pretty cane furniture in your home, there are also contemporary makers of furniture based on antique cane chair making techniques. Most of the styles being made today conform to Mission Style furniture – simple and functional. The Cane Company and the 1st for Cane Furniture stores are two providers of modern cane furniture, among others. Also, as cane furniture can be damaged, especially by pets, knowing good restorers of antique cane furniture, like The Cane Corner, is also a must. Other stores which offer restoring services can also be found per area in Wicker Woman.
Antique cane chairs are classic pieces that bring a light and fresh look to any room. It is important, however, to pair them appropriately with contemporary furnishings. Antique cane furniture pieces generally make lovely statements when located in the living room or bedroom, especially when matched with an oriental rug and other fitting accessories.
|
|
Madisonville, Washington Court House, Parkersburg, Cocoa, McMinnville, Stockbridge, Missouri, Oak Park, Brookfield, Rancho Mirage, Arkansas, Stevens Point, Rialto, Eagle Pass, St. Louis, South St. Paul, Milledgeville, Pensacola, Metuchen, Kirkwood, Mason, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Shelbyville, Bristol, San Luis Obispo, New Mexico, Fitchburg, South Dakota, Arroyo Grande, Aberdeen, Mount Kisco, Trussville, Jersey City, Graham, Wyoming, Connecticut, Titusville, Gallup, North College Hill, Port Lavaca, Bay City, Madison, Ionia, Petaluma, East Orange, Burkburnett, Owatonna, Jeannette, Garden City, Brawley, Richmond, Hoboken, Belle Glade, Red Bank, Harvey, Franklin, Louisville, Beaumont, District of Columbia, Oregon, Clearwater, Sammamish, Sedona, Sugar Hill, Rye, Millville, Ridgefield Park, Azusa, Kendallville, Racine, Boynton Beach