I have had a love of seagrass furniture for a very long time. I am not really so sure why it in particular tugs at my heart strings, but think it somehow stands as a testament to the fact of how well-made furniture was at the turn of the last century and before.
Originally intended for inside use - but as the furniture was so light - and our Queensland climate so balmy - this furniture migrated outside to the deep verandahs. Given our at times harsh weather, beating sun and driving tropical rain, and it only ever being inside furniture, it is truly amazing to have survived the last 80 to 120 years!
In the days before credit cards and with little store credit of any kind, there were few choices to furnish your house other than wedding gifts, savings plans or finding something very affordable! And that is precisely what the seagrass suites were - the furniture for now, until you could save up and buy your more formal lounge furniture. Hence, once the finances improved for a newly-wed couple, this lightweight furniture migrated to the verandah and became a fixture there!
I love how the advert from
The Brisbane Courier in 1919 above, speaks of furniture as 'hygenic' - what is the alternative? Would prefer not to know! And another 1930 advert has
coloured cane furniture as a new innovation, "for sun porches is fast becoming popular, although it has only just been in for a little while."
And even decorating tips found (
here) in a household advice column in 1930, which tells us how by adding coloured seagrass furniture will add "a dash of colour in drawing (rooms) and lounge suites, tables, chairs, rockers, lounges, perambulators, and ... will give just that added distinctiveness."!
Distinctiveness aside, I love how it gives me that vintage vibe with a very relaxed feel. This is my own verandah and my own little collection of these, teemed with Moroccan lanterns, Armadillo&Co 'Dandelion' rug and feather-filled cushions this is a very comfy little corner during the day - as Lily would attest to. She wouldn't move for me to take the pics!
Cane and split cane furniture (the canes are split into half rounds) still survives and usually in much better condition than unpainted seagrass!
Here are a few shots of some of the seagrass and cane chairs that I have in stock at the moment:
And of course, take that 1930s advice - cane and seagrass can be painted white, black or any number of current 'on trend' colours!
Have a lovely weekend!
Jennifer.
x
Hi, do you have an online shop? I live in country Qld (Dirranbandi), and am interested in your lovely cane / seagrass treasures for our old Qld'er house with lovely wide upstairs verandahs........Amanda
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
DeleteI don't as yet, as I can't find a carrier that does low volume, reasonable cost, furniture deliveries across Australia. Email me via the @ symbol at the top of the page if you have a suggestion. I would be interested to get a freight quote from someone you recommend, even if you decide not to purchase.
Cheers,
Jennifer.
That cane furniture indeed looks very lovely. And it is remarkable how resistant and long-lasting it is.
ReplyDeleteWicker furniture is fantastic collection of furniture. Looks very nice and modern in the garden, but also in the inner space. I love this tipe of furniture.
ReplyDeleteYes, and more modern pieces work well for those areas that are going to get some weather, and then the older pieces can be inside or a sheltered little spot. Will have to go and look at your collection! Jennifer.
DeleteI've been lucky to live in older houses since 1989. When we moved to the first one, my friend said to me, your furniture has come home as I've always gravitated to older classics. And I've had both sorts of cane, loving each in my older homes. But now, I'm undergoing a little revolution. I'm embracing mid century design & have some pretzel chairs. I am torn though as they certainly do not have the ambience that yours do!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, I am a fan of mid-century too - but thought I would share the history of the seagrass chairs - that knowledge seems to be disappearing with the chairs! I understand being torn, but I try to mix my styles (this pic was a couple of years ago now) but at the time I had modern side tables, moroccan lamps and blue/white cushions. Now I go for a more streamlined grey cushion look. If you love both, have you tried mixing the pretzel with the seagrass in a setting? Now you have given me some ideas for a 'change around' here .... ! Jen x
DeleteHi were is your store. Please send details of what is in stock. Kavita1@internode.on.net
ReplyDelete