Viennese wickerwork - the term alone conjures up images of elegant coffee houses and iconic chairs. But what is the story behind this timeless material? Let's take a look and discover why it is so trendy again today.
Michael Thonet and the birth of the Viennese wickerwork
Viennese wickerwork actually owes its name to Michael Thonet's traditional German company, because the chairs No. 14 he designed were particularly popular in Viennese coffee houses, which made the material their trademark. In the 19th century, more precisely towards the end of the 1830s, Thonet mainly used canework for his chairs. This was not only cheaper than leather or upholstery, but also much easier to repair. Viennese wickerwork consists of rattan strands, a cane weave from the trunk of the rattan palm, which makes it one of the most sustainable materials in furniture making.
Trend with tradition: The Viennese wickerwork today
The Viennese wickerwork is not only a throwback to the past, but also a trend that shapes the present and future of interior design. Nowadays, it is no longer only found on chairs in coffee houses, but also on upholstered armchairs, stools, dressers and even desks and lamps. The combination of wood and wickerwork gives furniture a light and graceful aesthetic that is timeless and elegant.
Why is Viennese wickerwork so popular?
The advantages of Viennese wickerwork are obvious: it is elastic, stable and extremely comfortable. Michael Thonet was already aware of the advantages of woven seating in the 19th century. The fine transparency of the honeycomb pattern gives the furniture an airy lightness, while the combination of wood and wickerwork creates an appealing contrast. In addition, thanks to the fast-growing rattan palm, wickerwork is considered an extremely sustainable choice in furniture design.
Our 3 ultimate decorio tips:
Chair parade:
No matter what color and shape your chairs are, as long as all the seats are covered with Viennese wicker, it will look harmonious and skillfully coordinated. So nothing stands in the way of a mix-and-match chair parade!
Less is more:
Nowadays, almost everything from vases to cupboards is covered with Viennese wickerwork. Make sure that you have a good mix of materials and that not too many different objects are covered with it. Otherwise it can quickly look overloaded and too much.
DIY project:
You can buy Viennese wickerwork by the meter in various thicknesses. Have you ever thought about covering an old glass display case with it yourself? There are numerous DIY options, you just have to be creative.
Viennese wickerwork as a must-have for your home
The Viennese wickerwork has not only proven itself as a classic interior design style, but is still a timeless statement in every room today. From the cozy Viennese coffee houses of the 19th century to today's modern apartments, it has established itself as an indispensable part of interior design.
The tradition lives on, and while designers and manufacturers continue to play with colors, shapes and functions to set new trends, you too can unleash your creativity. Whether you arrange a mix of different chairs with Viennese wickerwork, pay attention to a balanced mix of materials or try your hand at exciting DIY projects - be inspired by this timeless elegance and bring a piece of Viennese tradition with a modern twist into your home!
