Which kinds of furniture have been made with basketry?

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Basketry has been used to create various types of furniture since ancient times, valued for its durability, lightness, and comfort. Because these materials are often ephemeral, much of our knowledge regarding their early history comes from illustrations and literary references rather than surviving physical artifacts.12

Common pieces of furniture crafted using basketry techniques include:

  • Seats: This includes various types of chairs, such as the simple, armless basket chair with a round seat, as well as more complex designs like lounge chairs featuring footrests and arms.123
  • Beds and Cradles: These have been produced using basketry methods from ancient times to the modern era.12
  • Tables: Basketry is frequently employed in the construction of garden tables.12
  • Cabinets: Various styles of cabinets have been created using these traditional techniques.2

While often associated with domestic use, these items were also adapted for specialized environments, such as the wicker furniture developed for ocean liners traveling to the tropics. In the Victorian era, basket chairs became particularly popular for both indoor and garden use, often enhanced with cushions or upholstery.13