Guest Picks: Wonderful Wire
Use the strength and versatility of modern and vintage wirework to bring creativity to your home
Wirework has a long history in homewares. From its humble beginnings as a means to repair precious broken pottery in 17th-century Slovakia, it gradually spread throughout Europe, thanks to itinerant tinkers whose clever hands created a huge array of household items from the simple material. These days, the strength and versatility of wire attracts modern designers who show the same creativity in their work as those wandering craftsmen from long ago. Here are some inspiring vintage and modern examples of wonderful wire.
— Lori from automatism
— Lori from automatism
Vestal Fire Screen
I love the hip midcentury vibe of the Vestal fire screen by John Lyle. An intricately designed bronze sculpture rather than wire work, its great style would work well with any modern space.
Wire Mail Box
Even bills would look good in this pretty mail box from Cox & Cox. Use it inside your front door to catch the mail when it's delivered, or on your desk to organize the paperwork.
Moooi Carbon Chair
Designed in 2004 by Bertjan Pot and Marcel Wanders for Moooi, the Carbon Chair's use of carbon fiber drained in epoxy resin not only makes it light and strong, but suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Bird Cages
This pair of birdcages would look just as good with a little felt bird or plant inside as it would with the real thing. Though I think I like it even more as a way to display artwork, as shown here.
Eames Wire Side Chair
The classic Wire Side Chair, designed in 1951 by Charles and Ray Eames, is a showcase for the versatility of wire. Both strong and lightweight, it looks as good today as it did back then. It is available in a choice of seat and back cushions.
Petra Pendant Lamp
Add a warm glow to your dining or living room with the Petra Pendant Lamp, handmade from iron wire finished with an antiqued copper patina. I love its organic modern design.
Wire Wall Rack
I love the prettiness of this wall rack from Cox & Cox. And its size makes it perfect for adding storage to an odd corner in the kitchen, bathroom or home office.
Vintage Four Bottle Wine Carrier By Vintage French Linens
This charming French vintage wine bottle carrier will tote four bottles of vintage bubbly in style — a great housewarming party gift.
Wire Lanterns
I love the simple clean lines of these outdoor lanterns from West Elm. They create a pretty way to add light to an evening on the patio or a midnight dip in the pool.
Alessi Nuvem Round Wire Basket
I love the loose, scribbly look of this wire basket, with its playful relaxed vibe. Great for displaying fruit on a modern table.
Vintage Wire Basket By Experimental Vintage
Here is a vintage wire egg basket that would look just as nice storing fruit, veggies or a small collection of, say, antique wooden spools.
Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise With Seat Pad
Designed by Harry Bertoia over 50 years ago for Knoll, the Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise remained a prototype until 2005, when Knoll brought it into production. I love the free form sculptural shape of this piece; it's a work of art as much as it is seating.
Vintage Wire Frame Lampshade Photo Display By Red Truck Designs
This is such a clever way to use a vintage lampshade frame — though its pretty shape would look just as good covered with fabric.
Wire Hanger By Areaware
Inspired by the shape of the classic hanger, the Wire Hanger by Areaware is a great way to organize odds and ends in the hallway, office or other areas where space is at a premium.
Vintage Wire Magazine Rack By msmichiganroux
I love the simplicity of this midcentury wire magazine rack, and its gold tone adds a touch of glam. It would be a great choice for displaying your prettiest interior design magazines.
Photo Mobile
Designed by Will van den Bos in 2003, the Photo Mobile is a playful way to display favorite photos, postcards and artwork by the kids. I love how it's an ever-changing decorative element.
Entrelace Modern Hanging Chandelier Light
Made from an intertwined nest of aluminum wire, the Entrelace Chandelier has a lovely scribbly quality to it — rather like a Ronald Searle drawing.
Contemporary Storage And Organization
Add a touch of country chic to your home with the Three-Tier Chicken Weave Rack from Black Rooster Decor. Not only is it pretty, but it's also a clever way to add storage to a space without the bulk.
Wire Book Holder
Display your prettiest books or photos on this simple book holder from Haus Interior. I love its industrial, handmade look.
Baffling Wire Puzzles Game
Give family game night a twist and take turns learning the secret of this traditional disentanglement game. A charming reproduction of a vintage collection, the set features 12 wire puzzles in a beautiful retro packaging.
Next: 18 Great Midcentury Modern Chairs
Next: 18 Great Midcentury Modern Chairs