Guest Picks: Down to the Wire
I'd never thought of chicken wire for furniture before, but it could work well for adding rustic texture or a bit of industrial style without going too hardcore. I see this next to something fluffy or in the kitchen with an egg basket on top for a cheeky display.
I love this unusual coffee table for its airy, linear design and bright orange finish. Its round shape gives a room a completely different look and feel than the traditional rectangular table does, making it the perfect piece to begin a living room makeover.
I like how the polished wire is used to create a pattern on this 3-D sconce. It's a nice tactile alternative to a fabric print. And the way the light and shade play off the surface of the wire creates a subtle contrast.
I love the architectural quality of this stool. Its dense arrangement of fluted wire rods gives it quite a rigid look, but it's softened and warmed by the chocolate padded leather seat. It's a great piece for a space that could use an edgy kick.
What a wonderfully unusual sofa: The wire mesh arms look like mini skyscrapers. A chunky piece of furniture, the frame is offset by the contrasting ivory cushions that lighten the design and make the industrial-style piece feel like a comfy place to sit.
I love this unusual lamp; it's like a floor version of the desk lamp, but more special. Its triangular, wire-like stand is a refreshing departure from the standard pole, making it a perfect complement in a room where more than one floor lamp may be necessary. The raw brass arm warms up the look and makes the structure appear less severe.
Wire baskets make a nice change from the woven kind, but they can feel a bit cold and stark. The canvas lining in this version makes it warmer and more tactile and keeps smaller objects from falling through the frame.
Tray tables, especially this iconic design which features a reversible tray top, are a great combination of function and aesthetic. I like the loopy wire legs that lighten the broad tabletop and make the piece feel more fun.
What a great set of side tables to play with around the house. The color pops and cage-like structures are fun features, and the open side allows them to be pulled right over the arm of a chair or sofa for a cool update to the TV dinner table.
What a cool and unusual way to light a room. The tall wire frame reminds me of a stretched-out daddy longlegs (in a good way). The powder-coated structure encapsulates a fluorescent strip light, which is finished with a turned beech stopper on each end. This is a great piece for adding texture and tonal variation to a minimalist space.
Yes, there is a wire basket that can boast a rich heritage and fine craftsmanship! This Swedish design is rustic meets refined, and it's handwoven from a single wire with no welding to let you down after years of use. It's a good-looking waste basket that will complement painted wood interiors. Or in either galvanized or acid-proof stainless steel, it will endure the outdoor elements and add character to your house or exterior walls as a hanging feature.
A minimalist space with soft, organic shapes would offset the strong geometry of this wire and glass table. Personally, I would warm up the cold lines of the frame more directly with a textured rug, something with a tactile quality, to create an inviting feature rich in contrasts.
A great pop of color, this table is like sunshine in mesh form. I'm seeing it on a floor of rich hardwood with stacks of old books on top, some green plants nearby and a window that gets lots of light. Move it around to any space that could use some instant energy.
This wire basket looks so much like a nest that I'm expecting to see baby birds peeking out. I like the illustrative quality of the piece, with the imperfect arrangement of the randomly bent wires. It looks like a sculptural version of an etching or pencil sketch.
The heavy, old-fashioned ceramic utensil canister just won't do in a sleek, contemporary kitchen. This modern holder made of heavy-gauge chrome not only looks great, but is designed to accommodate both short and long utensils. That way, you don't have to go digging when you need a small implement. Plus, I like the airy design that shows off the utensil handles and makes for a lighter presence on your worktop.
This coffee table is a great example of the versatility of wire. Hand wrapping thin brass wires around an iron frame creates a piece that appears almost buoyant, while still being structurally hardy. It would work well in a small space that could use the volume and presence of a visually light and airy anchor piece.
This is the first wire piece that made me think "feminine" when I saw it. The base structure is elegant in an unusual way, reminding me of a woman wearing a corset. Then it appears to swell downward from the point where the wires tightly converge, balancing the piece beautifully.
Wire can be delicate and pretty, which is especially evident in this piece. The soft gray container inside the basket complements the patina. It's intended to keep flowers, and my choice would be a bouquet of white peonies, which I think would look rather ethereal.
Finally, a TV stand that is light and airy! It's rather unusual, with a wire frame that doesn't follow the lines of the traditional design and orange-tinted glass shelving. Its design is more suited to the streamlined, flat-screen TVs of today, and will offset the common clunky hardware, such as receivers, that can dominate a space.Next: Modern Icons: The Eames Wire Base Table
Such a cool piece, this stool's forward motion, or "flight," is elegant and also a bit menacing. You can take a seat from any angle, stack them up and even use it as an unusual side table — just place a small tray across the seat to create a level surface for drinks or decorative items.
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