Vienna straw is considered a real “historical” component and, among the natural fibers, (in which we also consider rattan, wicker and bamboo) one of the most loved and used. Always used in the world of furniture and overwhelmingly back in fashion in recent years, adapting to the latest trends and styles. Historically, its use has distant origins, its name derives, in fact, from the seat with straw weave – a vegetable fiber obtained from rattan cane – typical of the Thonet chair number 14 in bent wood, created in 1860 by Michael Thonet. . The iconic seat, still produced today and known as model 214, has become a true symbol of traditional Austrian coffees and beyond. opened the field to interesting experiments that have come down to the present day. Today we find Vienna straw used not only to make seats, but all kinds of furniture and furnishing accessories.An up-to-date, refined and romantic-flavored component
Elegant, light and “transparent” and therefore discreet and unobtrusive, Vienna straw gives the furnishings an innate quality and blends well with both the most classic styles and the most contemporary solutions to which it gives aesthetic quality and a romantic allure typical of natural fibers. Perfect to be combined with other components, it dresses very well the furniture and furnishings of the living area as well as the pieces that furnish the bedroom because it always offers interesting, transversal and truly timeless combinations. The designers who love it mostMaterial of great tradition owes part of its comeback to some of the most famous names on the international design scene. Designers such as Nendo, GamFratesi, Piero Lissoni, Sebastian Herkner, but also the strong-willed Patricia Urquiola (just to name a few) have often expressed themselves with this material, rethinking tradition with new and interesting interpretations. Designed to embellish bed headboards, small furnishing accessories, lamps, lighting systems and to complete interesting wall patterns, Vienna straw has once again become one of the preferred materials for designers and architects. Freed from a thought that too often saw it linked to traditional, rich and affectionate styles, such as country or shabby chic, in the new “contemporary” versionPerfect for new experiments
Whether it’s an old grandmother’s piece of furniture recovered and restored and perhaps inserted in a contemporary style environment, or new furnishings that reinterpret this interesting process, Vienna straw is experiencing a new golden age. Combined and combined not only with classic wood essences, but composed and developed with different and new generation materials, such as fabrics, metals and / or synthetic and plastic fibers, it opens the field to interesting, daring experiments, but always characterized by a certain refined taste. Furthermore, the handmade weaving makes this process extremely resistant and therefore suitable for the most diverse uses.
Light and refined, a healthy bearer of history and an unconventional elegance, as well as a truly unmistakable vintage allure, the Vienna straw, rediscovered by the world of interior in recent years, is a truly interesting return to the past that opens to new domestic scenographies to be discovered.
Claudia Schiera
