In spite of the seasonal nature of outdoor furniture, however, many of these outdoor pieces unexpectedly held up through the years, and collectors began taking notice of certain manufacturers, lines, or styles that they found especially appealing. Some pieces might have survived because the original owners took better care of all their possessions—“pride of ownership” may have been handed down from their ancestors. Remaining patio sets might have been stored in basements or sheds during the offseason, and cleaned regularly or protected by overhead roofs or shade. Others might have been used indoors. During the post-World War II housing boom, the John B. Salterini NEVA-RUST furniture company marketed its garden furniture in home and garden magazine ads, touting, “It’s the decorative trend, using wrought iron furniture indoors because it brings into your home the freshness and gaiety of a flowery summer garden.” Salterini also made a push for indoor use in magazine advertisements featuring illustrations of lean, long-legged homemakers in high heels and aprons serving dinner on their patio dining tables, with ad copy suggesting the furniture was perfect for budget-minded “young marrieds.” Recommending that homeowners use the garden furniture indoors helped justify the higher price tags on these sets, which were sold at “finer furniture stores” and through interior decorators. West Coast-based companies like O.W. Lee and Brown Jordan focused on producing outdoor furniture that could be used year-round in climates that enjoyed the burgeoning patio culture, like California, Arizona, and Florida. “The midcentury years in Los Angeles were a period of extraordinary creativity, nurturing designers and architects like Charles Eames, Richard Neutra, and John Lautner, while a mild climate allowed people to redefine concepts of architecture and lifestyle,” explains Stephen F. Elton, Chief Brand Officer for Brown Jordan. “Entertaining on the patio or lounging by the pool became a way of life. And Brown Jordan became synonymous with outdoor furniture of timeless design and enduring quality.” Prices vary widely for patio furniture—many sellers don’t know what they have since it has not been well documented. Yes, it’s possible to score a deal on more high-end pieces through sites like eBay or Craigslist, but don’t expect the furniture to be in the pristine condition you might find on auction sites like 1stDibs. However, with research and vigilance, you might find something valuable that you absolutely love. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the most collectible brands of outdoor furniture, including their more popular lines. Notable Features: Lightweight outdoor furniture with zinc-coated tubular steel frames and vinyl cording or strapping that came in turquoise, lilac, orange, yellow and white, with black or bronze frames. Tabletops were made of safety-tempered glass. Notable Lines:
Bronze collection by Walter Lamb. Introduced in the 1940s and made using cotton cording and copper pipe salvaged from naval ships that had sunk in Pearl Harbor, the Bronze collection was popular through the 1960s and reintroduced in 2008. Calcutta, aka Chinese Chippendale Kailua Kantan by Tadao E. Inouye, 1956 Lido Mai Tai by John Caldwell Morning Glory (for Bullocks Wilshire in Los Angeles) Nomad Orient Quantum by Richard Frinier Regent “S” lounge chair by Walter Lamb Sol y Luna Tamiami by Hall Bradley, 1950s Venetian Grotto
Waikiki
Notable Lines and Products:
Bermuda Caribbean Carousel Casino Chiquita Courting swing Edina Grenada Hilo table Holly Hill Jamaica server Kingston Leisure Martinique Montego Nassau glider Riviera Siesta chaise (pictured; courtesy of Kenny K of K2 Modern) Summer Set
Notable Lines and Products:
BrightonDiana the HuntressDouble chaise loungeGreek keyMarinaNassauNeoclassicalSeahorse and Shell (pictured, photo courtesy of eBay member eames14)Zodiac table
The following is a list of companies that produced rattan furniture during its heyday. Pieces tended to be large and were better indoors or under a covered patio. Collectors favor strands—what look like poles—and the more strands, the better. Past collectors include Bruce Springsteen and Diane Keaton.
Franco Albini Heywood WakefieldPaul FranklRittsSeven SeasTropical Sun
Notable Lines and Products:
Banana Leaf Cheerio Clamshell by Italian architect/designer Maurizio Tempestini (pictured, photo courtesy of Kenny K of K2 Modern) Cubist Della Robbia Dogwood French Provincial Ivy Laurel Leaf Lily Pad Magnolia Montego Mt. Vernon Palm Springs Park Avenue Peacock Rambler: Vines, leaves and berries; art nouveau inspired Ribbon by Maurizio Tempestini Riviera by Maurizio Tempestini Rose Leaf Roslyn Sea Island Verdigre Willow
Notables Lines and Products:
AegeanBoccaccioBrasiliaCalifornia RedwoodCantinaCaymanColonyCoventry ManorDown EastJai AlaiLeilaniManele BayMarrakeshOrleansPagodaOrleansSeychelleSouthamptonVerrazano
Notable Lines and Products:
Andalusion Chantilly Rose Chateau Lorraine Daisy Bouquet Grapevine Mayfield Pacific Pinecrest Sculptura Spun fiberglass (pictured; photo courtesy of Kenny K of K2 Modern Trianon Tulip-shaped aluminum
