Sometimes when you are out on the road minding your own business- it happens. You are just driving on by when you spot a treasure sitting on the side of the road just begging for attention. Something that catches your eye for one reason or another- and that makes you contemplate pulling over to take a closer look. Were you looking for anything in particular? Not necessarily. So do you drive by? Or do you stop and see what it’s all about?
Trash or Treasure
You know me. You already know the answer. Of course we pulled over. And of course…this roadside ‘trash’ vintage wicker treasure came home with me.
Vintage Wicker
Oh how I have a soft spot for vintage wicker. There is that olive green desk I brought home a few months back that is in the attic. The cute little coffee table that has curly details. And a vintage wicker in red bits that I haven’t shared yet- but will soon.
It’s not that I search for these treasures. It is almost like they find me and then, my knees go a bit weak at the potential of what they could look like- and I bring them home. Usually though, deciding on bringing something home involves contemplating the price which might give you some pause. But when it is on the side of the road marked FREE- well, that factor is off the table. So this vintage wicker cutie kind of had me at hello. Note- I haven’t redone anything on this yet so most of the photos I am sharing are the unedited just loaded it up & brought it home photos so you can see what it looks like currently.
Free Vintage Wicker Sofa
Can you really blame me for this one? It was actually my husband who spotted it as we drove by on our way to do an early morning hike at the lake. I actually didn’t see it until we were on our way back and he pointed it out. It is almost as if he wanted to find a trash to treasure piece that day, right?
The Good
The vintage wicker is delightful. In good vintage condition without breaks or holes. The perfect amount of chippy paint and patina and it is sturdy as they come.
The Bad
It was missing the cushions and the underlayment to hold the cushions. So, technically, it will require a little bit of an investment to make it usable. There was a bit of unravel of the wicker on the legs but not even something I would consider as bad.
The Ugly?
Nope, it definitely was not ugly in my opinion so there is none here. It actually has a lovely old pattern to the wicker and so much sweet charm.
The Plan
Obviously, this vintage wicker charmer went in the car. haha. I mean, was it even really a question? And as you can see, I haven’t gotten around to fixing this one up yet- but I do have a plan. First up is to cut a piece of plywood for a base for the cushions and then to either find a curved cushion that fits or cut one out of thick foam. Originally this had 3 cushions- we chatted briefly with the person who set it out for free and got a bit of history on it. And the fun part is going to be the upholstery. I have an idea of what that will look like already and if it turns out like I think it will- I think you will love the look too.
Spoiler… I am leaning towards not planning to paint it or refresh the vintage wicker at this time. I know some will disagree with that but I love old chippy patina and this paint is not flaking off all crazy- it is just old chipped paint. So for now- will hose it down and leave it. It has been a tad crazy here this past week so I haven’t jumped in to fixing it up yet but I am itching to get to it and am hoping to get it wrapped up in the next week and will share then.
Trash or Treasure?
What do you think of this treasure? I guess since this is yet an unfinished trash or treasure- it technically looks like trash yet so do tell if you would have decided to bring it home. Would you have brought it home or left it for someone else to tackle fixing up?
Stay tuned for more on this one (and the other one I mentioned too) And in case you missed the velvety fringed trash or treasure goodness I shared recently- you can find that post HERE.
Shop the Look
If you don’t want to wait to find a roadside wicker treasure- you can get a similar look below.
Very nice find. I would have picked it up as well. Did you find a label underneath? Maybe old Ficks Reed??
Oh I haven’t even looked. I will take a peek and let you know in the finished post. Thanks Colleen
Love the wicker, especially since it has Three seats, BEAUTIFUL curved arms, braided wicker trim. Cant wait to see your fabric selection. Love it! Jane
Thanks Jane! I think it will be so darling when it is finished!
Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Do you ever test anything fot lead paint? I am an antique lover too and recently my husband was concerned about a piece i picked up on marketplace, and sure enough he was right. It was lead. Just wondering if that ever concerns you
I think a ‘thank you’ note is in order to the generous roadside donor! it would not have lasted long enough for a return trip if that had been screaming “take me home!” anywhere near me. I’d paint it though if it were mine. the vintage should come through without the wear, i suspect. like it got gussied up for the party.
I love wicker and would have stopped. If my husband was driving, he’d Hit the gas pedal! Lucky you❤️
As the saying goes one man’s trash is another man’s treasure
Love it would have definitely hit the brakes!!
As I fellow Scavenger of free vintage pieces I would totally have picked it up. My philosophy on this type of find is I have nothing to lose and possibly a treasure once it’s given a little love. Haha.
Karen B.
Is that “even a question??” We picked up wrought iron TWIn bed Head railings…they are now railings on our bridge over small stream. You w/TURn that sofa into an art!! franki
I, too, would have stopped and taken this piece! Looking forward to seeing the upholstery you have selected.
How could you not pick this up. It will look fantastic when its redone. Excellent find.
I definitely would have stopped for that too. I love white wicker. I have several pieces. I look forward to seeing the material you choose for the cushions. I love your taste in everything you do. you constantly inspire me .
thank you
I love the Wicker couch . great find. yes I would have taken it home also .
I am moving soon and want to paint the walls white. I would love to know what your favorite color is , for inside White Walls.
very nice find! i would get three square items and put in each of the missing portons. have the containers come up to the size of the each area. plant some beautiful flowers in each and it would look each more cozy.
No…not for me.
I would definitely have stopped and picked it up. I love old wicker pieces so much!
Yes it’s a keeper. Agree for now that a hose might be the ticket. Depending on where it ends up painting wouldn’t be out of the question. I can so see it in a lovely green or rosey red with a beautiful floral chinz and sink in cushions. Like always good eye and can’t wait to see it become!
It’s gorgeous!!! I would have picked it up too!