You know, browsing those classified ad sites *just because* can be a dangerous thing. You might find all kinds of treasures that you didn’t know you needed. Like a set of vintage tree branch chairs that I had no idea needed to come home with me- until I saw them.

Shopping Vintage
I have been looking for rattan or wicker or old weathered wood furniture for the patio for a bit now. It is something that I will search and browse here and there. I haven’t bumped into too many things that spoke loudly enough to me to message the seller yet. But I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and seeing what is out there.

When we were making the trek up into Tahoe last week – I knew that we would go through Truckee and by Donner Lake- and so, I perused their local ads a bit. On occasion, I have found some amazing French style elements in Truckee and it is an easy stop in on the way. And this time- I bumped into a listing for 4 chairs that were weathered and worn and they stopped my scroll and spoke to me.

Vintage Tree Branch Chairs
I didn’t search for chairs like these, but I think because I had been searching vintage patio- they popped up. The ad was for 4 chairs – all weathered and worn in different ways. I took a closer look and could see that they had the bark on them yet, the seats looked reupholster-able and they were weathered to a beautiful silvery gray color. I messaged the seller for more info- and then we stopped in and picked them up.

Garden Chairs
I have to say, I don’t normally gravitate towards tree branch chairs, etc.though I love faux bois and old garden elements of all kinds. These kind of inspired an English cottage garden or old French Country garden type feeling with their patina- more so than Adirondack which is what I would normally think of. Either way, I was inspired by them when I saw them and imagined them in the garden- tucked under a tree. Or in a field with a wee table for tea and nibbles. Or the porch. Honestly, as I first stared at them- I imagined them in a lot of possible places and I figured for the price- even if we just enjoyed them occasionally – they were well worth it.

When we saw them in person- both my husband and I instantly loved all the character they have. Best party- they are sturdy and usable- just a couple branches need to be tacked back into place. I think they may have been enjoyed on a covered patio area rather than out in the elements and so they have stayed in pretty good condition. And I might have already used them in a photo shoot for a print project.

Old or New?
We didn’t know if these were older chairs- but the lady we bought them from had gotten them years ago from another family in the area that had previously had them for awhile. So they are not a recent score. And then while looking at the seats to see about recovering them- I found that these chairs have a tag on them underneath indicating the company that made them. So by researching that- I found that they were an older style that has not been made in awhile. So they are young vintage probably.

But the good news is- if you love the look- they do make chairs like this even now and make some that are very close to the look if you love it too. I found a couple options that I am sharing below.
They are beautiful! I cannot wait to see where you use them.
Absolutely fabulous. I would stop for the too!
My mom and dad have a chair, rocking chair, settee, and coffee table like that in their gazebo in back yard. Have had them for years. Gazebo is weathered wood not painted So works Together well. And lots of plants and pretty pots, etc.
A fellow here in Arkansas used to make them. I loved how he told of going out behind his house to gather the willow…(that is what the wood is). It seems to be a lost art for I can’t find him and I did buy several from him …they were quite labor intensive and I am so glad you are spotlighting this artform. Have a great week!
Alda
Love the aged look of these beautiful chairs.
Great find! Super tip to check the ads before a road trip!