Vintage Ercol furniture has become a popular choice for home interiors in recent years. Ercol is a British furniture company that has been around for over 100 years, producing handcrafted furniture with a focus on quality, style, and functionality. The company’s signature style combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements, resulting in timeless pieces that are sought after by collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Ercol furniture and the reasons why vintage Ercol vintage furniture is so desirable.

History of Ercol Furniture

The Ercol furniture company was founded in 1920 by Lucian Ercolani, an Italian immigrant to England. Ercolani had studied at the Shoreditch Technical Institute, where he honed his woodworking skills. He started his furniture-making career designing chairs for the Parker Knoll company, where he gained experience in the art of steam-bending wood. In 1920, he set up his own furniture business, Ercol, in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

Ercol’s early designs were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the importance of traditional craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. Ercolani’s furniture was made from solid wood, and the pieces were designed to be both functional and beautiful. Ercol vintage furniture quickly gained a reputation for quality, and the company began to expand. By the 1930s, Ercol had over 400 employees and was producing a wide range of furniture, including tables, chairs, and cabinets.

During World War II, Ercol’s factory was converted to produce items for the war effort, such as aircraft parts and ammunition boxes. After the war, the company returned to furniture production, and Ercolani began to experiment with new design ideas. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ercol became known for its Mid-Century Modern designs, which featured clean lines and minimalist shapes. Vintage Ercol furniture was highly sought after during this period, and the company continued to grow.

In the 1970s, Ercol faced increasing competition from cheaper, mass-produced furniture. To stay competitive, the company began to focus on producing more affordable designs while still maintaining its commitment to quality. Today, Ercol continues to produce furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements.

Why Vintage Ercol Furniture is so Desirable

There are several reasons why Ercol vintage furniture is so popular today. One of the main reasons is the quality of the materials and craftsmanship. Vintage Ercol furniture is made from solid wood, usually beech or elm, which is sourced from sustainable forests. The wood is carefully selected for its grain pattern and texture, and each piece is handcrafted by skilled craftsmen. The result is furniture that is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting. Ercol’s studio couches are particularly sought after.

Another reason why vintage Ercol furniture is so desirable is its timeless design. Ercol’s vintage furniture designs are classic and elegant, and they have a simplicity that makes them adaptable to different interior styles. Whether your home is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, vintage Ercol furniture can complement your decor. Additionally, Ercol vintage furniture is designed to be functional as well as beautiful, with pieces like the Butterfly Chair and the Windsor Chair offering both comfort and style. Ercol’s ‘Giraffe’ room dividers are also in extremely high demand.

Vintage Ercol furniture is also highly collectible. Many Ercol pieces were produced in limited quantities, and some have become rare over time. This rarity has increased the value of vintage Ercol furniture, making it a sought-after item among collectors. Additionally, Ercol vintage furniture has a certain nostalgia value for those who remember the company’s Mid-Century Modern designs from the 1950s and 1960s.

Conclusion

So, Ercol have a long and proud tradition of producing high quality pieces, meaning that Ercol vintage furniture remains very sought after today. The quality construction and designs that stand the test of time mean that these pieces are still sought after by customers of all ages today. If you’re looking for a particular piece, our own Retrovintage website could be the perfect place to start you’re hunt.