Antique birdcages are great decorative accents- not only do they look fantastic, they are multi-purpose too. Of course, if you'd like to use them for their original purpose, by all means go ahead. But, if the idea of taking care of a pet bird is not your thing, then why not consider using a birdcage as a display case (as in the home above). What better way in which to display your cabinet of curiosities? Or, you could leave them empty, as in the photo below. Either way, these little architectural gems are sure to add a little whimsy to one's home.
French birdcage, 1950s, at Wilson Antiques
French
metal birdcage, c. 1940-50, at Linda and Howard Stein
Wrought Iron Bird Cage, early 20th c., at Architectural Artifacts
Faux Bois Birdcage, French, 1920s, at Collins & McCullough
Antique birdcage in an Atlanta home designed by John Oetgen (
House Beautiful, Aug '07)
(Image at top from
Southern Accents)
love the way you pulled these together. The mirrored back does make for great display - and the faux bois is terrif.
ReplyDeleteKC- I really like how the homeowner (image at top) converted hers to a display case. Very clever.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post! I have admired these for years, but never seen anyone bring together so many photographs in one place. Now, these are definitely unique pieces not see in everyone's home and shop. Very classic, but with an "everything that's old is new again vibe"!
Thanks Anne! I'm curious as to how easy/difficult it is to find one- other than these of course!
ReplyDeleteOkay...I love this post esp. because I was thinking of doing one just like it! But your selection of birdcages is superb POC, and I love the idea of using one as a display like cabinet!!!
ReplyDelete~Kate
Kate- We're on the same design wavelength!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful examples! I think the way Oetgen used one is may fave :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I don't really know how easy/hard it is to find one and I can't recall specific places I've seen them, but have just spotted them in random magazines and a home I went to look at. Sorry I'm not more help!
ReplyDeletePeak - no WE are on the same wavelength!! Is there ANYTHING you like that I don't? Well, ok, so I hadn't thought about shiny lamps, but that's ok. I Love the first house. That's a personal favorite of mine, just all the different fabrics and patterns and I love the dining room with the balloon chairs and chandelier and the entry is so wonderful. And the upstairs study. It's a great house, especially because it's for an older couple.
ReplyDeleteLove the post, as usual.
Joni
Anne- There's where I've seen them too- magazines. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJoni- Glad you remember more about the SA article than I! I just ripped out that one page, but now I wish I had not. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhen i clicked on this post, i misread it as Antique Ovaries... but this is much better. they're wonderful
ReplyDeleteFairfax- Oh my! That would be a whole other discussion!
ReplyDeleteAs always a great post! All the photos are so beautiful. My sister-in-law has a huge antique birdcage from Japan and it is such a stunning feature of in her dining room.
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I've always wanted one like these - except that I have no where to put one! Maybe my NEXT house. Thanks for the selection!
ReplyDeleteRonda- That sounds stunning!
ReplyDeleteLinda- I hope you do get one someday!
ReplyDeleteI just saw an enormous one here in the souk and LOVED it. Made out of brass but pricey. I need a sugar daddy!
ReplyDeleteMaryam- That sounds amazing!
ReplyDeletePS- Congrats on your television interview with the AP!
Wow - I've never seen so many photos of birdcages in one place before - however do you manage to find them all? I've seen these also used as a small indoor fernery, they look fantastic full of exotic plants like orchids.
ReplyDeleteI do love how they made that huge cage into a display case!! I do not like to see birds stuffed into cages. There is nothing like seeing a bird flying free in the sky and jumping around the garden doing and going where they want. So, you can imagine how I really hope the display case idea takes off! LOL
ReplyDeleteSuzy- I love the idea of filling one with exotic plants- great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteLady- I agree 100%!
ReplyDelete