Decorators and collectors are once again bringing to prominence a utilitarian object that at one time symbolized power, class, and influenced fashion. Pretty big achievements for such a small object. I am speaking of the walking stick or cane, as it is commonly referred to. Today their popularity is soaring once again as elegant and interesting sticks and canes are being appreciated, collected, and displayed en masse in interiors that embrace an old world aesthetic.
Carried by tribal chiefs, royals, and the aristocracy, walking sticks have a long history. In the 18th century, when France influenced style and fashion, the walking stick was a requisite of the fashionable dress. Louis XIV was never seen in public without his cane. However the walking stick's golden age was during the Victorian era from the 1830's to the latter half of the 19th century. The walking sticks and canes lost their popularity when society became less fashion-conscious and ended their demand. They were then relegated to the inferior rank of medical equipment for the aged or disabled. That is until now!!!
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Ahhhh yes, Agatha Christie's fictional Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot carried one. There was a time when an elegant walking stick or cane was the must have accessary as were gloves and hats.
The fashionable gentleman owned several canes for different occasions.
Photos via Pinterest
During the early 1900's even women owned canes for special social events.
A walking stick/cane collection was seen in the foyers of most grand residences.
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And I might add these cane collections look fabulous displayed in blue and white transferware!
The word "cane" comes from the fact that shafts of most canes were made from bamboo and other rattans. Cane became the mostly widely used material for the production of walking sticks
Today antique canes are extremely popular with collectors who love an old world genteel and elegant style.
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Designer Bunny Mellon, via gardenandgun.com
A collection of almost anything can add personality to a home.....
Designer Ralph Lauren, via architecturaldigest.com
and walking sticks are high on the list for antique items making a resurgence for decorating purposes. And as you see collecting them can become quite an obsession.
Displays don't have to consist of expensive antique sticks and canes. A display of simple canes can help to add warmth and charm to your home's entrance.
Because they've become a hot decor trend, walking stick and cane collecting is no cheap endeavor.
However, if you enjoy treasure hunting and have patience, you can still run across the occasional stick or cane at estate sales, antique/vintage malls, even thrift stores. I found a beautiful walking stick with hound head at a yard sale.
Canes and walking sticks can be topped with gold, silver, a jewel of some sort, carved wood or ivory, porcelain, or glass. The variety is what makes them so collectible.
The length of the cane shaft was often highly decorated and beautifully carved.
Canes and sticks work well with other types of collections you might enjoy decorating with. Here it is antique hats.
via Pinterest.de
Add some vintage umbrellas for a fun and interesting display of canes and sticks.
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How about some old golf clubs? I also have a set of antique wooden golf clubs mixed in with my cane collection by the front door.
People love them because the are small elegant symbols of a more romantic, bygone era.
A cane collection is a welcomed décor element in any foyer.........
or any other room of the house for that matter.
There were also "gadget canes". These were designed to hold a sword blade, dagger, pistol.......
or in Poirot's case a telescope.
via Pinterest
Many walking sticks were crafted by folk artists and could be whimsical.
Sailors also crafted canes and walking sticks from ivory and whalebone.
It is easy to get the false impression that a walking cane collection is only for masculine décor. Hopefully the pictures below will change your mind.
The collection of canes and sticks adds to the coziness of this mud room.
See how pretty a cane collection looks with a few umbrellas tossed in the mix.
And if you still have lingering doubts, you just can't get any more feminine than this vintage collection!
Even a Chinoiserie space can benefit from a walking stick collection.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby's
This eclectic entry proves that a walking stick/cane collection is at home in a variety of decorating styles.
There are many lovely ways to display canes and walking sticks. Of course there is the walking stick stand.
via Pinterest
I prefer a less structured, more interesting mode of display. Select a large beautiful piece of pottery to display your collection in.
Cane collections are a good choice if your decorating style leans towards equestrian.
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Try something a bit more whimsical.
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Even a basket will make a great cane holder. This one is a military basket, a kind which was used in both WW1 and WW2 to transport artillery.
Designer, Laura Hunt
Your cane collection can be small and yet very elegant.
realhomes.com/(Image credit: Colin Poole)
You can also go large and decorate your space with a grand collection!
King Tut, who had to use a can most of his life, had no less than 132 sticks buried with him!
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
In the event that I have not credited the correct source of an image, please contact me at lisafarmerdesigns46@yahoo.com and I will be glad to correct it.