Rush and Cord Seats: How They Are Made

Rush, grasses, paper fibre and cord can be wrapped around seat rails to create a resilient woven platform. Materials and patterns vary by region, date and price point.

What to look for

Look underneath to understand the weave, stuffing and rail construction. Paper rush often has a twisted, uniform appearance; natural material varies more.

Common mistakes

Vacuum gently through a screen if secure. Water can swell fibre, move dirt and stain the surrounding wood. Broken strands spread load unevenly.

Care and repair

Do not sit on a failing seat. Retain samples and photographs before replacement so material, colour and weaving pattern can be matched.

References and further reading

• [V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

This article is educational. Test treatments cautiously and consult a conservator before altering a valuable or historically important object.

Watch the workshop approach

See conservation-minded repairs, examinations and techniques on the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).