Single wire work garden chair with high back, shaped stretchers and curled feet. Late 19th century. 35 1/2 inches high 16 1/2 inches wide and 17 inches deep. $295. By the 19th century, furniture makers took advantage of technological advances in the manufacture of metal and began using reinforced steel wire first to make fencing and then to make elaborate and fancy chairs, benches, plant stands etc. that could withstand all climate conditions and were thus ideal for outdoor use. And because they were portable they were widely used from lawns to porches to interiors. Catalogs of ironwork manufacturers from the second half of the 19th century features all sorts of elaborate wire designs for plant stands, settees, bird cages and even cradles, all made of steel wire for interior and outdoor use.