What is wicker rattan and vine furniture?
Wicker furniture is attractive for its naturalness and handmade. Made of natural rattan or vine, the “wicker” is simple, elegant, very cozy and evokes the most pleasant associations. For example, an old Russian manor or an open terrace (balcony) of a house on the Mediterranean coast.
And someone will present a living room in a colonial style with a characteristic brutal, but unobtrusive oriental flavor. In any case, wicker things carry a huge charge of positive emotions, and for many years they have been the standard of furniture for relaxation.
What is wicker rattan and vine furniture?
First of all, these are, of course, classic rocking chairs, ordinary wicker chairs, wicker tables and chairs – dining groups, so appropriate in the summer outdoors. However, today they make anything from rattan: wide wicker chairs and sofas with soft pillows, a hanging wicker chair (the so-called wicker egg chair), as well as wicker cabinets, chests of drawers, bedside tables, banquets, dressing and coffee tables, bedroom sets , beds, sun loungers, hammocks and even wicker cradles for newborns. About wicker furniture in more detail.
And the interior items made of rattan and vines are simply fabulous: chests, baskets, floor lamps, sconces, flower girls (wicker flower stands), bookcases, various coasters, fruit stands, newspaper racks, mirror frames, etc.
What is the special charm of wicker furniture?
1. Wicker furniture design
The main landmark in the design of wicker furniture made of twigs is the traditional models of the 19th century, familiar and therefore cute to many. In fact, weaving is a folk craft whose origins go back in time. For rattan furniture from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, the colonial style is typical.
But this does not mean that the design of wicker furniture is almost the same for all manufacturers. Since we are talking about manual work, piece production – each master brings his ideas to each product. This is the added charm of wicker furniture.
In general, rattan and vine are flexible materials that are so comfortable and pliable that you can twist anything from them. There are no limitations either in style, in form, or in color. Add to the fact that there are different types of weaving – open, closed, diagonal, herringbone, which also enhances the decorative effect. Models may be crocheted from small rods, or may be a construction of thick bent trunks. Wicker furniture is combined with natural solid wood, leather, and metal. In general, the flight of design thought is not limited.
2. Ecology
Nowadays, when the home environment can be simply crammed with “chemistry” – synthetic floors, walls and ceilings, chipboard furniture – natural materials are especially valuable for their environmental safety and special natural aura. Relaxing on furniture made from natural materials is especially nice.
3. Practicality
With its “airiness”, elegance, wicker furniture holds its shape well and is very durable. Lightweight, openwork chairs withstand weight up to 500 kg. In addition, wicker furniture easily tolerates changes in humidity and temperature.
A few words about the materials themselves – rattan and vine. Rattan (Calamus) is a tropical vine, very flexible and durable. The European colonists dubbed these vines devilish ropes – for the length (up to 25 meters) and the strength of the bark. High-quality rattan furniture lasts a long time, at least several decades. It does not require special care, is not afraid of moisture, almost does not collect dust, which has made rattan popular in gardens, patios and terraces.
Important! Nevertheless, it is not recommended to leave wicker furniture in the open air for a long time, especially under the scorching sun (both rattan and vine are more “afraid” of the sun than moisture). If you are leaving, wicker furniture is best taken to the house, or to that side of the garden, where there is always shade.
Wicker furniture made of twigs is our answer to tropical liana. The vine is a wild willow growing along the banks of water bodies. Wicker furniture made of twigs is also unpretentious: it is not afraid of moisture and high temperature (furniture made of twigs can be put in a sauna or a bath), it is not afraid of frosts either. Easily winter in the country without heating. Another plus of furniture made of twigs is lightness: a chair or chair can be easily taken out from the terrace under the open sky.
Important! The durability of wicker furniture depends on the quality of the material (raw materials) and performance (furniture manufacturing technology).
