Rattan and Wicker Furniture – What’s The Difference?
Have you ever wondered what the difference between rattan furniture and wicker furniture is? If you have, I can explain the differences and some of the common misconceptions about these wonderful natural furnishings.
Many people incorrectly believe that rattan and wicker are one in the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, they aren’t even in the same category. Let’s take a look at how these two popular, yet very different, arts come together to provide a unique, elegant atmosphere in the home.
First let’s get some facts about rattan. Rattan is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of the Far East. Usually, it grows in a pole shape with a diameter of about 1-3 inches. Rattan can grow up to hundreds of feet in length. It is also one of nature’s strongest woods. Rattan cane has a solid core, unlike bamboo pole, making it much more durable and harder to break. Rattan will not warp and is ideal for making furniture. After being cut into smaller sections, the canes are then molded into shape to form the frames for various furniture items. Peel, the outer skin of the rattan pole, is traditionally used to wrap the furniture joints.
Wicker, on the other hand, refers to items made from any number of natural materials, including rattan core, reed, rush, and willow. When wet, these natural materials are pliable enough to be woven, creating the unique wicker-weaved designs we see in wicker furniture. In fact, most rattan furniture is created with wicker weaved on top of the rattan core frame. Rattan and wicker are wonderful natural products, each piece having its own unique set of qualities. No two pieces are ever completely the same.
Many people love the aesthetic qualities of this furniture. A great room in your home furnished with rattan can feel like a retreat to a secluded island resort after a long day at the office. Who wouldn’t want to come home to that? Another common misconception is that wicker and rattan furniture is strictly for outdoor or patio use. Definitely not so. Rattan furniture comes in living room sets, dining room sets, bedrooms, office furniture and much more.
Many times it is hard to find these types of furnishings locally. And, often, even if you can find them, it is usually a pretty limited selection of items. It’s easy to find these great natural furnishings online. Just search the web and you will find great websites that offer authentic rattan and wicker furniture. Happy hunting!
Ten Pieces of Wicker Furniture to Complete Your Home
Wicker Coffee Table
A wicker coffee table can make a great centerpiece in your formal or secondary living room. They also make great items for an enclosed porch.
Wicker End Table
If you’re not too keen on having the wicker item the centerpiece in your room, but you still want to add a little natural charm, consider a wicker end table. Next to the right color couch with the right fabric, it can add a bit of subtle style to a room.
Wicker Waste Basket
Tired of the plastic or metal waste receptacles and want something a little less intimidating? Try a wicker waste basket. Sturdy and durable, they add a touch of nature to any room.
Wicker Hamper
Along the same theme as the wicker waste basket, most hampers are metal or plastic or some combination of the two. A wicker hamper just gives a sense of class in your bathroom or wherever you use it.
Wicker Lamp
This could be a great conversation piece for a living room or an interesting fixture in a den or study. It’s a great, non-traditional way to add a little exotic flavor to a room.
Wicker Couch
When you think of wicker furniture, you might not always (if ever) think about wicker couches, but over the years there have been some great designs that look good and are comfortable too.
Rattan Room Divider
You’ve seen these in movies and have always wanted one – why not make it last longer by buying one made out of rattan?
Rattan Bed
Why not show off the style of rattan with one of the most important pieces of furniture in your house? Rattan beds come in all sizes and make a great statement in your bedroom.
Rattan Storage
Everyone can use more storage. Why not make it something stylish that stores things as well? There are a lot of different types of storage devices made out of rattan, something to suit everyone’s needs and wants.
Rattan Lounger
If you’re a bit more traditional, you might not want to have any rattan furniture inside your house. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great piece of rattan furniture for the outside of your house. Whether next to the pool or simply on the deck, a rattan lounger is a great addition of wicker furniture to your house.
Rattan for Life
Whether you choose one or more of the items above, these are some great ideas for adding a dash of exotic flavor to your home decor. Don’t be like everyone else and settle for a rattan chair for outside. Think outside the box and make your home more comfortable and stylish at the same time.
No matter what you choose, you can rest assured the rattan furniture will last a long time and be something you and your family can cherish for years to come.
The Unique Advantages of Wicker Furniture
If you are in the market for some really strong and beautiful furniture, do consider acquiring some wicker furniture for your home. But first, what exactly is wicker furniture, and what makes it so special? Isn’t it better to just go for a piece of budget furniture at the local furniture store? Perhaps, but do keep and open mind, and decide only when you have read the entire article.
Wicker furniture, also commonly known as rattan furniture, is made from a naturally robust material – the rattan pole. In its raw form, the rattan pole is strong, stiff, and rather thick. When processed, it is also prone to splits and discolorations. However, under skillful hands, the rattan can be made into high quality furniture that are not only strong , stable and beautiful, but are also easy to maintain.
First unique advantage of wicker furniture: Strong and durable.
Rattan is an amazing material. When heated, it becomes flexible enough to take the shape of almost anything. Heated rattan materials are bent around jigs, and that’s how the shapes are formed. When cooled, the rattan materials amazing regained it’s tough nature.
Second unique advantage of wicker furniture: Beautiful appearance.
The wicker furniture looks very different from traditional furniture that are made mostly from wood or plastic. Made from completely natural materials, wicker furniture provides a leisurely atmosphere, and helps whoever is sitting in it to relax. For this reason, wicker furniture is ideal for holiday resorts, or personal backyards, swimming pools and balconies. Of course, if they are placed outdoors, do remember to protect the furniture with some shades.
Third unique advantage of wicker furniture: Safe for children.
Some furniture, made completely from wood, are very heavy. Although the wood may be of high quality, if the workmanship is shoddy and the furniture becomes unstable, this may pose potential hazards to children. Children who like to climb up and down the furniture may fall off easily due to the instability.
Forth unique advantage of wicker furniture: Easy to maintain.
Know that despite being highly durable, wicker furniture are also easy to maintain. Keep the furniture away from direct sunlight. Use a damp cloth to wipe off dust or grime on the surface on a regular basis. This will help protect the surface of the wicker furniture, and help maintain its shine. If there is a major spill, simply remove all the upholstery and give them a good wash. Clean the furniture with lots of warm water and leave it to dry before replacing the cushions.
In summary, there are many unique benefits of wicker furniture, which makes it a strong contender for a place in your home. So before you hastily purchase your next piece of furniture, spend some time on the Internet browsing wicker furniture websites for more information. For all you know, your next piece of furniture may well become your favorite piece of furniture. After all, there are many obvious and unique benefits, and you will be rewarded with a more relaxed environment in your very own home.
Different Types of Wicker Furniture
When you talk about cane furniture, though, it is used by most people as a generic term for a type of furniture. Technically, though, it refers to the weaving process – caning.
There are many different types of cane furniture that have been made for the last few centuries. Wicker furniture is usually made from Rattan or Bamboo.
Bamboo Cane Furniture
Because Bamboo is one of the quickest growing plants, it’s been used for centuries to make durable, long lasting furniture.
Bamboo is also a very sturdy wood, making it a good candidate for furniture creation. Being naturally straight and sturdy, when varnish is added, bamboo becomes even more durable. Varnish also enhances the final look of the furniture.
Rattan Cane Furniture
Unlike Bamboo which grows very straight and vertically, Rattan is more pliable and grows in vines that can reach more than fifty feet in length.
Like Bamboo, Rattan is easy to replenish, making it a great candidate for affordable furniture. Also like bamboo, rattan furniture is very sturdy because of the way the vines of the plant grow.
Cane Furniture Shopping
When shopping for cane furniture, it’s a wise investment to make sure you’re buying genuine Bamboo or Rattan furniture and not a cheap knock-off. Remember that you get what you pay for when shopping for anything. In the long run (for you and for the planet), it’s better to spend a little more to get something of quality that’s made from a resource that’s easily and naturally produced.
Cane Furniture Care
Like other possessions you might have, if you take care of it, cane furniture will last a lot longer. Here are some tips for taking care of your wicker furniture.
* Keep it clean – use a soapy water or Murphy’s Wood Soap to keep the furniture clean and free of debris.
* Keep it protected – you can use linseed oil to help protect the wood of your wicker furniture.
* Keep it Dry – Wicker furniture (especially bamboo) becomes more pliable when wet. If you sit on wet wicker furniture, you can cause it to sag and have it dry in that position.
Wicker Furniture Challenge
Wicker furniture has been around for centuries and will be around for years to come. Here’s a challenge – keep an eye open tomorrow for any wicker or cane furniture you might see throughout the day. You might be surprised at how much you start to see how integrated into modern life this style of furniture is.
If you’re looking for a great alternative to the tacky, mass produced plastic lawn chairs and outdoor tables, take a look at wicker furniture as a more environmentally friendly and artistic alternative. You can help do something for the environment and be stylish at the same time.
Wicker or Cane Furniture for Your Home
First of all, let’s clarify a little bit. There is a need to do so because some people may be confused about wicker and cane furniture. The question is, are they the same thing? The answer to that question is yes, the two terms are used to refer to the same type of furniture. You will see how the furniture got those names when you get to understand the process of making wicker furniture.
Wicker furniture is created from cane. There are several types of cane available in the market. Rattan is one of the most common type of cane. The most common characteristic about cane is that they are all very tough by nature. Therefore, few people know what to do with them when they come across cane.
However, that doesn’t stop furniture manufacturers from experimenting with this tough material. They find that when cane is applied to heat, it actually softens, so much so that it can be bent into different forms. When cooled, the cane hardens once again, and the form is set. This means that cane can actually be processed and made into any shape they want.
So they started to use cane to manufacture furniture. First, they prepare frames for the furniture. Then they proceed to put the cane through heat, which softens the cane. The cane is then woven around the frame, using a variety of weaving methods. There are many patterns that can be created out of these methods. For example, for a chair, you can find rattan chairs with big holes in between the cane, or you can find chairs with very little gaps in between the cane. This difference will not affect the function of the chair. And having different patterns give more choice to the consumer. This entire process is called wicker. Hence the name, wicker furniture.
And since wicker furniture is made from cane, this type of furniture can also be called cane furniture. Sometimes, to be more specific, you get labels like rattan furniture. The moment you hear the name, you instantly know what type of cane that is used to produce the furniture. So these different terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same thing.
So why should you consider wicker furniture for your home? After all, there are so many different types of furniture in the market these days – wooden furniture, plastic furniture, steel furniture, and others.
Wicker furniture is a strong contender for your attention for many reasons. Firstly, they are more unique. Secondly, they are very durable, and very comfortable to sit on. But more importantly, they are highly affordable. And there is variety too! You can find almost any kind of furniture you can think of. That makes it easy for anyone to furnish an entire place with solely rattan furniture. So add wicker furniture to your shopping list!
Wicker & Rattan Furniture – A Brief History
Brief History of Wicker
Ever wondered when wicker really took off as the choice for outdoor furniture? Well the answer is during the 1600s and 1700s, at least that is the case for England as originally this type of furniture was created and used primarily in Asian countries where the rattan used to create wicker was grown. When wicker for furniture started to become popular in England it started to resemble more of the usual Victorian-style furniture. However for a while wicker styled furniture fell out of favour but there was then a resurgence in the 20th century and this is when it started to become popular both in England and also America, primarily for conservatory but also garden furniture and today wicker is as popular as ever!
The Origin of Wicker
Wicker is the term used to describe the weave of the material, the actual material is made from rattan which is a plant that grown in southeast Asia where vines from these plants are stripped and weaved into furniture. The vines are filled with lots of fibers which gives it more strength and when it is woven into wicker furniture the strength is even greater especially when the weave is very tight.
Today’s Wicker Furniture
Is actually mostly artificial wicker, often called “rattan garden furniture” and while this may be able to withstand the elements better, especially when used for outdoor furniture, it is the all-natural wicker that is the show stopper and will continue to be used in home and gardens for centuries to come! You do have to keep in mind that no matter how strong & durable wicker is, you don’t want to be leaving the furniture exposed to the elements or to the sun for any longer than necessary as they can do irreparable damage to the wicker, even artificial rattan.
Quality Materials Make Maintenace of Wicker Furniture Easy
Traditionally, wicker furniture is the perfect complement to the light and airiness of a sunroom. Sunlight pouring in to a room does have a tendency to fade carpet and cloth, even if the windows are specially coated to block out harmful ultra-violet rays, and so wicker furniture that doesn’t fade and has cushions that are easily replaceable are a must.
Most wicker furniture companies have presences on the web, and on these websites you can view a vast array of different designs and different colors, not only of the wicker itself but also of the cushions that go with the wicker.
In doing your pricing, make sure that the price listed for the wicker furniture also includes the cushions that are on display with it. This is not always the case. And if you do not like the fabric of the cushions, find out if you’re able to order the cushions in a different color or fabric, without extra cost. Another question to ask about the fabric is whether or not it is water or stain-resistant.
Do you plan to entertain in your sunroom? Whether it’s a sedate bridge game or a bunch of rowdy kids cheering on their favorite football team, there is a chance of some liquid spilling on the floor or on a chair or divan. Therefore it’s always a good idea to make sure you purchase stain-resistant floor coverings and cushions to begin with, or treat these items with a spray-on protectant before the sunroom sees much use.
Maintaining Your Wicker Furniture
Wicker and rattan furniture does not need a lot of maintenance or upkeep. The weave does attract dust, just like any other surface, and so regular dusting is important. A damp cloth or a vacuum with a special pointed attachment will do the job nicely.
You can get wicker in a number of colors, however it is possible for you to paint the wicker a different color if you so desire – but you’ll want to ask the manufacturer if it is possible to paint over their particular brand. If the wicker has been varnished, you will need to use a primer first, to make sure the next coat of paint adheres properly.
It is possible to sand wicker, but this must be done very carefully, because it’s quite easy to damage the reeds, which would compromise their strength and integrity. Wicker furniture is like any other type of furniture – if the best quality materials are used it will last practically forever, if more inexpensive materials are used…there might be a tendency for the weave to split or fray, if the piece is subjected to hard use. It is possible to obtain various products to repair this damage, or even to have the weave redone in a certain section, but you’ll want to consult a professional about that.
Wicker Furniture – Beautiful, Affordable, and Durable
Are you in the market for new furniture? If you are, perhaps you may be interested in looking at some wicker furniture. Wicker furniture offers a whole new dimension to your home furnishing. Not many homeowners realize this, but there are actually many benefits that are overlooked.
Wicker furniture has been around for ages. In our modern society, we often see such furniture in hotel lobbies, holiday resorts, etc. We seldom see them in home. So that perception seems to have stuck. But why do you think hotels and resorts like to use wicker furniture as their chief furnishing?
Just ask yourself, how do you feel when you walk into a setting full of rattan furniture? Chances are, you start feeling more relax. The entire mood in the room is a relaxing one. That is because the furniture has this natural quality – it is able to create a relaxing environment.
Most people who visit hotels and resorts want to relax. Therefore, it makes good sense to place wicker furniture in such settings. But what about the home for the average homeowner? Is the furniture a suitable candidate?
The home is a place for relaxing. It is a sanctuary, where you can go back to after a busy day at work. Surely, you want your home to have a relaxing environment that welcomes you home each and every single day. That’s why more and more homeowners are buying wicker furniture for their homes.
Contrary to popular belief, wicker furniture cost less than other furniture types such as wooden furniture. Many people think that wicker furniture is expensive because they see such furniture in 5 star hotels. Clearly, that is not the case. Some wicker furniture are indeed expensive due to their rare and complex patterns, but in most cases, such furniture is actually more affordable than other furniture.
The furniture is cheap because they are manufactured in Asian countries where labor and materials are cheap. When the cost of production is cheap, the retail price tend to be cheaper too. If you really want to save more money, you may even buy wicker furniture at wholesale prices. That does mean having to buy more in a single order, but you also save a lot more.
Cane is well known for its toughness. After treating with heat in the manufacturing process, the cane is then allowed to cool. Once cooled, the cane quickly regains its tough qualities. You can’t easily bend it, and you certainly can’t easily break it. In other words, you can expect your wicker furniture to last for many years.
The furniture requires very little maintenance. Just wipe it with a wet cloth every now and then to prevent dust from accumulating in the gaps.
Rattan Furniture and Wicker Furniture – What’s the Difference?
You may have heard of the terms “rattan furniture” and “wicker furniture”. You often see these terms on furniture labels, in home improvement magazines, on home furnishing related websites and other channels. So what do these terms mean, and what is the difference between the two? If you are going to consider buying some rattan furniture for your home, you may as well learn more about what you are about to buy.
The word “rattan” refers to a type of cane. When we hear someone saying that they bought “rattan furniture”, we immediately associate the furniture with its building materials – rattan cane. Rattan cane is abundantly available in Asia. In its raw form, you can hardly do anything with rattan because it is very tough.
However, someone soon discovered a way to soften rattan cane to such a state that it becomes a bendable material. The cane is treated with high temperatures to soften the materials. It is then used to wrap around aluminum frames to form different types of furniture. The manufacturing process sounds easy, but it’s actually not that simple to execute. The cane, when cooled, becomes tough again. Therefore, whoever is doing the weaving has to do it with speed and accuracy. If there is any mistakes, it is very difficult to reverse the process and correct the mistakes. The entire process of creating and converting the rattan cane from raw material to polished furniture is known as “wicker“.
As you can see, both terms have different meaning. The term “rattan” refers directly to the raw material, while the term “wicker” refers to the building process of the furniture. To the consumer, it doesn’t really matter. They both refer to the same thing. Therefore, they are often used interchangeably.
Some people even refer to the process of creating rattan furniture as “caning”. In Asian countries, caning is sometimes considered at art form. There are many types of caning processes. And the level of difficulty that a workman is able to overcome depends very much on the level of skills. Caning skills can take many years to perfect.
You have to be a little bit careful when buying furniture. Although the terms “rattan furniture” and “wicker furniture” are used commonly to refer to the same items, there may be different types of furniture under each category. For example, wicker furniture can be made from other materials such as bamboo reeds, or rush. If the type of material used concerns you, be sure to ask about the materials when buying “wicker furniture”. After all, it’s just a term used to describe the manufacturing process.
On the other hand, if you are buying “rattan furniture”, you can instead ask about the manufacturing process. Is the pattern that you see created from cane webbing (a very commonly seen process)? Is it a complicated pattern that is rare?
Rattan furniture can last for many years, and has been rising in popularity in recent years. Maybe it’s time to add a few pieces of new furniture to your home.
