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 & 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.
Cement Patio Design – Durable, Versatile And Affordable
Cement or concrete is one of the most common materials used for building patios. Cement patio designs offer various advantages: it’s durable, versatile and relatively cheaper than other materials such as stone.
Start creating your design by first determining what purpose your patio will serve. Patios are essentially outdoor extensions of rooms. So, if you want a patio that will serve as an extension of your living and dining areas, a 12 by 12 foot patio offers enough space for furniture as well as room to walk around in. If you want a patio that will visually connect your house to your garden, then you will have to incorporate more landscaping features into your patio design. Some great ideas include plant boxes, alcoves for shrubs and small trees, and maybe a trellis where you can grow flowering vines. The design ideas you can choose from are limitless.
Some homeowners build patios that connect with other features in their yard such as a pool or a gazebo. You can also do this by creating a concrete path from the main patio to the said feature. If you already have an existing pool you can introduce a relaxing resort feel to your yard by creating a cement patio design that evokes the look and feel of resorts. Concrete is a versatile material and you can choose from different looks and add-ons to create the look that you want. A network of walkways will surely add to the beauty and functionality of your patio and yard. You can also add furniture such as umbrellas, rattan or wicker chairs, and lounges for that genuine resort ambience.
When designing your cement patio, an important consideration is the size of your property. The patio should be proportionate to the size of your house and yard. A large patio can overwhelm a small house and will look out of place. Similarly, a small constricted patio will look awkward in an expansive yard. You should also check with your local building codes and zoning laws. Another important factor is of course, your budget. If you are working on a tight budget, then a cement patio design is the better choice for you.
Concrete patios don’t have to look grey and boring. You can always perk it up by using your creativity and usefulness. For example you can use blocks of wood, pieces of ceramic tiles, and even sea shells to accentuate the patio floor. Take a quick look at some online resources for patio design ideas and you can find a wide range of creative solutions for cement patio designs.
Bring Summer Into Your Bedroom
If you live in the north, you know that winter can really be a drag so why not bring summer into your bedroom!
In northern climates when the sun comes out (even if it’s only for a few months of the year) many decor-savvy individuals like to freshen the look of their rooms. Bring summer indoors in full force – without losing the comfortable and cozy furnishings you desire in the cooler months.
How can you transform your bedroom into a summer retreat? It’s easy!
When you think summer, you think light. Light colors, light fabrics. Put the heavy drapery away and make the widows a focal point. While the light is great during the day – especially if you don’t need to turn on interior lights – you may dislike the cavernous black holes that they become late at night. For privacy and appearance, keep up the retractable blinds during the day and put them down at night behind a sheer curtain.
Anther way to fill your bedroom with light is to Use mirrors to capture the sunlight and bounce it around. This doesn’t mean a major change in your decor but you may find moving a large mirror to a different wall will optimize the light reflection in the room. Try it across from a window or on a wall that corners against the window wall for the most light distribution. If you don’t have a headboard, you can try using a large mirror as a headboard simply by putting it behind the bed.
Try moving your furniture around to create a more open space. Make your bedroom feel light and airy even if you have to put away some of the furniture for another time. Moving the furniture into a ‘summer arrangement’ can optimize your space and give it a more airy feel.
If you have a fireplace in the bedroom and normally focus your seating around that, consider turning the seating to face away. You can put a nice fern or other plant in the opening. Think about decorating the mantle with some summery items like shells and a nice large vase of fresh flowers.
You don’t want a too cozy-comfy look in your summer bedroom so get rid of all those fluffy comforters and flannels. If you find that look is too plain, consider buying or making covers for the pillows that compliment your summer scheme. Celadon green, aqua blues, a hit of orange or even nautical navy and white stripes work great. You might also throw in a rattan or bamboo covered pillow (for looks – not comfort!).
Plants can add a summery feel to the bedroom and are great to have around. A large tropical with palm leaves will give an instant injection of summer to your rooms. Adding some colorful cut flowers will add further summer appeal. However, too much of anything is not good. Don’t clutter your rooms with so many plants it feels like a conservatory.
Don’t feel like you have to get rid of everything in your bedroom and start over. Just using a couple of the suggestions above can help brighten your bedroom and give you a taste of summertime in the middle of winter!
