Buying Fabric For Your Wicker Sunroom Furniture
How to Select Fabric for Sunroom Furniture
Are you considering buying fabric and cushions for the wicker furniture in your sunroom? If yes, there are a few points to remember. To begin with, on seeing the price marked on wicker furniture, do not confuse it with the price of cushions put on with it because they are always priced separately. If the selections that you see do not satisfy you, then know whether you can place an order of a different kind of fabric for the cushions. If that is not possible, and you have already bought standard sizes of furniture, then also you will find the type of fabric that suits your taste. You should also think if you require shielding the material with some sort of stain guard. Protecting the fabric is a good idea if you plan to entertain guests in the sunroom, eat your meals there or expect a lot of people pouring into that room now and then. You will be easily able to clean any spills on the cushions and the fabric will also have a fresh look for a longer period of time.
How to maintain your wicker furniture
An advantage of rattan or wicker furniture is that it requires low maintenance or looking after in order to keep up their good looks and condition. What should be done is to dust them often because like any other exposed surface in your sunroom, a wicker weave will also gain a lot of falling dust. Use a wet cloth or a vacuum with a pointed, slim attachment to keep the furniture free of dust.
There is a wide array of colors in which you can find wicker furniture, and you can also get them painted with a color of your choice. But keep in mind, that if the wicker has a coat of varnish, then you will have to use a primer for the color to remain. It is possible to sand wicker, but if done with too much force, the reeds could be damaged without repair and become less strong and supportive. If the weave ever cracks up or splits, then you can take resort to so many kinds of stains, paints, glosses or furniture color and other touch up items to maintain the uniformity of the color.
After certain time, the weave may show unraveling. In this case, you can get repaired by redoing the weave. But get sufficient information on pricing for repairing the weave, because it may be less expensive to buy new furniture than redoing the sunroom wicker furniture.
Synthetic Rattan
Woven outdoor furniture made from rattan and wicker features intricate designs while providing owners and their guests with a comfortable and relaxing area on a porch, deck, or patio. Rattan and wicker are natural woods that blend beautifully together to form a unique design that your guests will envy. You will find plenty of wicker patio furniture and rattan porch furniture sets to choose from. Rattan and wicker outdoor chairs, tables, and benches are available in various designs and styles so you can find the perfect look for your backyard.
Rattan is a type of climbing palm that can be found in Asia. When correctly prepared, the long and thin stems can be woven together to create the gorgeous rattan outdoor furniture you find today. One major difference between rattan patio furniture when compared to other types of furnishings is that it won’t warp; therefore you won’t need to be replacing it after a short period of time. Rattan cane has a very hard core that is molded to form the various frames for the different pieces of furniture. One loved benefit of rattan outdoor furniture is the minimal amount of maintenance it needs. A vacuum with a pointed attachment or a slightly damp cloth can be used to easily remove the dirt that has accumulated.
Wicker outdoor furniture is most often made from willow, rush, rattan core, and reed. When these woods are wet they are bendable which allows them to be woven into the prestigious wicker-weaved shape. Wicker furniture will never have two pieces that are exactly the same, which is a feature many people enjoy. The technique in which the wood is woven together ensures that the furniture is strong and durable and can last for many years when properly taken care of. Outdoor wicker chairs, tables, and benches can be stained or painted to achieve a specific look.
Synthetic outdoor wicker furniture has grown in popularity. You can find chairs, tables, and benches that use the weather-resistant rattan frame which is then woven with synthetic wicker that has been made to avoid cracking, splitting, and unraveling. All weather outdoor wicker furniture is enjoyed by families in every type of atmosphere without the worry of rotting wood to damage the overall appearance. Synthetic wicker chairs, tables, and benches can also come with a cheaper price tag that can be a very attractive benefit. Maintenance for your synthetic outdoor wicker furniture set is just as easy as cleaning real wood.
Wicker furniture cushions will not only provide the final touch to your patio, deck, or porch, they will also provide amazing comfort. Outdoor wicker furniture cushions will come in different shapes, sizes, and colors so you can match your personal style. Cushions can be bought together that matches a rattan or wicker furniture set, or be bought separately so you can customize the final look. You are sure to find the perfect wicker porch furniture or rattan furniture set with the countless styles and designs that are available today.
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!
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!
Rattan Furniture – Pretty – Amazing
When it comes to rattan furniture, beauty is a lot more than skin deep.
Take, for example, the rattan café chair. The sleekly curving, sinuous lines are reminiscent of the elegant flow of decorative wrought iron.
But don’t be fooled by all that grace and beauty. Rattan also happens to be one of nature’s strongest materials.
Rattan (unlike bamboo, with which it is sometimes confused) is a solid timber vine. It is ideal for furniture making because while the outer part of the vine is extremely hard and durable, the porous inner portion is soft and flexible.
So, unlike the mighty oak, rattan is not prone to splintering and breakage. In fact, when heated with steam or a blowtorch, rattan becomes so pliable it can be bent into those wonderful curves reminiscent of wrought iron without the usual danger of cracking common to most wood.
Thus rattan gives us the best of both worlds: the durability and flexibility of wrought iron coupled with the natural warmth of wood.
It also brings something of the exotic to any room or patio. Rattan is harvested in the dense and nearly inaccessible jungles of Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand, and the Philippines, where this sturdy vine grows year-round.
How amazing, then, to see this wild jungle plant transformed into elegant seating. Rattan seems as at home in the sophisticated sidewalk cafes of Paris and the bustling bistros of Las Vegas as it once did in the jungles of Borneo.
Elegant. Strong. Exotic. Indeed, rattan is pretty amazing.
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.
