Natural, woven furniture may conjure up images of 1970s decor, but believe it or not, this style is making a strong comeback. Wicker baskets, rattan furniture, and cane webbing have been at the forefront of home decor trends in recent years. Though rattan and wicker are becoming increasingly popular, there is still much confusion about the differences between them. In fact, in the United States, the two words are frequently used interchangeably, making differentiation even more difficult.
Don't worry, we're here to settle this once and for all and assist you in making an informed decision when shopping for indoor and outdoor furnishings. Here are five facts about rattan and wicker that will help you remember the differences.
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Wicker is a weave style, and rattan is a material
One of the most common misconceptions about rattan and wicker is that they are the same material. That is only partially correct: rattan is a material derived from certain palm species. Wicker, on the other hand, is a weave style.
Wicker pieces can be woven from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, including bamboo, reed, and synthetic resin, in addition to rattan. The term "wicker" has come to encompass many different types of woven furniture over time.
What is Rattan?
Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like species native to Australia, Asia, and Africa's tropical regions. The skin is peeled away and used for weaving in the production process. Often, the core is not wasted and is used to make various types of furniture.
There are approximately 600 rattan species in 13 genera, almost all of which are used locally, but only about 50 are used regularly and commercially.
Because it is lightweight, durable, flexible, and appealing, rattan has been used for furniture. While the popularity of these strands has created a high demand, the plants' sustainability has been called into question. Rattan stalks cannot regrow if they are cut prematurely. As a result, many synthetic materials have been developed to combat rattan exploitation in favor of more environmentally friendly materials.
What is Wicker?
Wicker is a weave style commonly used for baskets and furniture. Wicker is an ancient Egyptian technique that has been passed down through the ages and is still used in modern furniture design. Wicker furniture dating back to 3,000 B.C. has been discovered by scientists and archaeologists. Wicker baskets, boxes, chairs, and chests have been discovered in the tombs of wealthy pharaohs. The weave's appeal is distinct and equally creative.
Wicker weaving has experienced a revival over the last century as a result of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which began in the early 1900s. Many people have worked to preserve this skill by holding weaving workshops and raising awareness about this treasured style of weaving. Wicker is popular in antique and vintage items, but it also has modern applications. Wicker can be made from woven fibers or, more recently, synthetic resins have been used to create wicker weaves.
Why Is Rattan Furniture Popular?
Rattan furniture is strong, yet lightweight and portable. It is also extremely long-lasting. When treated with oil or varnish, rattan can be resistant to water damage and scratches, making this type of furniture ideal for harsh weather conditions.
To display fruit, magazines, or other tabletop displays, use stylish rattan baskets for storage or trays like round rattan tray baskets. Rattan baskets can also be used in the bathroom to hold towels or soaps, or as a serving tray for food and drink.
Finally, rattan is very easy to clean. All you need is a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to keep your furniture looking like new. Natural rattan furniture does not fade easily, making it ideal for use in sunny areas.
Why is rattan wicker so expensive?
Making wicker furniture is a more difficult process than making plastic chairs, which can be molded in one piece. The weaving of the materials and their attachment to the bamboo stems or base can be done by hand or with complex machines.
I recently purchased some wicker chairs. My wicker chairs were made from natural bamboo, but the weave was synthetic. This results in a synthetic product with a wicker weave. This makes the chair's base weatherproof and colorful.
This chair cost $80, which was twice the price of the other outdoor chairs we were considering. I liked my wicker choice because it gives the Hamptons look for a low cost. While I wasn't planning on purchasing a full set, purchasing two chairs is a cost-effective way to incorporate wicker into my yard.
Wicker furniture production is more involved than many cheaper, simpler types of indoor or outdoor furniture. As a result, wicker is more expensive than many furniture sets.
