photo by bbaunach

There was a time when wicker furniture was relegated to the patio or porch. That’s all changed. The truth is that wicker is a wise choice for today’s modern styles. Wicker furniture comes in a vast array of styles to meet the demands of modern decor. From cozy and comfy to stylish and chic, wicker can fit into any style.

Wicker Furniture Decorating Tips

Decorating with wicker adds warmth and texture to a space that is difficult to acheive with traditional wood furniture.   Adding some wicker to a room can be achieved with wicker baskets, wicker end tables, or wicker chairs or sofas.  Depending on the finish and patterns of the weave, decorating with wicker can achieve a cozy country look, a summery island feel, or a contemporary design.

First decide how you want to feature the wicker.  Will it be an accent piece or a focal point?  The color choices and designs of wicker are almost endless.  You can easily paint your wicker making it not only an affordable decorating choice, but also a versatile one.

Material Rattan, Bamboo, or Synthetic Wicker

Is by nature a very durable material; however, it is important that you choose a quality product if you wish to enjoy your wicker for years and years to come. Decide on the budget that you have to spend on your furniture and select pieces of furniture that will best suit your budget and your style.

Consider how tightly woven wicker in. This will give you an indication of how well it’s going to hold a to ordinary every day demands. Also take a close look at the construction of the framing material. If the frame is not solid, the wicker will eventually crack or split.

The fiber of your wicker furniture is important to consider. Rattan is an excellent choice because it’s strong and flexible. Bamboo is acceptable for pieces that will not get a lot of strain. Because it is not as durable synthetic wicker made from plastic is an excellent choice but less authentic.

Easy Care and Maintenance

Taking care of wicker is easy.  However, it is necessary to maintain your wicker furniture routinely. Dusting wicker routinely will help prevent the fibers from becoming dried out. It is also important to keep your wicker from getting too wet.  Waterlogged wicker will break apart easily.  Applying a clear coat of varnish or lacquer will help preservative your wicker for many years.  That’s about it.

Sustainable Materials

Rattan and bamboo are sustainable woods.  In this day and age when most of us are seeking ways  to live responsibly within our environment, choosing wicker furniture is an excellent choice. Rattan is a vine that grows quickly and easily in the forests of Southeast Asia.  Bamboo is a quick growing grass.  Both crops offer a profitable solution to deforestation.  Theses plants are easy to grow, replenish quickly, and require little heavy equipment to harvest and transport.