Interior Design & Decor

Wicker is a special type of fiber that is hard woven and used to form a variety of different objects, including baskets. Perhaps the object that wicker is best known for making, however, is furniture. The creation of wicker furniture dates all the way back to ancient Egyptian times and many experts believe that wicker was used extensively during the Iron Age and had a major impact on the development of Celtic Art.
Although wicker furniture has been around for such a long period of time, its appeal has not faded. In fact, became even more popular during the 20th century as arts and crafts enthusiasts began to experiment with even more ways to use wicker to create objects such as furniture.
Traditionally, wicker furniture was made with wicker that was created from plants. Today, most furniture is created from plastic fibers instead. Nonetheless, it is still possible to find pieces that are made with the traditional plant fiber method.
When making wicker from plants, any portion of the plant can be used in the process. The canes or the cores of rattan stalks are commonly used, though entire portions of a plant may be used as well. For example, willow switches may be formed to make wicker furniture as well. Reeds and bamboo are also popular materials for creating wicker furniture made of plant material.
Although the outside of the furniture makes it appear as though it is made entirely of wicker, most furniture has an inner core made of stiffer materials. More pliant material is then used to fill the frame, which helps make the furniture both lightweight and sturdy at the same time.
Since wicker furniture is generally lightweight, it is a good option for use in rooms where the furniture needs to be moved often. Therefore, it is commonly found being used as patio furniture or being used on a porch. Wicker furniture is also often found in sunrooms because it is easy to move about while also helping to create a light and airy feel to the room.
Although wicker furniture is often associated with porches and other rooms that transition from the outdoors to the indoors, it can be used in sitting rooms and other spaces as well. One aspect that many wicker furniture owners enjoy is the fact that pads and other coverings can easily be added to the furniture. Not only does this make it more comfortable, it also makes it easy and inexpensive to change the decor of a room by simply changing out the pillows and other coverings.