Interior Design & Decor

Talk about rattan furniture, or cane furniture and some people might instantly think of it as the same as wicker furniture. In many cases, rattan and wicker furniture are used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Rattan is the material, but wicker is the process of weaving the rattan or other materials into the finished goods. Wicker furniture could be made from straw or bamboo which is weaved around a rattan frame. Rattan is predominantly found in monsoon and primary rainforests, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. Currently, there are about 50 species of rattan being traded commercially all over the world. Rattan is strong, durable and easy to work with, requiring only simple machines and tools, therefore making them a popular choice of material for manufacturing of furniture. However, workmanship and skill is what distinguishes between quality and average wicker furniture. A good finish would show the wood’s natural colours with a very slight sheen. Here is where experience and skills matter. Rattan is an environmentally friendly, strong and naturally beautiful material. Its natural qualities allow it to be tanned, shaped, and bent to make long-lasting and gorgeous looking furniture. It can also be painted and combined with other materials like wood or metal, not only to create furniture, but also accessories like baskets, shelves, racks etc. The possibilities are endless. Wicker furniture is durable and strong, because of the way the materials are woven into the furniture. When choosing wicker furniture, be sure to choose those which are densely woven. Lightly woven wicker furniture tends to be more unstable. As the materials are not manmade, the colours may not be totally uniform, but this exudes a natural feel and adds to the attractiveness of wicker furniture. Due to the versatility of wicker furniture, they have become a popular choice for furnishing. Add any wicker furniture and the place instantly gets a more relaxed and cosy feel. This is why wicker furniture is commonly used in holiday resorts and hotels. Of course, if you want to create a laid back, relaxed atmosphere in your house, you could also add some rattan furniture in every part of your house. You can place them indoors, or outdoors. The choice is yours. Maintenance is very simple too. If cared for properly, rattan or cane furniture can last for many years, or even decades. To ensure that your rattan furniture lasts long, try to avoid putting them under direct sunlight for prolong periods of time. Regularly brush away the dust and light clean with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure that they are properly aired and dried, as moisture and humidity can cause mould. Do pay our site a visit and you will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of furniture available. We also have a pool of resources which explains the characteristics of the different types of materials, as well as guides on how to choose and care for your wicker furniture. With our experience in this industry, we guarantee that you will be able to find your dream piece of wicker furniture.