Wicker Furniture

Wicker is a kind of thin and flexible branch, vine, or grass that could be woven into a specially designed pattern. Wickerwork is the resulting shape produced by weaving or interlacing wicker branches together. Wicker furniture then, is furniture that is made from weaving branches over a frame and into the shapes of tables, chairs, benches, swings and sofas. Wicker furniture can be shaped out of willow, rattan, bamboo, reed, or even synthetic materials. In fact, many items are a combination of wicker and rattan materials. Therefore, the distinction between wicker furniture and rattan furniture is hard to distinguish. Wicker furniture is available with natural, stained or painted surfaces; some wicker furniture has been dipped in a special coating to prevent from fading and to reduce flaking and cracking.

Wicker furniture has been very popular for is outdoor furniture. Because of its comparable light weight, wicker furniture is easy to position around the yard and easy to move indoors when the weather change. It is important to remember to bring non-synthetic wicker furniture indoors during a summer shower. In addition to outdoor and indoor furniture, wicker is also made into objects such as lampshades, chests, hampers, planters, porch swings, baby bassinets and carriages. Tropical settings and casual rooms lend themselves to the use of indoor wicker furniture particularly well because of its light and airy nature, which is many times paired with colorfully patterned cushions. Wicker furniture is also popular as child-scaled furniture or as furnishings for a young woman's bedroom.

The history of using wickerwork for household objects could be traced back to the time when ancient civilizations used it for baskets and chair seats. The oldest wicker pieces, storage boxes and hassocks, are still in existence. During the Victorian era in the mid-1800s, wicker furniture resurged back into vogue because the Victorians believed that its smooth surface was more hygienic than upholstered furniture.

Despite that belief, cleaning wicker furniture can be quite troublesome. The very nature of their woven surfaces causes them to be favored much by dust. For maintenance of your wicker furniture, please read the steps as below:

It is better to vacuum or dust your wicker furniture regularly and treat them with clear furniture polish
Protect your wicker furniture; a thin layer of clear lacquer is also very helpful.
For deeply hidden dirty areas, wipe your wicker furniture gently with mild soap and water.
Dry your wicker furniture quickly if it gets wet - water can cause cracking or gaps easily between the weave
For rough edges or cracks, polish it up carefully with fine-grade sandpaper.

Wicker Furniture can be worked and formed into virtually any shape to create an unlimited range of products in every imaginable style. Whatever your home décor is, you will find wicker furniture and wicker accessories in a style to match your expectations.