Wicker and rattan furniture can be both luxurious and casual. Long a staple in every British sunroom or solarium, wicker has been a favorite of the South as well for its clean lines and easy to clean material.

According to dictionary.com, wicker means “a slender, pliant twig; or plaited or woven twigs.” And rattan refers to stems from the rattan palm, but it is often used interchangeably with wicker.

Wicker furniture is made by weaving wicker, willow branches, reeds, synthetic materials and spiral twists of paper together.

When decorating a room with wicker or rattan furniture, you are setting a specific mood, often romantic, comforting or country casual. Because wicker furniture is lightweight, it’s easy to move around making it easy to set up small clusters or intimate settings for conversation. Wicker furniture comes in sofas, loveseats, chairs, tables, side tables, storage units and porch swings.

Purchasing wicker or rattan furniture can be an expensive investment, particularly if you plan to use it outside. Learning how to care for your wicker or rattan furniture will make sure that your furniture lasts you for many years to come.
When purchasing wicker or rattan furniture, look for high quality furniture. Make sure the weave is tight and there aren’t any cracks or breaks in the weaves. Check with the manufacturer you are purchasing your furniture from to see if it has been pre-treated with any waterproofing or sealing agent and what you can do to make sure it is well-taken care of.

Outdoor wicker and rattan is treated with resin or paint to prevent mildew when they get wet. Some outdoor furniture is made from strong paper fibers twisted around metal wire for strength. These furniture pieces are significantly heavier than standard wicker or rattan furniture, but they will hold their shape much longer.

Synthetic materials like resin and plastic have been made to look like wicker and rattan and they will last significantly longer than traditional wicker or rattan furniture without all the fuss. Simply hose off when dirty.

Today’s wicker and rattan furniture is the stuff of your grandmother’s age. It has clean lines, contemporary styling and new colors. So, whether you are a fan of wicker, rattan or bamboo furniture; new or vintage; real or synthetic, there are rattan furniture in any style, color and use including complete bedroom sets, indoor living room furniture, retro Tiki bars and bathroom vanities. The choices are endless and the materials can be ecologically friendly and a part of a growing line of sustainable forests.