What is The Difference Between Rattan And Wicker
Furniture made from naturally occurring materials has a flair of its own. They can easily lift your mood and brighten up a room. Whether it is wood, bamboo or rattan, furniture made out of these materials always tends to look good. Rattan is a very popular option due to its colour and the myriad of unique designs it comes in. Most people confuse rattan with wicker however, they are not the same.
This article will answer your queries about rattan and wicker furniture.
What is the difference between rattan and wicker?
It is believed by a lot of people that rattan and wicker are essentially the same things. However, that is not true. Wicker is not even material. It is a type of weave that is used to create new and exciting furniture designs. The reason why these two are associated with each other is that rattan and wicker give you that quintessential natural look; and more importantly, wicker being a weaving pattern can be done on rattan.
Rattan and Rattan Cane
Rattan is a vine-like palm that grows in tropical regions such as Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. Rattan cane is technically part of the rattan plant, to be specific it is the outer bark of the palm plant.
The rattan plant is a solid plant that grows in abundance and quite quickly as well. This is why rattan furniture is available in just about every furniture shop you go to. The stems of the rattan plant are used to make furniture. Rattan cane, on the other hand, is a thin layer of rattan that cannot stand on its own to make furniture. This is why it is weaved to make furniture pieces. It is often woven into seats, seat backs or bed heads instead of being used for the frame of any furniture.
Additionally, rattan, a solid material, is often used for the frame and body of furniture pieces. However, it is a porous material so any exposure to water will make it lose its structure eventually. It is why rattan sticks are used in diffusers because they can easily absorb the essential oil and release the scent into the room.
Add The Natural Effect to Your Home
Rattan and wicker furniture is popular among interior designers because of their effect on a room. Rattan being a natural material adds a simple and natural look to the room that can be very calming to the senses. Wicker adds to that effect with intricate designs added to synthetic or naturally occurring materials. Weaving can make a huge difference to the look of the furniture. Wicker involves simple as well as intricate designs that are found on the body of any wicker furniture piece.
Rattan furniture adds an airy feel to the room making it look spacious and inviting. Bohemian, coastal and Hampton interior decoration styles often recommend the use of rattan and wicker furniture. While rattan offers simple and lightweight furniture, wicker offers beautifully designed pieces made from an array of different materials.
Durability and Care
Rattan being a more solid material tends to be more durable than wicker. Wicker is usually used with materials that are not strong enough to hold their own. While that is not true for all the materials that are turned into wicker furniture, it is valid for a lot of them. So, wicker furniture’s durability depends on the type of material being used.
Rattan is also available in different natural colours but the colours eventually fade over time or after being exposed to sunlight. Moreover, rattan absorbs moisture very quickly which is why it is not the material you should be looking at when buying outdoor furniture. Rattan is only meant for the indoors and will last longer that way. However, if you still want that natural look for your patio furniture, just opt for wicker.
When it comes to taking care of your rattan and wicker furniture, you will need small brushes. It is hard to clean through the crevices of woven furniture. While regular dusting will keep it clean overall, you will need to perform a deep cleaning now and then. A paintbrush or toothbrush is a good cleaning tool to dust those crevices. You can also go over with dishwashing detergent and warm water and leave the furniture to air dry.
Wicker and Rattan Must-Haves
Both these furniture styles are very popular for indoor and outdoor use. If you plan on buying either of the two, you should consider buying pieces that are simple yet have a unique design.
Wicker Outdoor Dining Set
People often recommend buying rattan furniture for your outdoor space because of its unique and natural look. However, rattan is not ideal for the outdoors. It cannot survive any kind of moisture and considering you will be placing it outdoors, you cannot run to get the furniture indoors every time it rains. If you want to go for that natural warm look, opt for bamboo or synthetic wicker furniture instead.
Wicker dining table sets are an excellent investment if you have a big outdoor space. The wicker weave is a very close-knit pattern that is comfortable and sturdy. While the frame of the furniture is usually made of a stronger material the body itself is quite strong too. Wicker dining tables and chairs can take a lot of weight. So, you can easily hold a feast in your backyard, place all your dishes on the table without worrying and stay seated in your wicker dining chairs for hours.
Wicker Hammock Chairs
There is a lot you can do with outdoor furniture. While you can have your daily use furniture such as outdoor dining or lounge sets, we say go for some unique items as well. Wicker hammock chairs are a great way to elevate the look of your backyard or balcony. They are very comfortable and the unique design makes them stand out wherever they are placed. An egg hammock chair will be a great purchase for you if you enjoy lounging outdoors reading a book or enjoying a cup of coffee. It allows you to cuddle up easily and the swing suspension gives the chair a light sway every time you move on it.
The wicker weave and the metal frame of these chairs are sturdy enough to take your weight and even your partner’s weight. You can go for a single-seat or a two-seat hammock chair.
Rattan Bed Heads
The warmth and comfort that certain materials and colours give off just cannot be replicated. Rattan has a particular feel that can change the effect a room has on your eyes. Bed Heads and headboards are an important installation in the bedroom and whether you’re going for a particular look or not, rattan bed heads are what you need.
They come in unique designs that just add so much flair and poise to a simple bed frame. You can either go for an elaborate design or something very simple, it is bound to make an impact on the entire room. Plain walls, white bed linen, earth-toned bed frame and bedroom furniture look even more lively with a rattan headboard.
Rattan Armchairs
There is something very old-school about rattan furniture. It reminds us of furniture that you would usually find at grandma’s place. There is something nostalgic and familiar about this material and what better way to incorporate it into your home than with armchairs. Your living room can have a touch of nostalgia with the help of a beautiful rattan armchair. They come in simple or bulkier designs paired with light colour cushions to make them more comfortable for you.
The piping and weaving patterns of rattan furniture are what make these armchairs a delightful addition to your living room. If a big armchair is not your style, then you can go for a simple design. No cushions or fabric are required. Just a simple wood and rattan chair that is comfortable and sits perfectly in a coastal or bohemian style setup.
Rattan Decor
If you are planning to adorn your home in rattan, decoration pieces are a great way to go. Rattan lamp shades always look excellent especially when the light peaks through the gaps. You can decorate bare walls with rattan mirrors. These are mirrors (usually round) with a rattan frame.
Baskets and planters are also a great way to incorporate rattan in the house. Additionally, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can always purchase a rattan wall-shelf. Rattan is not a very common choice when it comes to shelves but it does look beautiful. Its rarity also makes it a great decoration choice.
