Why is rattan furniture so popular
Rattan furniture may not be the most comfortable at times if used on their own, but can be accessorised with bright cushions and are a stylish finish to your home. Although rattan has been around for so many years, they have recently gained popularity with the revival of the 1970s era, brought forward to the 21st century. Rattan also works with many different types of style, from casual to chic, the countryside to the coast.
What is the difference between wicker, cane & rattan
While these terms are often used interchangeably, wicker, cane and rattan are rather different and it is important to know what their differences are when decorating your outdoor garden space. Wicker in essence is not a particular material but rather the method of weaving. Wicker can be made from any wooden fibres that are tightly woven together to create chairs, baskets and tables just to name a few. Cane on the other hand is an actual material, usually very light in colour, and very thin in size. Cane does come from the rattan plant, but a very specific part of it which is far less porous than the other parts of the plant and is used as cane webbing or cane roping when it comes to the application. Cane webbing can be seen as the backing of chairs and headboards while cane roping is best seen on chair legs. Lastly, rattan is also a material, but includes a vast amount of different timber vines. Rattan is a very popular choice for interior and exterior furniture because of its warm appeal to the space.
How to take care of rattan
There are a few important notes to consider when purchasing rattan for your home. First and foremost, rattan does not do too well in the rain, so if it is going to be kept outdoors, make sure to have sufficient patio coverage or waterproof coverings to keep it dry. Once the rattan becomes wet, it is possible for it to start moulding and this will lead to the deterioration of your furniture. The rattan wood also fades over time as any wood does when exposed to the sun. This should not be an issue if you don’t mind the colour changing over time, however if it is, be sure to coat your furniture with a protective sealant once purchased. The sealer will help protect your furniture from the outside elements to last a lot longer.
