Wicker furniture has long been popular for both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you put your wicker set in the garden, on a patio or a porch, or in your living room, bedroom or sunroom, you’ll find it elegant, adaptable and long lasting. If you’re considering purchasing wicker furniture for your home, these are some things to take into account before you make your final decision:
Nowadays you can get both natural and synthetic wicker furniture. Natural wicker is a plant material derived from rattan, willow, bamboo, reed or abaca, and is well known for its beauty and versatility. It’s also a surprisingly hardy material that can last for many decades if you maintain it well.
Synthetic wicker has the advantage of being resistant to the weather, and lasts even longer than its natural equivalent. It won’t fade, and remains flexible and attractive even when it’s left outside in the heat, cold and rain. Just like natural wicker, the synthetic variety is woven, and can even be made to look similar to the real thing. Still, some synthetic wicker is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is said to be harmful to human health and the environment. PVC is also less durable than polyethylene, which is also a safer material that is widely used in synthetic wicker manufacturing.
Look for wicker furniture that is built on a frame of aluminum. Aluminum-framed sets last longer as they’re better at keeping their original shape than those made with steel frames. Also, aluminum rust is the same color as the metal, so you won’t need to worry about your furniture discoloring.
Another thing to consider is how tightly the fibers or strands are woven. A good quality piece of wicker furniture should be capable of supporting even the heaviest weight. Before you hand over your money, you must also check each item to ensure that none of the fibers is damaged or loose, as this can help shorten the useful life of the item. If you’re buying synthetic wicker, confirm that the paint is even and neatly applied. They will never look exactly like natural wicker, but some synthetic products are designed with ridges and painted with natural colors to enhance their appearance. Stay away from synthetic wicker that has a glossy paint job – it just looks like a cheap imitation.
Before you go out shopping for your new wicker ensemble, figure out your budget. Buy the best pieces you can afford. You might have to pay a fair amount for good quality wicker, but you’ll have an attractive set of furniture that you can use for a long time, provided you take good care of it. Keep it clean by dusting it frequently, or you can also wash it with a damp sponge. It’s important to dry wicker well before using it again, however, or it will grow moldy. If you’re using the set outside, spray it regularly with a weather-proofing product.
It has been said that furniture shopping is like a journey. Getting there is half the fun, so make sure you have a great experience. And once you’ve found the right wicker furniture set, take it home and enjoy it with your family and friends.
