Wicker
furniture
Wicker is the process of weaving natural materials like
willow, rattan, cane, bamboo into various patterns. Wicker
furniture is made from weaving interlaced slender branches
around a frame and molding it into desired shapes such as
tables, chairs, bed or sofas. Most wicker furniture is
manufactured by hand and they originate from Southeast Asia,
mainly Indonesia, Philippines and China. Wicker furniture
became popular in the Victorian era, as its smooth surfaces
and clean lines were believed to be more clean and hygienic
than upholstered
Antique furniture.
Wicker furniture can be broadly classified into two
categories: loom woven and synthetic wicker furniture. Loom
woven wicker pieces use natural materials such as rattan,
cane or bamboo. These materials are dipped in resin
emulsions to form a moisture resistant shield. Synthetic
wicker furniture is made from hand-woven polyethylene, fiber
glass or resin, a material that resembles natural wicker and
is washable, waterproof, colorfast, and ultraviolet and
frost-resistant.
Wicker furniture can last for several years, provided a
little bit of care is taken with its upkeep. Although wicker
furniture is easy to maintain and attracts less dust, it is
advisable to vacuum or dust the furniture regularly and
treat it with furniture polish. A layer of lacquer should be
applied for restoring its finish.