Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Wicker outdoor furniture and wicker indoor furniture has been around since the Egyptian Empire in 3000 B.C., and included chairs, wig boxes, and chests made of reed that was woven together. Wicker is the weaving process, not the material used. This type of furnishing was commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries as well, but became highly popular in the Victorian period. One reason that type became so popular was the simplicity of it, and the fact that it could be woven into so many different styles and designs. People wanted durable and attractive furnishings to grace their gardens, conservatories, or expansive front yards. The lightweight and summery feel of these furnishings contributed to its popularity. There is no mention of certain types furnishings in the Bible, but some references to furniture remind us of how differently they lived then. "The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, (Exodus 31:7)

The ease with which one can clean these pieces is another factor adding to its popularity. This material can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to get rid of surface dirt, and brushing crevices with a new, clean paintbrush. Spills can be wiped up with a clean cloth dampened with mild detergent or Murphy's Oil Soap in water. No need to hire someone to come out and clean. Water can ruin the finish, however, so one must be very cautious. The humidity level is important to the preservation of these pieces. Air that is too dry will make the reeds dry and brittle; while to high humidity subjects it to mold and mildew.

If mildew actually occurs on wicker outdoor furniture, it should be cleaned immediately with bleach in water, rinsed well, then thoroughly dried in the shade on a warm, windy day. It should not be put back in the same place where the mold or mildew occurred when it's ready to be used again. Padded chair cushions will increase the life of both indoor or the outdoor furnishings. These woven pieces must be protected from harsh weather elements of sun, rain, snow, or wind. The sun will cause the fibers to become dry and brittle, and the glue joints to loosen. In the excess moisture resulting from dew, rain and snow, the hardwood frames can warp. Of course, for the person who wants the look without the trouble of the natural fibers, there is faux wicker made of resin, plastic, or fiberglass.

There are several different materials that are used to make wicker outdoor furniture and wicker indoor furniture. The largest source is an Asian climbing palm tree found in tropical rain forests called Rattan. Rattancan grow to be as long as 600 feet, but usually is no more than two inches in diameter. Cane is the stem of the larger rattan trees, and fine cane is used to make natural wicker, or for stained pieces. Reed is a term used to describe all the swamp grasses that are similar to straw. Those early American chairs that are sometimes found in antique shops, or in the possession of collectors, are made of reed. Bamboo is classified as a large tropical grass that can grow to over 100 feet at a rage of 36" per day. Bamboo thrives in the warm areas of temperate climates.

Americans buy wicker outdoor furniture more than indoor. Its form provides very comfortable seating and convenient tables for the patio or yard during the months when it's pleasant to entertain outdoors. White is often the preferred color for outdoors, but natural wood colors are used as well. When well taken care of, these pieces will last a very long time. When comes to wicker indoor furniture, pieces can be found for every room in the house, including the nursery. Living room chairs and couches in a variety of styles are available in this material, and dining room sets that are mostly casual in style.

Bedroom furnishings that are graceful in style and sturdily built is available in both adult and child-size furnishings. Even prams have been part of the wicker indoor furniture history. Hardwood frames provide the base for the weaving design in all of these pieces. The woven reeds are made to the size needed for the piece being constructed; then is steamed to make it pliable, is shaped for its intended use, then allowed to cool. When cooled down, the woven part retains its shape forever, providing a place of comfort for the owner, or a decorative piece.

Not every furniture store carries this furniture, but many do. If a customer is unable to find one nearby, there are a large number of companies on the Internet through which one can order whatever wicker outdoor furniture or wicker indoor furniture, and the prices are, for the most part, quite reasonable. They are listed in categories so that finding a particular piece is relatively simple. It may take a little time, but the end result will most likely be well worth the effort.

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