Tell about the wicker furniture can be a long time. She was found even in the grave of the famous Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. Apparently the chair from the vine was so dear to this ruler that he decided not to part with him in his afterlife. Reeds, grapes, bamboo shoots, other flexible rods were successfully used by the inhabitants of ancient Rome. In Russia, weaving was done professionally, from the 14th century schools existed in some regions where they taught this fine craft. Gradually, Europeans began to penetrate into South-East Asia, get acquainted with local culture. Rattan palm is especially respected in this region, which is also perfectly suitable for the production of various products, perfectly replacing the vine.
Conquered South-East Asia, the British and the French were crazy about local wickerwork. The colonial elite did not want to part with them even after the contract expired, and took away seats, chairs, tables, various furniture with rattan inserts to their native continent. Quite quickly the fashionable exotica became firmly in use, turning into a familiar interior object, decorating not only the country cottages, but also the city apartments of many Europeans.
Rattan furniture in the modern world
It is interesting that at home in its homeland rattan was first considered such material from which furniture for the poor is made. But now it produces products of various classes, many of which are not ashamed to put even in a luxurious elite mansion. You can choose products based on your income. The cost of wicker furniture primarily depends on the source material and technology. When inspecting things before buying, make sure that the varnish is not cracked, there is no trace of mold. Do not be shy, always check the chairs or sofas for strength, consider them from all sides. Make sure how comfortable they are.
The most common products of rattan:
- Rattan chair.
- Rattan rocking chair .
- Rattan sofa.
- Rattan lamps.
- Rattan table.
- Rattan hanging chair.
- Rattan chaise lounges.
- Cabinet with rattan inserts.
Artificial rattan furniture
Natural rattan is famous for the fact that it is easy to find 4-meter lengths of lianas, having almost the same diameter and completely without any knots. To replace such wonderful material have managed only recently, having thought up a qualitative synthetic substitute. Coiled fibers are easy to transport, store, and they are not afraid of moisture at all. In addition, artificial rattan can be painted in any color. There are three most popular modifications of artificial fiber - a rod, a crescent and in the form of a tree bark.
The difference between furniture made of artificial rattan from furniture from a natural vine is the weight of the product and a richer color palette. Synthetics was more resistant to the sun, temperature changes and microorganisms. In addition, the huge length of the cord allows you to forget about the joints, which are a weak spot when weaving from any natural vine. Now it is no longer necessary to ship materials from Asia, so artificial rattan is successfully produced in many European countries.
Care of rattan furniture
Usually, rattan table, chair or other products in case of dirt on them is enough only to wipe with a cloth and vacuum. Artificial fiber is not afraid of water, but the natural material is still better not to wet again (especially if your furniture is not varnished). The sponge should be slightly damp, and after cleaning, thoroughly dry it. Also, do not rush into a chair while it is still damp, so as not to provoke any accidental deformation. Noticing the cracks on the surface of the creeper, try to sand it and uncover it with varnish. This is almost all the wisdom that a person who decides to decorate his interior with original rattan furniture needs to know.
