home/Furniture/Rattan furniture: braided lace in interior design
Rattan furniture: braided lace in interior design
Wicker rattan furniture is increasingly becoming an integral part of modern interiors. She not only conquered country houses and recreation areas, but also perfectly fit into the eco-style of apartments. Exotic interior items made of rattan bring comfort and coziness to the room, give the warmth of natural material, please with durability. These and other features of rattan furniture, as well as options for its use, will be discussed in this article.
Rattan furniture looks great both in the garden interior and inside the house
The features of any furniture products are determined by the material from which they are made. Wicker furniture production is no exception. What is rattan? Why was it chosen for the manufacture of wicker furniture?
Natural rattan is a vine from the palm family
Rattan is an exotic liana of the palm family. It is found in Asia, Australia and Africa. However, among the many 330 species of this plant, only a few of them can be used for furniture production, mainly those that grow in Southeast Asia. This choice is due to a number of characteristics that are unique to this material.
The main advantage of rattan is the incredible length of its branches. On average, this value is 200-300 m, but there are also champions - up to 350 m. That is why it became possible to weave furniture and various products from rattan: the material allows you to make elements without joints or minimize their number.
Important characteristics of rattan are the same thickness of the stem along the entire length of the vine and the complete absence of knots and processes. These properties allow you to fully use the length of the vine without waste. The maximum trunk diameter is up to 7 cm, young palm stems are thinner.
The length of rattan branches can reach 350 m, thanks to which furniture from it is woven almost without joints
One of the advantages of rattan is its strength, which is due to the structure of the tree. The cut of the branch is not hollow inside, it is divided into several layers: bark, porous part and hard core. It is the core that provides the material with excellent resistance to heavy loads.For openwork weaving of furniture, use only it, clearing the stem from all upper layers.
It is interesting!Some furniture structures made of natural rattan can withstand a load of 500 kg, and local residents use this raw material for the construction of houses and suspension bridges.
Strength classes and coloration of natural rattan
The smaller the porous part of the liana stem, the stronger the rattan and its products. It is customary to divide rattan wood into three strength classes:
Most often, rattan is dyed in natural light brown shades or left white
class A - the highest, has a premium variety: the rattan trunk is perfect, that is, without spots, scuffs and other cosmetic defects;
class B is an intermediate option, products from it are more affordable in price;
class C - the lowest limit for rattan furniture, used in products that are not subject to heavy loads.
Strength class affects the cost of rattan furniture. The price for products that are completely identical in design can differ by 2-2.5 times if material of different strength classes was used in the manufacture.
Raw materials are used for wicker furniture, which can be bent at different angles. The stem of the vine in its natural state is not too plastic. To give it the desired properties, rattan is treated with steam and only after that the production of products is started.
Natural rattan comes in 3 strength classes: A - the highest, B - average and C - low
The rattan trunk is white when it is ready for production, but it can be painted in one of four natural shades:
honey;
cognac;
coffee;
olive.
If the surface of the raw material is perfect, the natural color is usually left. Very rarely, liana is painted in tones such as, for example, red or black. Manufacturers try to preserve and emphasize the beauty and warmth of natural material, but for some design solutions, shades are possible.
Advantages and disadvantages of rattan wicker furniture
Rattan furniture is natural, lightweight and aesthetic. The material is successfully combined with leather and textiles, gives designers room for imagination in creating exclusive models and emphasizes the individuality of products, since weaving is done by hand. Other advantages of rattan furniture:
The main advantages of rattan furniture are lightness, strength, moisture resistance and durability.
natural environmentally friendly material;
does not contain allergens;
excellent durability;
good moisture resistance;
tolerates temperature extremes without problems, so it can be used outdoors;
durability - service life 20-25 years;
low weight of products, which can be appreciated during rearrangement and transportation;
special smell and texture, plus a bonus in the form of micromassage;
orthopedic form of sofas, armchairs and chairs;
easy care.
The main disadvantage of rattan wicker furniture is the price. Most of the manufacturing process is done by hand, so each product is exclusive in its own way, and labor costs are high. Also, the disadvantages include the lack of assembly for products. On the one hand, this is an advantage, since the furniture comes to the customer already ready-made, but on the other hand, its transportation may require larger vehicles. Natural rattan is "afraid" of the sun: if you constantly keep products in direct sunlight, they fade and dry out.
The biggest drawback of rattan furniture is the high cost of products.
Useful advice!If the rattan weaving is dry and small cracks appear, lubricate the surface of the furniture with linseed oil. This will protect the product from moisture evaporation.
Natural and artificial rattan furniture: how to distinguish
Along with furniture made from natural rattan, in stores you can find products made of artificial material - polirotan.The performance characteristics of both types of furniture are almost the same, but there are differences:
artificial rattan is completely uniform, there are no roughness on it;
if the fibers of the material are geometrically perfect, this is an artificial rattan;
the artificial material has a uniform color throughout the product: if you look closely, it is very noticeable;
furniture made of polirotanga can be painted in any color, its decorative processing and application of texture is also possible;
polymer fibers can have various cross sections, including ideal flat stripes;
the quality of weaving in an artificial material is always higher, and in the case of using natural rattan in the furniture, there will certainly be small thickenings and slight irregularities;
If the furniture is completely homogeneous, the lines are perfectly even and there are no roughness, then this is an artificial rattan
furniture made of unnatural material is heavier, because for strength, weaving is superimposed on a metal, most often aluminum frame;
the price for identical models will be lower for furniture made of polyrotang;
no matter how hard the manufacturers try, new furniture made of artificial rattan will fill the room not with the subtle scent of wood, but with the scent of synthetics, after a week it will disappear, but when heated in the sun it may reappear.
In defense of furniture made of synthetic material, we can say that it is completely unpretentious in maintenance, is more resistant to mechanical stress, and can stay outside all year round.
Rattan furniture: photos in the interior and examples of use
Wicker rattan furniture will be appropriate both in a country house and in a city apartment. Almost any interior and style will "accept" it, it is important to be able to harmoniously choose accessories and rattan color. The range of products is diverse: armchairs, dressers, sofas, chairs, coffee tables, wardrobes, screens, boxes, beds, lampshades and much more are offered for installation in the bedroom, living room, nursery and even bathroom.
The bed of an unusual shape, made of natural rattan, will become the main decoration of the bedroom
Rattan is a fertile material for designers, which is why photos of rattan furniture have recently become more often used as examples for interior decoration. Products made from it can take on a variety of shapes, while remaining strong and light. Rattan furniture is cozy and comfortable, tactilely pleasant and original, it gives airiness to the interior and smooths the geometry, brings light and expands the space.
Rattan chairs: design options and their place in the interior
Rattan chairs are one of the most demanded wicker furniture products. They have become popular due to their comfortable orthopedic shape and the variety of designs offered. They are as reliable and comfortable as other types of natural wood furniture, but not as bulky and monumental.
Wicker chairs can take a place in the interior of a country house or apartment, become part of a recreation area in a gazebo, on a terrace or balcony, in a living room or a nursery. Rattan chairs are of the following types:
Rattan chairs can be of various shapes and are made in different styles.
traditional armchair with armrests;
rocking chair;
large oval armchair Papasan.
A traditional armchair with armrests will require an addition in the form of a similar coffee table or sofa, a chest of drawers or a lamp, in extreme cases, another of the same chair. Models with solid weaving, without openwork lace, with a laconic design are suitable for almost any style.
Advantages and disadvantages. Varieties of pine products. Scope of use. Combination of style and practicality. Recommendations for making furniture with your own hands.
A rocking chair can "live" in the interior autonomously and not be tied to the atmosphere of one room, since its light weight allows it to be easily transferred from place to place.
The large oval armchair Papasan - a stable original design with a single “leg” - will appeal to everyone. It is worth choosing the weaving to match the main furniture and complementing the chair with a mattress or pillows that have a color corresponding to the style. The chair itself claims to be a concentration of comfort in a house or apartment.
The rattan chair is the most popular type of furniture made of this material.
Options for using a rattan sofa in the interior
You can safely put a wicker sofa where guests often visit, children frolic, because the furniture is primarily installed not for beauty, but for use. The construction of rattan sofas is strong, the frame is reliable, and comfort is guaranteed. The product will be able to withstand heavy loads, including several guests at the same time.
Sofas are most often included in a set of rattan furniture in an ensemble with armchairs and a coffee table. Sofas with different weaving are selected for different interiors. Furniture of light shades is suitable for the Victorian style, for classics and minimalism - with continuous weaving, and Art Deco will require a strict style without frills and dark colors.
Wicker sofas are placed in offices and living rooms, reception rooms in the office, in the country - under the canopy of a gazebo or on the veranda. Structurally, rattan sofas are straight and angular, with high legs and low ones, with or without additional compartments for storing things.
A rattan sofa will look chic in the living room, study or on the veranda
Safe wicker furniture: rattan for the nursery
The arrangement of a children's room always has special requirements for environmental friendliness, safety and organization of the maximum free space for games. The main advantage of rattan furniture is its safety and environmental friendliness. Weaving does not provide for sharp corners in the structures, therefore, parents will not be afraid that the child will injure himself.
In the nursery, you can place the sets as a single ensemble, pick up a set of rattan furniture from different, but color-matched elements, or complement the finished interior with individual products. Wicker furniture is very light, and if children decide to use it for games, then they can not worry about injuries if the constructed structure is not very strong.
Great for storing things dressers: the child can easily cope with the lightweight drawers and find everything he needs on his own. The wicker structure will keep your clothes fresh thanks to good air exchange. For the same purpose, you can use separate baskets installed on open shelves. They are also great for storing toys.
Children and teenagers will love the made from rattan hanging chair
Shelves and shelves for various little things and books are very practical. They can be combined in height, selected in width and easily rearranged if necessary. Rattan furniture is capable of withstanding heavy loads, so over time, the shelves will not bend under the weight of the load.
Useful advice!Although rattan furniture is very durable, it is not advisable to stand on it or jump on it. This can damage the product.
If space permits, a good solution would be to install a rocking chair, an oval wicker sofa Mamasan or a large Papasan armchair in the child. Such pieces of furniture will appeal to both kids and teenagers. Complement them with decorative pillows or covers that match the overall style for an exclusive interior for the nursery.
Is it appropriate to use rattan furniture for a summer residence
Interior items made of natural rattan can be used for summer cottages, gazebos and terraces.Country furniture made of rattan is resistant to temperature extremes, it can withstand rain, it is light and unpretentious to maintain, therefore it meets all the basic criteria typical for this type of furniture. However, it does not tolerate drying out well, so it is better not to install it under the sun.
Rattan furniture - fits especially well with landscape interiors
When arranging terraces and gazebos, sets of rattan wicker furniture are actively used. Photos of the organization of such interiors are very popular on the Internet. The most commonly used models are sofas of various shapes, armchairs, tables and chairs. Hanging sofas in the form of a swing are also installed in a country house.
When choosing interior items for a summer residence, you need to focus on the general style in the house. If the terrace is large, then you can put furniture of any size. With a small area, designers recommend installing wicker products in light colors and modest sizes.
Useful advice!If rattan furniture gets wet in heavy rain, let it dry completely and do not use it for at least 24 hours.
A stylish rattan coffee table can be placed on the terrace or in the gazebo
Other options for placing rattan furniture in an apartment
Rattan furniture can be installed in different parts of the apartment: in the bedroom, dining room, bathroom, hallway, in the kitchen and on the balcony. The bedroom has beds, wardrobes, dressers, bedside tables, poufs as a set or selectively by details, matching them to the main furniture in color and style.
In the kitchen, bathroom and hallway, the use of rattan furniture is possible due to its moisture resistance. Storage systems are mainly applicable here: cabinets, baskets, shelves. In the kitchen or in the dining room, the dining area is complemented with rattan chairs because of their convenience, lightness and a wonderful combination with solid wooden tables. The design of the chairs gives a wide choice for organizing various interiors, this is facilitated by variations in the height and bend of the back, the presence of armrests, weaving techniques, and more.
Besides, rattan can be used as decoration. Rugs, wall panels, openwork screens, mirror frames and even furniture for pets are made of it. This material brings positive energy to the house and favors the creation of coziness, so it becomes more and more popular every year.
The rattan headboard looks impressive, beautiful and unusual
Basic rules for the care of rattan products
Wicker rattan furniture is unpretentious to maintain, but she still needs it. In order for the products to retain their appearance for a long time, you should adhere to several rules:
when using wicker furniture for a summer residence, do not leave it outdoors for the winter, it is more advisable to bring it into the house until spring;
try to avoid chips and scratches on the protective varnish layer;
do not place rattan furniture near an open fire and next to a battery: it will quickly dry out and become fragile;
do not place hot objects on the surface and avoid exposure to any chemicals;
if the furniture is very wet, dry it well and ventilate it so that mold does not form in the weaving cells;
To prevent rattan furniture from losing its appearance, it must be wiped with a damp soft cloth
to remove dust from furniture, you can use a piece of cloth or a vacuum cleaner; for stubborn dirt, use a damp sponge dipped in soapy water;
furniture must be protected from drying out, so you should regularly wipe it with a damp, but not wet sponge;
once a year, rattan products are subjected to a global cleaning with washing with detergent and subsequent thorough drying.
How to choose high quality and natural rattan furniture
To choose really high-quality wicker furniture, you should personally visit the store, touch the material, see the color, see the shades, and not just choose a photo of rattan furniture in the online store and buy in one click. There are certain criteria by which furniture is chosen:
The lacquer coating on natural rattan always has a transparent structure
Pay attention to the manufacturer. The best factories producing quality products are located in Indonesia.
If the furniture will be used intensively, choose the strength class A. Class B has a more affordable price, in appearance it practically does not differ from category A.
Be sure to check with the seller for the strength class. If he cannot answer your question, then with a high degree of probability you are considering low-end products or fake.
The color scheme of the products presented in the store must necessarily contain light shades.
It is necessary that the lacquer coating is transparent. If the structure is densely covered with paint, then there is a possibility that material defects were hidden in this way.
If the furniture has an openwork weaving, it is important to pay attention to the material from which it is made. Reeds and rope will quickly creep and break. Natural products must be 100% rattan.
Consider carefully the quality of the joints and the tightness of the braid. The braid must be tightly wound and well secured, otherwise it will not provide the product with durability, the strongest is made of rawhide.
If you buy soft rattan furniture, take an interest in fabric and pillow filling. It is not enough to find out what is inside the polyurethane foam: if it is sheet, then over time it will wash out and form depressions; if latex, then there will be practically no shrinkage; if it is a crumb with the addition of fibertech, the pillows will be especially soft and fluffy. When filled with holofiber, the seat will "soar" in the heat.
Furniture made of natural rattan has high-quality joints, and the braid is well fixed
Rattan furniture is versatile in the interior, durable in use and unpretentious in maintenance. Use a little creativity and healthy adventurism to install wicker furniture in the interior - and it will surely repay you with comfort and originality.
