hundstorfer

Rattan has existed as a material for making furniture for a long time, and devotees will tell you that there’s nothing quite like a rattan chair for comfort. Consumers might well ask what it is that makes rattan such a useful material, and how there can be such a wide range of styles available to suit such different budgets.

 

Origins

 

Rattan furniture (or wicker) is made from cane. Cane is abundant in many Asian countries, so there’s never been a question of running out. Indeed it seems only natural that early natives sought to use cane to produce furniture, given its abundance and potential, but they were faced with some obstacles. Raw cane that’s found in nature is tough and brittle, so at first sight it doesn’t seem optimal for producing comfortable furniture.

 

Qualities

 

Though cane is tough and brittle it does have a certain elastic quality, the potential of which early manufacturers were quick to realise and to harness. The trick to producing furniture from rattan cane is to heat it until it becomes pliant. The heating process softens rattan cane to make it easy to bend and to weave. Wrapping pliant cane around frames forms the basis of wicker furniture manufacture, and is a big part of the reason why rattan furniture is comfortable.

 

Maintenance

 

One of the best features of rattan furniture is that it’s incredibly easy to maintain. While it’s true that there are many materials available for producing furniture, few are as durable, versatile or easy to clean as rattan. Maintaining rattan furniture can be as simple as wiping it with a damp rag should spillages occur. A vacuum cleaner will easily remove any dust that has made its way into the grooves of the rattan weave. Lightweight construction makes it easy to move should the need arise, so cleaning around this kind or furniture is a breeze.

 

Finishing

 

One of the most useful features of rattan furniture is that it’s easy to paint, varnish or stain for protection. Though raw cane is and excellent furniture material even without treatment, painting, varnishing or staining rattan can make it extra strong and also more attractive. While the light shade of rattan is attractive, painted furniture allows for any number of styles to suit different colour schemes.

 

Given the abundance of cane for rattan furniture, it’s a very cost effective material. Consumers will find a proliferation of furniture of every shape and size on the market. Replacing worn rattan furniture needn’t be expensive, and even high-end items on the market are comparatively good value. These days there are furniture items made from rattan to suit any home, and more and more people are appreciating its unique qualities.