| Have you ever wondered what the difference | | | | including rattan core, reed, rush, and willow. When |
| between rattan furniture and wicker furniture is? If | | | | wet, these natural materials are pliable enough to be |
| you have, I can explain the differences and some of | | | | woven, creating the unique wicker-weaved designs |
| the common misconceptions about these types of | | | | we see in wicker furniture. In fact, most rattan |
| furnishings.Many people incorrectly believe that rattan | | | | furniture is created with wicker weaved on top of |
| and wicker are one in the same. This couldn't be | | | | the rattan core frame. Rattan and wicker are |
| further from the truth. In fact, they aren't even in | | | | wonderful natural products, each piece having its own |
| the same category. Let's take a look at how these | | | | unique set of qualities. No two pieces are ever |
| two popular, yet very different, arts come together | | | | completely the same.Many people love the aesthetic |
| to provide a unique, elegant atmosphere in the | | | | qualities of this furniture. A great room in your home |
| home.First let's get some facts about rattan. Rattan | | | | furnished with rattan can feel like a retreat to a |
| is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of the Far | | | | secluded island resort after a long day at the office. |
| East. Usually, it grows in a pole shape with a diameter | | | | Who wouldn't want to come home to that? Another |
| of about 1-3 inches. Rattan can grow up to hundreds | | | | common misconception is that wicker and rattan |
| of feet in length. It is also one of nature's strongest | | | | furniture is strictly for outdoor or patio use. Definitely |
| woods. Rattan cane has a solid core, unlike bamboo | | | | not so. Rattan furniture comes in living room sets, |
| pole, making it much more durable and harder to | | | | dining room sets, bedrooms, office furniture and |
| break. Rattan will not warp and is ideal for making | | | | much more.Many times it is hard to find these types |
| furniture. After being cut into smaller sections, the | | | | of furnishings locally. And, often, even if you can find |
| canes are then molded into shape to form the | | | | them, it is usually a pretty limited selection of items. |
| frames for various furniture items. Peel, the outer | | | | It's easy to find these great natural furnishings online. |
| skin of the rattan pole, is traditionally used to wrap | | | | Just search the web and you will find great websites |
| the furniture joints.Wicker, on the other hand, refers | | | | that offer authentic rattan and wicker furniture. |
| to items made from any number of natural materials, | | | | Happy hunting! |