Wicker furniture has been a very popular material for indoor as well as outdoor furniture. There are many reasons for picking this furniture over other materials. It is a lightweight, affordable, durable, and environment-friendly material. Of course, there are some downsides also. So, in this blog, we have discussed the advantages along with the disadvantages of using wicker furniture. Furthermore, by the end of this blog, we have suggested measures to deal with the disadvantages which are part of the deal.
1. Cost-effective
When we talk about indoor furniture, cane or wicker furniture is far less expensive than other materials such as wood, vinyl, metal, and so on. Even when you compare it with outdoor counterparts, such as PVC or iron furniture, wicker furniture costs way too less. If you are tight on budget but wish to add furniture to your home, there is no better choice than wicker or cane furniture.
2. Easy to maintain
Wicker furniture is really easy to maintain as it does not require any big-scale maintenance setup. With wood, you have to be watchful of termites. Iron furniture corrodes, which requires proper galvanizing. PVC and plastic furniture is not as reliable materials for furniture as others. All you need for wicker furniture is thorough dusting, and varnishing once in a while- and you are good to go for many years to come.
3. Aesthetically appealing
Whether you have a rustic interior or a contemporary one, the delicate design of wicker furniture complements all kinds of decor. The intricate knitting and canes look fabulous against any theme or color. They don’t conflict with any setting or decor of your choice. The yellow color adds more glows to your place and enhances its appeal.
4. Environment friendly
Wicker furniture is made of 100% natural material. Whether it is the bars of canes or ropes of rattan; both are obtained from plants. Nothing is manufactured synthetically. This means there is no carbon footprint during the making of wicker furniture. Furthermore, even if you want to dispose of the furniture, there is no risk to the environment. Burning the remains of cane or wicker does not emit as much toxic carbon as does plastic or resin.
5. Keep the art alive
There aren't many artisans who can do wickerwork. As the demand for wicker furniture grows, there will be more and more people who'll rely on this art for earning a livelihood. This means the art of rattan and wicker will not go extinct. It will spread more and remain alive.
Having said all this, it is fair and important to point out the downside of wicker so that you are completely aware of all aspects of making this decision.
Disadvantages of Wicker Furniture
1. Not so comfortable
Compared to wood and PVS, cane furniture is not so comfortable. If you decide to display the wicker art, then the body parts which come in contact with the knitting will show signs of discomfort. The whole design of the wicker will make impression on the skin. To make it comfortable seating, you need cushions or coverings.
2. Highly inflammable
The rattan furniture is all wood and strings. The dried strings are thin, so they can catch fire far easier than wood. If you have cane furniture in your home, you need to be extra cautious with the fire because small negligence can result in a huge disaster.
3. Strings get loose
With time, and with prolonged use of wicker furniture, the rattan strings can get loose. This can become uncomfortable seating. Also, if the user is not repaired, then it can be a safety risk also.
4. Limited designs
Cane furniture can only be designed in a few patterns. There isn’t much creative work that can be done with this material. The wicker or rattan can have different weaving styles. However, the general outlook and appearance of wicker furniture remain the same.
5. Change of color
As time passes, the natural yellow color of rattan starts getting yellower. While the yellow color adds to the glow of a room, an increased yellow which becomes brown will give the interior a sepia effect. It looks too rustic, grim, and somewhat untidy.
Tips for taking care of wicker furniture
Taking care of Cane furniture is pretty easy. You can keep using the furniture for many years if you take good care of it.
- To protect it from sagging, tighten the ropes regularly. Loose strings have an ugly appearance and they are a safety threat as well.
- To prevent the rattan from de-coloring, apply a solution of salt and water to the new rattan. Allow it to dry. However, this measure can be effective if you use it while the furniture is new. Once the color is changed, you need corrective measures instead of protective measures.
And, most importantly, if you feel any noise or weakening ropes, take it to a wicker expert such as Wicker Arden. Our professionals know the art and can perform this job in its perfect sense.
To know more about our services, or to get a quote talk to our representative or visit our website.
