The Rattan Chair

The expressions rattan and wicker seem to have become synonymous for many people. Let's begin with a brief overview of what wicker and rattan actually mean. In the most basic terms rattan is a plant and wicker refers to a production method. A wicker chair would be made of either rattan, willow, straw or a newer resin composite or polyethylene. A rattan chair would only be made of rattan.

Rattan is a close as you'll find to a miracle product. It does everything that you would need when it comes to furniture construction. Grows relatively inexpensively in an area that has lower worker wages (for harvesting). The plants grain is not in concentric circles like a tree but runs up and down giving it quite a bit of strength. Unlike bamboo it is a solid structure making it much easier to bend and shape. It also will keep its shape for a very long time. So a rattan chair has a wonderful combination of good pricing, strength, lightness and of course - they are beautiful. Rattan is primarily harvested in Indonesia and incredibly can grow to over five hundred feet long.

Although the rattan chair has been around a long time it was during the Victorian era in England that it really took off. Estate living flourished and with it came solariums, conservatories and garden parties all perfectly well suited for light airy but sumptuous furniture. Another boost came post WWI in America when new found wealth meant vacation homes and more leisure time, again, the need for sturdy but strong outdoor furniture was great.

One of the great things about a rattan chair is its ease of maintenance. Over time they will pick up a bit of dirt and grime. This will mostly come off with a strong garden hose or pressure washer. Any remaining grime should come off easily with a sponge and some light detergent. Although rattan is naturally stain resistant you should still provide some care. Don't leave them in direct sun when not in use and store them in a dry dark place off-season. If they become quite stained over time new life can be given to them by applying a high quality outdoor white paint. Your set will look like new and with some new cushions added they will be gorgeous.

I also wrote a brief piece on why every guy should have a leather arm chair