Wicker Conservatory Furniture
When you are building a new conservatory, there are many design factors to consider; including the interior and the furnishings. When you are planning the conservatory, it helps to have an idea of how it will look when it is completed, and what it will be used for.
If you know what style you intend to achieve, it will aid you in the design of both the exterior and the interior.
The furniture is an integral part of the conservatory design; it should reflect the style of the conservatory as a whole, as well as providing a link from the house to the garden.
The temperature and humidity levels in a conservatory require the use of different materials, and this different environment gives you the opportunity to experiment with materials such as wicker and rattan for your furniture.
Wicker is not the material used for furniture making, it is the actual weaving method.
What is wicker?
Wicker is not the material used for furniture making, but the actual method of weaving.
The process can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who created wicker furniture from dried grasses, and the method spread throughout the civilised world.
The Romans also used the method to create their own styles of woven furniture.
Wicker grew in popularity in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and when rattan was discovered in Southeast Asia it became the most predominantly used material to craft wicker furniture.
Materials used for wicker furniture
Rattan is still one of the most common materials used to weave wicker conservatory furniture, but many other woods can be used, including cane, bamboo and willow. The majority of these vines and woods are sourced from Southeast Asia, with Indonesia being the biggest supplier of rattan.
The materials can be used to make indoor and outdoor furniture, although the majority of outdoor furniture is now made from a synthetic rattan rather than real wood. Fibres and resins are used to create a synthetic plastic which is very similar to rattan in strength, durability and appearance, but is much more weatherproof.
Types of furniture
Wicker can be used to make a variety of different types of furniture, as well as baskets and other accessories. Armchairs, sofas and three-piece suites can all be made with wicker, both for indoor and outdoor use. Coffee tables and dining suites can also be created with wicker, to give a conservatory a very natural feel.
Garden benches, hammocks, daybeds and swings are more extravagant designs which can add a touch of style to the garden, although these are likely to be made using a synthetic material as they will be exposed to the elements for prolonged periods. Wicker furniture can be made in a variety of natural shades, or painted in a choice of different colours to suit.
Wicker is very versatile and can be made into many different styles of furniture, to suit different styles of conservatory.
Conservatory style with wicker
Wicker furniture is particularly popular in conservatories, as it is able to cope with the extreme humidity, rapid temperature changes, and high level of light. It is very versatile and can be used to create many different styles of furniture, to suit different styles of conservatory.
The old English garden room style of conservatory may benefit from a wicker bistro table and chair set, which could be painted white or yellow for effect. A wicker garden bench, whether inside or outside, will give the impression of a typical country garden.
A Victorian style conservatory might use large elegant wicker chairs to reflect the period, with extra detailing in the arms and the back of the chair.
A large wicker storage box, or toy box, could be practical as well as adding to the look, while a wicker window seat will continue the period style.
Mediterranean style conservatories are also popular, and early sunrooms were often thought of as bringing a little of the European lifestyle to the UK. A terracotta tiled floor is an essential for the Mediterranean look, and it can be offset with simple wicker chairs and sofas. Wicker baskets and plant pots will complete the look.
How to buy wicker furniture
There are a huge number of websites that sell wicker furniture, and it is not difficult to find a good deal for furniture online. Bear in mind though, just as when buying furniture for your house, you cannot see or touch the furniture on the internet.
It is worth finding local furniture shops and conservatory suppliers, so you can inspect the furniture before you buy it. This gives you the opportunity to check for any imperfections, to try the furniture out, and to get an idea of the size and how it might fit into your conservatory.
Good quality wicker furniture will be hand-crafted, and this is something you should always ask about. Most furniture makers offer a long guarantee on their wicker products, usually at least two years, although some manufacturers will offer up to ten years.
Choosing the furniture can be a difficult process, and it is important to think about the use of the conservatory when it is finished. If it will be used as a second lounge, then good quality, comfortable furniture is an essential.
If it is to be used as a garden room for growing plants, then an expensive wicker sofa may not be necessary. Try to think about what you need, as well as what will look good, and what will fit into the budget.
Summary
Wicker is the name for the process of weaving rather than the name of a material, and several types of wood are used to create wicker furniture. Cane, rattan, bamboo and willow are all popular materials used to make conservatory furniture, while synthetic rattan made with plastic fibres and resins, is most commonly used for outdoor furniture.
Wicker is a very versatile type of weave and can be used to make a variety of different pieces of furniture in different styles and shapes. It is the perfect type of furniture for a conservatory as it can withstand the extra heat, light and humidity; while the use of wood helps to create that link from the house to the garden.
