Rattan furniture has long since ceased to be reserved exclusively for gardens. From now on, they also dress the interiors. Here we tell you what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Among the main materials for the manufacture of furniture is rattan. This material is traditionally linked to the decoration of patios, gardens and other outdoor areas of the house. Nowadays, indoor furniture is made with said fiber.
The techniques used to work with natural rattan improve over time, but the use of synthetic rattan is quite common. Its finish is similar and it carries fewer environmental risks.
How do you know whether to choose furniture with natural or synthetic rattan? Find out the pros and cons below.
Rattan in furniture making
The term “rattan” comes from the Malay term rattan and refers to the local climbing palms. These are thorny palms conducive to industrialization, thanks to their cane.
The stem of the leaves is what frames the furniture. The rattan cane is uniform and strong, but at the same time it is malleable.
The look of furniture made from rattan is similar to that of solid wood. But wooden furniture costs more.
Rattan furniture is oriented towards 3 fundamental design axes:
- Colonial: it combines the woven structure of the fiber with floral quilts.
- Ecological: only one natural material is used to make the furniture.
- Ethnic : it is a question of completing the decoration with organic elements typical of a country, represented through tables, chests and indigenous lamps, for example.
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The benefits of rattan furniture
The characteristics of rattan canes are beneficial for creating the frame of furniture: they are solid and round. This is not the case with the similar and hollow stem like bamboo.
Another advantage of rattan is that, being the main manufacturing component, it accepts the incorporation of fibers, such as metal, glass and plastic. This quality is conducive to the elaboration of tables, combs and certain types of shelves.
Rattan furniture can come in various shapes, sizes and colors. These pieces of furniture have the advantages below.
Eco-friendly furniture
Rattan grows rapidly in the tropics. Its reproduction rate is high and its environmental impact is very low.
There are exclusive plantations of rattan for this product to be used in the manufacture of tables, chairs and shelves, to name a few pieces of furniture. The industry recommends strengthening international links with furniture manufacturers to encourage consumption of the Indonesian palm in the “green” market.
Extended Durability
In addition to being aesthetic and comfortable, they are durable and resistant. Other fibers, such as wicker, show less firmness than woven rattan.
Stable and safe
It is light furniture, which minimizes the risk of considerable accidents or violent blows during transport, as could happen with wooden furniture.
Suitable for interiors and exteriors
Rattan ages on the outside, but it relies on natural oils that protect it from deterioration from rain and sun, and help reduce cracking. Inside the house, maintenance is easier.
Personalization
Rattan fabrics are customizable, as is the upholstery, if the type of furniture requires it. It is possible to select the textile, the print and the colors. Changing the fabric greatly transforms the look of a room.
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The disadvantages of rattan furniture
Rattan brings warmth in decoration. But it is relevant to know its disadvantages. These are the following:
- Touch scratches: that’s okay, but this material can rub against the skin, especially when dealing with very old and neglected furniture.
- Risk of deterioration if natural: Natural rattans exposed to the weather tend to attract insects when not properly cared for.
- They are not removable: unlike wood, rattan does not come apart. However, ease of use, transport, storage and assembly is essential in the furniture market. The rattan design lacks a joining system between components; it is therefore necessary to build removable structures.
How to maintain rattan furniture?
The maintenance of rattan furniture is simple. Vacuum dust and use a mixture of soap and water to disinfect. If necessary, use a brush and a mixture of water and salt.
Forget detergents, as they corrode this coating. Finally, never put anything hot on rattan furniture, and do not put such furniture near a radiator or flames, as it is flammable.
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