Rattan vs Wicker: What’s The Difference?

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Rattan and wicker are two popular materials used in furniture making. Though they are often used interchangeably, there are some critical distinctions between the two. Knowing the differences between rattan vs wicker can help determine what is suitable for your home.

What Is Rattan?

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Rattan is a type of vine that grows in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. The vines can grow up to hundreds of feet in length and are harvested for their long, slender stems. Because they are solid and flexible and can be woven into intricate designs and shapes, rattan has become one of the most popular materials in constructing furniture and other household items. Needless to say, if you are looking for an accent piece that is unique and has a more natural look, rattan furniture is the way to go.

Rattan furniture is typically more expensive than wicker furniture because it is a more difficult material to work with. Furthermore, rattan is also not as durable as some of the other materials used in wicker furniture, so it may not last as long.

Pros and Cons of Rattan Furniture

What Is Wicker?

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Contrary to popular belief, wicker is not a specific material. Instead, it is a method of weaving materials together to create a product. That means various materials can be made using this method, including rattan, bamboo, willow, and reed. This wicker furniture is woven together to create a solid and lightweight product. It is also more resistant to the elements and outdoor conditions than rattan, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Wicker can also be used to make a variety of different household items, including outdoor lights, baskets, and even window treatments. Because of their durability and natural look, wicker pieces can add a touch of elegance to any home, especially for outdoor spaces.

Pros and Cons of Wicker Furniture

Rattan vs Wicker: What’s The Difference?

People easily confuse wicker vs rattan because the latter is a common material used in weaving furniture. However, it’s essential to know that they are not the same. For one, keep in mind that wicker is a specific type of weaving or manufacturing method, whereas rattan refers to the material or product itself.

If you are looking for something easy to maintain, then wickerwork might be better suited to your needs. These products are softer, making them easier to clean and maintain than traditional rattan furniture.

Rattan vs wicker can be used indoors or outdoors, making them versatile options for your home or office space needs. However, products that have undergone wickerwork are more substantial than those that haven’t because the process of weaving also includes other natural and synthetic materials. Therefore, wicker rattan might be the best choice if you need a piece of furniture that will last a long time.

Rattan is a more sustainable option if you are looking for something eco-friendly. Rattan can be harvested without damaging the plant, and it grows quickly, making it a renewable source. Also, rattan furniture is typically more expensive than wicker furniture because it is a more difficult material to work with. However, rattan is also not as durable as some of the other materials used in wicker furniture, so it may not last as long.

Rattan: The Perfect Accessories for Your Indoor Space

1. IVAILEX Natural Hand-Woven Round Braided Rattan Water Hyacinth Placemats

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Planning a dinner party? Or just want to add a touch of luxury to your everyday meals? Then make sure to set the table with these elegantly hand-woven IVAILEX placemats. Made from natural water hyacinth, they not only look beautiful but also help protect your dining table from heat and scratches.

Thanks to their non-slip design, they’ll keep your plates and glasses in place, even during the most animated dinner conversations. Best of all, they’re easy to clean — just wipe them down with a damp cloth after use. Go ahead and impress your guests with a little bit of style and sophistication!

2. Berlato Coastal Pendant Lamp

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If you want a sustainable yet jaw-dropping addition to your home décor, the Berlato Coastal Pendant Lamp is your guy. This ceiling light piece is handmade with natural rattan, giving it a one-of-a-kind look that is sure to turn heads. The white canopy and clear hanging cord also give it a sleek and modern look, while the all-mounting hardware makes installation quick and easy. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and durability.

3. Henn & Hart Table Lamp with Fabric Shade in Natural Rattan

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This lamp from Henn & Hart is a unique and stylish table lamp that will add a touch of warmth and sophistication to any room. The natural rattan body and fabric shade create an elegant look, while the LED light bulb provides a warm and inviting glow. This gorgeous lamp also features textural rattan wrapped around a steel frame, paired with a drum shade in a crisp chiffon white color.

Read more: Valances Vs Pelmets Vs Swags Vs Cornices: The Differences, Benefits And Drawbacks

4. DECRAFTS Hand-Woven Rattan Rectangular Serving Tray with Handles

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Introducing the DECRAFTS Hand-woven Rattan Rectangular Serving Tray — the perfect partner for bringing a touch of rustic elegance to your home. This tray is made from natural, durable rattan material, crafted with care and attention to detail. It’s designed with side handles for uncomplicated use and can be used for various purposes. Whether you use it as a decorative piece in your home or for serving food and drinks, this tray is sure to make a great impression.

5. Greenstell Laundry Hamper with Wheels

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If you’re looking for a stylish and functional laundry hamper, the Greenstell Laundry Hamper with Wheels is the perfect option. This hamper is made from natural rattan material, giving it a beautiful and unique look. It’s also equipped with four wheels for easy mobility and two handles for carrying. The lid is also removable for uncomplicated laundry access and is a perfect solution for keeping your home clean and organized.

Wicker: Furniture That Will Transform Your Outdoor Space

1. PHI VILLA Oversized Outdoor Swivel Rocker Patio Chairs

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The PHI VILLA Oversized Outdoor Swivel Rocker Patio Chair is the perfect addition to your outdoor space. With its 360-degree full motion swivel and gentle rocking ability, this chair is ideal for any activity, from eating and gaming to sunbathing with friends or family. It also has rust and weather-resistant design for its ultimate safety outside, while the extra-deep seat ensures maximum comfort. So if you’re looking to add an accent piece to your garden, balcony, or swimming pool area, this chair is a must-have.

Read more: Rattan Lighting Trend 2022: Why We Should Decorate With Rattan

2. Rattaner Patio Wicker Furniture Sectional Chair Sofa Set

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Looking for a stylish, comfortable, and practical patio furniture set? Look no further than the Rattaner Patio Wicker Furniture Sectional Chair Sofa Set! This set is perfect for any outdoor space, with its all-weather polyethylene (PE) wicker and anti-rust steel frame. The breathable polyester fabric is ultraviolet (UV) resistant and water repellent, making it easy to clean and care for.

Plus, it comes with a free lumbar support pillow and thickened seat cushions for a highly comfortable feeling. The bottom fabric is also anti-slip for added safety. Whether entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet moment outdoors, this set is sure to please.

3. YITAHOME PE Rattan Wicker Outdoor Sectional Sofa with Table and Cushions

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Enjoy the outdoors all summer long with the YITAHOME PE Rattan Wicker Outdoor Sectional Sofa with Table and Cushions! This fabulous set includes everything you need to create a stylish and comfortable outdoor living space, including two corner chairs, five armless chairs, and one table. The best part? It’s easily customizable, so you can create the perfect layout for your space.

Made from premium PE rattan wicker and a metal frame, this patio furniture set is built to last. It is also sturdy and can bear a large loading capacity. Plus, it has an anti-rust coating surface, making it water resistant and UV safe.

4. Household Essentials Indoor Outdoor Resin Wicker Planter Stand

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Bring some life to your space with Household Essentials Indoor Outdoor Resin Wicker Planter Stand! This chic planter features two interchangeable trays — a tall one for plants and a shallow one for display. It’s perfect for live or artificial plants and can also be used in covered outdoor areas. Plus, the crisp white finish is sure to complement any décor, giving you a stylish way to display your plants indoors or out.

5. Grand Patio Outdoor Solar-Powered Woven Resin Wicker Floor Lamp

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Looking for a unique, solar-powered floor lamp to light up your outdoor space? Look no further than the Grand Patio Outdoor Solar-Powered Wicker Floor Lamp! This beautiful lamp is made of woven resin wicker and has a drum-shaped design that will add a touch of style to any garden path, deck, or patio.

The best part about this lamp is that it is completely maintenance-free. Simply turn it on at night and let it do its thing! It will automatically turn off at dawn and remain illuminated for six to eight hours, providing you with plenty of bright, efficient lighting. Plus, it’s weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it rusting or fading.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rattan Vs Wicker

• Read more: What Are Wicker Baskets Made From?

  What is the difference between rattan vs wicker?

Rattan is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of Asia, while wicker is a type of weaving that can be made from various materials, including rattan. Rattan furniture is usually made from whole rattan canes, while wicker furniture is made from smaller pieces of rattan that are woven together. Both rattan vs wicker furniture can be very durable and long-lasting, but rattan furniture is generally more expensive than wicker furniture.

• What happens if rattan gets wet?

Rattan is a very strong material that can last for years but is not water or weatherproof. So, if you get rattan furniture wet, chances are they will be prone to discoloration and get damaged over time.

• How do you waterproof a rattan?

Rattan is a natural material that is not waterproof. Therefore, if you want to use it outdoors, you will need to apply a waterproof sealer. You can find rattan sealers at most hardware stores.

Conclusion

Rattan and wicker are two popular materials used for furniture, but they have distinct differences. Rattan is a solid, wood-like material that is often used for indoor furniture because of its durability. On the other hand, Wicker is the process used to make furniture made from interwoven plant fibers. Additionally, wicker furniture is typically preferred for outdoor use because they are more weather resistant. In the end, choosing between rattan vs wicker is not much to be thought about. Both rattan and wicker furniture can be beautiful and stylish, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.