Difference Between Rattan and Weave and Which Should You Choose
Golden Girls fans should be familiar with the natural wicker furniture pictured above. But what is it called? Girls call it “wicker”, but it also looks a lot like the trendy rattan furniture we’ve seen so often lately. Is rattan just a fancier way of saying “wicker” or is there a big difference? Savannah Sher tells us about this in an article on BobVila.com . Here’s what you need to know.
Difference between rattan and weaving
Given the explosive growth in popularity of rattan and wicker furniture over the past few years, you might think we’ve already noticed a difference, but it’s not as easy as you might think. This is because the two words are often used interchangeably, although this is not always the case. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Weaving is the style, rattan is the material.
So this is the main difference. While we may think of wicker as a material, it is actually the name of wicker that is used to make wicker items such as furniture and baskets. Rattan, on the other hand, is a material and is obtained from certain types of palm trees. (Making it the perfect choice for four mature women living in Miami.)
While wicker furniture can certainly be made from rattan, by now the term “wicker” has become common to most types of wicker furniture. Thus, in addition to rattan, wicker furniture and products can be made from bamboo, reed, and synthetic materials such as resin.
Take a closer look at the rattan
Speaking of bamboo, what is the difference between bamboo and rattan? While they look the same when used in furniture, bamboo is hollow in the middle and rattan is solid. Both materials are quite lightweight, making them much easier to move around than traditional furniture.
And if you notice that rattan furniture has both solid wood pieces and thinner, webbed areas, they are actually made from the same material (rattan). The cane (thin part) is the outer layer of rattan, which, due to its strength and flexibility, is commonly used to make chairs.
When to use rattan or weaving
It all comes down to where and how you are going to use the furniture. Any furniture or decor that lives outdoors should be made of synthetic material. Natural rattan (or bamboo, reed, etc.) May be damaged by water if left outside. Instead, store these items indoors. For the same reason, you should be careful with natural rattan in areas where water is frequently used, such as kitchens and bathrooms.