Who says wicker is a hold over from the 70's? Used sparingly, in classic and modern designs, wicker is light and airy which makes it an essential part of Tropical Living. Its also relatively inexpensive, environmental friendly, durable, and adds instant texture and interest to a room. So even if you don't live in a tropical locale, you can (and should) add at least one piece of wicker to your home.
look how the woven chairs balance out the rest of this dining room in a Brooklyn loft by design exploration
a simple rattan ottoman adds texture in this room by Brady Tolbert
Wicker is a common term for variable types of woven furniture such as rattan, cane, reed, seagrass, willow and bamboo. These fast-growing tropical plants are pliable so they can easily be woven or interlaced into baskets, lighting, chair seating, screens, trays, etc.... Synthetic wicker is also a low maintenance option, though typically, I much prefer natural, unpainted fibers. Because the plants grow quickly, they are highly renewable, and therefore inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
a dining room filled with complementing textures
The durability of wicker furniture makes it ideal for tropical settings (or for those of us with kids). Ratan is one of the strongest woods available, and cane is not very porous which helps it repel stains and humidity (read: toddler friendly). Though the woven aspect makes it prone to dust and dirt, it can easily be washed with soap and water and should be dusted regularly. Ideally, wicker that is exposed to the elements or gets daily use should be lacquered every few years to keep it as strong as possible. Wicker that is properly maintained should last for years.
durable retro Cesca chairs
wicker on wicker on gorgeous wood everything
However, even if wicker wasn't durable or inexpensive I would love it simply for its natural beauty. It's organic nature adds instant texture and warmth to a room. It can have a a relaxed, beachy vibe:
instant surfer style in Australia, by Kyal and Kara
adds a laid back feel to a mostly white kitchen, via onekindesign
who wouldn’t want to spend a Sunday afternoon lounging in these hanging wicker chairs?
But wicker is certainly not reserved for beach houses:
après-ski at its best in the French Alps
Or a more grown-up sophistication:
CB2 nails it with this delicate cane settee
mixing an antique cane bench with industrial lighting and modern photography creates an eclectic feel
this wicker credenza from Urban Outfitters is a perfect way to hide clutter or a t.v.
a simple, but beautiful chair made in Indonesia by Nagarey
Scandinavian simplicity
Wicker lighting is quite trendy right now, and since its inexpensive and easy to swap out, its a great way to update a room to make it look more current. Furthermore, wicker pendants can go bold and dramatic when either super big, or when grouped in multiples.
grouped woven pendant lights add instant drama to The Surfrider Malibu Hotel
Casa Cook Hotel on Rhodes
now things just got interesting! Lights by tinekhome
Stay tuned for my next post with links to a range of wicker pieces that are available online. Also, we need an entire post dedicated to baskets — the easiest and cheapest way to add warmth and depth to your home.
Thanks for reading!