Strong and Beautiful, two ways of describing Wicker made furniture. A light durable material which is perfect for both baskets and furniture, it can be made from two different types – natural and synthetic. The natural wicker is made from rattan vine which is notorious for its strength and durability. Natural wicker truly is unsurpassed for comfort and beauty and although it takes care and maintenance to keep it in good condition the advantages really do outweigh the effort.

Rattan is an amazing material. When heated, it becomes flexible enough to take the shape of almost anything. Heated rattan materials are bent around jigs, and that’s how the shapes are formed. When cooled, the rattan material regains its tough nature.

The proof of its strength can be seen in a number of items but mainly the traditional hot air balloon basket, which can take the weight of a number of adults. The basket pictured has been designed to hold up to 16 passengers.

The wicker furniture looks very different from traditional furniture that are made mostly from wood or plastic. Made from completely natural materials, wicker furniture provides a leisurely atmosphere, and helps whoever is sitting in it to relax. For this reason, wicker furniture is ideal for holiday resorts, or personal backyards, swimming pools and balconies. Of course, if they are placed outdoors, do remember to protect the furniture with some shades.

Wicker furniture has been documented as far back as ancient Egypt, and wicker baskets have been found in Pompeii. It has been proposed that the extensive use of wicker objects in the Iron Age had an influence on the development of the patterns used in Celtic art. In recent times, its aesthetic was influenced heavily by the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20^th century. The oldest and most prominent North American manufacturer was Heywood-Wakefield in Gardner, Massachusetts. Antique wicker products are highly sought after by collectors.

There are many obvious and unique benefits of owning Wicker furniture and you will be rewarded with a more relaxed environment in your own home.