Rattan furniture is a lightweight and stylish addition to your interior design. Rattan furniture in Singapore, Maldives, or other tropical countries, may be used either indoors or outdoors. As rattan is a natural material, it is known for creating furniture pieces which are strong and durable.

WHAT IS RATTAN?

Rattan is a species of climbing palms, best known for their flexible and woody stems. These plants are widely used in the production of furniture, including tables, chairs, and more.

The raw rattan plant is processed into strands which can be woven in a vast variety of designs using different weaving techniques. As rattan is a natural kind of wood, it can be painted and stained into various colours.

Rattan is consistently sought after as a furniture material. It’s strength and flexibility makes it an excellent choice for lightweight yet durable furniture.

PROS AND CONS OF USING RATTAN FURNITURE

Some of the benefits of using rattan furniture are:

• Rattan furniture is extremely versatile in use, and can be suited for both indoor or outdoor settings.
• Rattan is generally inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
• It’s lightweight!
• It’s strong a durable.
• The flexibility of the material makes it exceptionally comfortable.

Although rattan has many benefits, there are also a few cons to be aware of, such as:

• As rattan is made of organic matter, it is particularly susceptible to mold and mildew.
• Rattan is generally best used in warm and dry places and may not do so well in damp climates.
• Extended use of your rattan furniture may cause loose fibres which can poke you when you sit down!
• When used outdoors, wicker may suffer from significant wear and tear due to the elements.

That being said, the average lifespan of a rattan seat is about 25 years. But how can you ensure that your rattan lasts as long as you would like it to? Here are a few tips in caring for your rattan furniture.

KEEP YOUR RATTAN FURNITURE FREE FROM DUST

Keeping your rattan or wicker furniture clean can help to lengthen its lifespan. Clean your rattan occasionally to ensure that it is free from dust and mildew. If left too long, these may cause your rattan fibres to decay. Simply wipe your rattan with a soft, damp cloth. You can also add a little dishwashing liquid or mild detergent.

USE A BRUSH OR VACUUM

When cleaning your rattan, its essential to remove dust or mildew that may build up within in the fibres. Remove the dirt from the harder to reach places using a soft brush or a hand held vacuum cleaner. This can be done on a weekly basis for best results.

KEEP YOUR RATTAN DRY

This is one of the most important things to note about your rattan furniture. If you have cleaned your rattan with a damp cloth, make sure to dry it immediately – either in the sun or with a hair dryer. And of course, if you are using your rattan outdoors, be sure that it is not left in the rain, which may leave it permanently damaged.

REMOVE ANY SPILLS ON YOUR RATTAN IMMEDIATELY

What can you do if you spill something on your rattan furniture? The best move is to clean it as soon as possible before it has a chance to seep into the fibre. If any liquid of any kind spills onto the piece, clean it immediately with a damp cloth. Even substances such as red wine or oil can be removed with a damp cloth if done in time.

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

While rattan furniture may be used outdoors, it should not be placed within direct sunlight. Direct exposure to the sun may weaken the material and cause it to become dried out or brittle. If you are using your rattan for garden or patio furniture, remember to keep it out of direct sunlight. The same applies to other direct heat, such as a fireplace.

These are just a few simple steps in caring for your rattan furniture. If followed correctly, these can help you to protect your rattan and ensure that it stays in great shape for a long time.

7 August 2018