Whether it is indoor or outdoor furniture, Wicker has been a popular material for centuries. Traditionally, Wicker furniture uses woven plant materials like Willow, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Sea grass, Banana leaf, or even synthetic fibers. The earliest documented use of Wicker dates back to ancient Egypt, where they built small tables from reed and swamp grasses. Over time, Egyptian soldiers and merchants passed on the technique to Rome. As the Roman conquests expanded throughout Europe, woven outdoor furniture made its way to Portugal, England, and Spain. Being a light-weight, inexpensive, durable material, Wicker soon became the preferred material for indoor and outdoor furniture. Wicker furniture has been a centerpiece of the Victorian Era due to its vintage style.
Importance of Woven Restaurant Furniture
Apart from the ages-old history, woven restaurant furniture is still relevant today. In today’s usage, the term Wicker refers to the act of weaving and woven furniture in general. Woven Wicker furniture is readily available in vintage as well as contemporary styles with eye-catching shapes and colors to match every ambiance. A perfect blend of practicality, functionality, durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness, Wicker remains an excellent material for restaurant furniture. Whether it is woven bar stools or woven wicker chairs, using woven Wicker furniture boosts the style and decor in your restaurant.
Types of Woven Furniture Materials
Modern woven furniture is available from the following naturally occurring and synthetic materials:
- Rattan Material: Made from the Calamus tree, a type of palm tree, Rattan is the most common Wicker material.
- Cane Wicker Furniture: Known for its glossy finish, Cane is a thin strip obtained by removing the outer layer of Rattan.
- Banana Leaf: After drying, twisting, and braiding, Banana leaves become ropes to be woven over a frame.
- Bamboo Woven Wicker Furniture: Often mistaken for Rattan, Bamboo is an excellent choice for woven bar stools and baskets.
- Synthetic Wicker Furniture: All-weather wicker furniture uses weather-resistant fibers treated with UV for a glossy finish and natural look.
Additionally, they consist of reinforced aluminum frames to provide strength and make them durable.
5 Reasons to Go for Woven Restaurant Furniture
Pick any design magazine, and you might notice woven restaurant furniture in one form or the other. There are plenty of reasons to use this material for your restaurant tables and chairs.
1. Lightweight
In any restaurant, you often need to change the dining layout or rearrange the table sets to accommodate different groups of customers or occasions. Selecting lightweight restaurant tables and chairs can be a huge relief for your staff. Woven Wicker furniture is convenient to shift and relocate due to its light weight. Despite being inherently lightweight, Wicker furniture is sturdy and has sufficient strength.
2. Durable
Although traditional Wicker furniture made from plant materials were prone to damage from moisture, chipping, sunlight, etc., modern technology has made them quite durable and long-lasting. For example, UV-treated resin molded woven Wicker is an all-weather material, which keeps the aesthetic charm of the natural Wicker. Whether it is an unexpected cloud-burst or a stubborn stain, with modern woven outdoor furniture, you don’t have to worry about anything as they are quite easy to clean and maintain.
3. Customizable
The popularity of woven Wicker for furniture material stems from its versatile and customizable nature. The availability of woven furniture in different shapes, sizes, colors, configurations, etc. makes it ideal to suit your restaurant’s theme. From elegant to casual, from contemporary to vintage, from chic to classy, you can use woven outdoor furniture to recreate any look and decorative style. The natural, organic look and feel of the material makes it ideal for cozy dining in warm climates, both indoors and outdoors. The ageless appeal of the Wicker furniture blends seamlessly with the other furnishing elements of your restaurant.
4. Affordable
Another reason to select woven Wicker for your restaurant furniture is its affordability. Natural Wicker comparatively costs less than wood and preserves the same vintage look. So, by opting for the woven Wicker material, you not only save the costs upfront, but its low maintenance cost enhance your savings further as well. Overall, Wicker patio furniture is a smart investment that lasts for years.
5. High-Quality
The high-quality furniture from Wicker is relatively maintenance-free as compared to the other materials. You can wipe them clean every week using a damp cloth or sponge to retain its shine. Moreover, UV treatment and resin molding processes make them washable. Ease of maintenance can be a considerable asset if yours is a busy restaurant with limited staff.
Taking Care of Woven Outdoor Furniture
Although Wicker is a highly resilient material that withstands extreme weather conditions, regular upkeep & periodic maintenance can increase its lifespan significantly. Here are a few tips to take care of your woven outdoor furniture so that it lasts long:
- Wipe any stains or spills immediately with a dry, clean cloth to remove moisture.
- Use a brush with soft bristles to remove the dirt from woven patio chairs and stools.
- If you notice any tougher stains or dried-up spills, wash the Wicker furniture gently with a mild soap solution and sponge. Make sure to rinse it clean with water and dry it thoroughly.
- Avoid using strong chemicals or harsh cleaners on your Wicker furniture, as they might remove the protective finish layer and discolor your furniture.
- While testing new solutions or reagents, it’s best to apply them in hidden areas to avoid any apparent damage.
- Wash and store the cushions separately.
- During cold weather, you can either store the woven outdoor chairs and tables in a storage space or use a protective cover.
Conclusion
More than just a practical and functional furniture material, Wicker is a style statement. Whether you use them indoors or outdoors, the timeless beauty of Wicker furniture makes it a head-turner in your restaurant. Their durability, versatility, affordability, and flexibility, among other things, make them a value-addition in your restaurant.
This article highlights the origin, types, importance, and benefits of using Wicker furniture for all-weather conditions.Hopefully, the points mentioned in this article help you in selecting the perfect furniture for your restaurant that requires minimum care and lasts long.
