Vintage wicker can be identified by the materials used, the craftsmanship, and the overall design. When assessing the materials, look for evidence of traditional wicker weaving or braiding techniques.
These can include thicker strands used for braiding structural legs or thinner strands used for weaving intricate patterns. Additionally, look for wicker or rattan material, as this was historically used for weaving vintage wicker furniture.
Next, examine the craftsmanship for signs of a vintage piece. This may include signs of hand-weaving with irregular patterns, thin twill weaves, or more spaced out stitches commonly seen in vintage items.
The knots and joints should be tight and secure, with prominently visible weaving at the points of contact. Finally, the overall design of a vintage wicker piece should be simple and timeless, often featuring bold shapes and patterns that were popular at the time of manufacture.
For example, Victorian era pieces may feature more intricate motifs, while mid-century designs are known for their iconic curves.
What can I do with old wicker furniture?
You could simply give it a good cleaning and place it in the garden for a unique seating area. You can wicker baskets for attractive storage or shelving in a room. You could paint it and use it as a feature piece in a room, or even in the garden.
Depending on the condition and size, you could also upcycle it into a make shift bench or table. Depending on the size and material, you could also repurpose the wicker into craft projects, such as making a picture frame, rug, dreamcatcher, wall hanging or any other creative design.
Finally, if you don’t want to keep it, you can donate it to a charity or take it to a thrift shop to find a new home.
How can you tell if wicker furniture is high quality?
When buying wicker furniture, there are a few things to look for to determine the quality. Firstly, check for the materials used to create the furniture. Quality furniture is made from high-quality resin or bamboo-like material, and will not easily break or chip.
Additionally, look at the construction of the furniture itself; quality wicker furniture should have reinforced joints, ensuring it can handle heavy use without becoming damaged. In terms of aesthetic, high-quality wicker furniture should feature intricate designs and weaving patterns, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artist.
Lastly, the finish of the furniture should be a clean, professional look that enhances the overall design of the piece. If all of these criteria are met, you know that you have a quality wicker piece of furniture.
When were wicker chairs popular?
Wicker chairs have been popular since the 18th century and were extremely popular in the Victorian era. One of the most popular wicker chairs of the Victorian era was the “Bamboo Chair. ” This type of chair was crafted out of split and bent rattan which was carefully intricately woven and then attached to a framework.
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, rush bottom chairs became the most popular form of wicker furniture in the Western world. The 1920s and 1930s saw a resurgence in the popularity of wicker chairs, with the most popular style incorporating rattan pieces that were then combined with curved metal frames.
In the 1950s, wicker chairs were still popular, often crafted from rattan, reed, and bamboo as well as other materials such as plastic, which was becoming more widely used at this time. In the 1960s, rattan became the go-to material for wicker chairs, and in the 1970s, with the introduction of aluminum, lightweight and stackable wicker chairs were created.
Today, wicker chairs are still popular and come in an assortment of styles, such as classic wooden and plastic, as well as modern woven styles.
Is wicker a Victorian?
No, wicker is not considered to be a Victorian. Wicker is a type of weaving process and material, typically made from natural sources such as rattan, cane, or willow. It was used for chairs, baskets, and other furniture pieces and decorative items by many different cultures throughout history, but it is most likely that the Victorian Era gained its appreciation for the craft from cultures outside of Europe.
Although the pieces often used during the Victorian Era, such as parlor sets or caned chairs, were crafted and woven in the same manner as they are today, they were made of different raw materials. Primarily, wicker pieces produced in this era were made of rattan and reed.
Wicker did appear with some of these materials in various pieces of furniture during the Victorian Age, and was popular in interiors thanks to its lightweight design and durability. It was not, however, the defining stylistic element of the era, which focused primarily on ornate and dark furniture pieces.
What’s the difference between rattan and wicker?
Rattan and wicker are both materials used to make furniture and decorative pieces, but they’re not exactly the same. Wicker is made from weaving thin strands of rattan, reed, bamboo and other materials around a frame.
The result is lightweight, strong and highly flexible furniture. Rattan is a strong, lightweight and flexible material derived from the rattan palm vine. It’s used to create frames for furniture and is then covered with woven strands of wicker.
It’s much sturdier and more resilient than wicker and can be used on its own or paired with other materials. The natural fibers of rattan are resistant to weather and heat, making it perfect for creating outdoor furniture.
Wicker is usually used for indoor furniture and is usually covered with a cushions. Because it’s lighter than rattan, it’s more likely to warp, stretch or break if left exposed to weather for an extended period of time.
What era are peacock chairs from?
The peacock chair is commonly associated with the Art Nouveau and the Colonial Revival eras of design. These chairs first appeared in the late 19th century in Europe and became a popular choice among practitioners of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Peacock chairs have a distinctive, elegant appearance and are favored for their unique blending of influences from diverse cultures and time periods. The chairs feature a curved back with sinuous scrollwork and a tall, cylindrical backrest with intricate fan-like plumes.
The legs usually curve inward, ending in a distinctive, claw-like design. Peacock chairs are often finished in dark wood or painted in bright colors, sometimes with delicate Mother of Pearl or other handcrafted inlays.
The arms often feature an open-backed “cuff” with delicate etching or other detailed ornamentation. While these chairs are often compared to the more contemporary-looking Caning chairs, they are much more ornate and can have an exotic, subtle elegance when paired with appropriate decor.
What is antique wicker made of?
Antique wicker furniture is made with natural materials such as rattan, reed, willow, and bamboo. Rattan is the most common material used. It’s a type of vine that grows in tropical forests, harvested, and then cut into different shapes and sizes.
The cuts are then steamed and bent into the desired form. These pieces are then woven together to make furniture like chairs, tables, and sofas. The joints and edges of the furniture can be woven with rattan and reinforced with a glue.
The weaving of antique wicker furniture is an art that has been passed down for generations. The pieces were originally constructed to be both lightweight and strong. Antique wicker furniture is durable, easy to clean, and offers a classic look that will never go out of style.
Are old wicker chairs valuable?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it is important to consider the condition and authenticity of the wicker chair. An original, vintage wicker chair in good condition can be worth a considerable amount of money to the right buyer.
Certain pieces may have a significant amount of age and history behind them, so they can be considered more valuable than others. In addition, many antique wicker pieces are truly handmade and are highly sought-after for their intricate craftsmanship.
The designer of a particular wicker chair can also affect its overall value. For example, if a wicker chair was designed by a famous architect or furniture maker, this could influence its worth. Moreover, vintage wicker furniture with original fabrics, colors and hand-painted details may also have an increased level of value.
Ultimately, the value of any old wicker chair is best determined by a professional appraiser. A professional can provide an accurate estimate of the chair’s worth based on its condition, history and any special design considerations.
How do you upcycle wicker?
One of the great things about wicker is that it is one of the most versatile materials to upcycle. There are a variety of creative ways to reuse and upcycle wicker to give it a new life. Here are a few ideas:
• Curtain panels: Cut the wicker into sections and fit them together, creating a unique and interesting curtain panel.
• Accent pieces: Thread the wicker through one of your existing chairs or a piece of furniture, creating an accent piece.
• Planters and baskets: Add a new life to your old wicker baskets by adding a spray of paint or by gluing on decorative fabric strips or beads.
• Picture frames: Cut the wicker into small pieces and fit them onto a backing board, creating a one-of-a-kind picture frame.
• Shelves: Cut the wicker into strips and nail or glue the strips onto a backing material, creating a whimsical way to showcase books or souvenirs.
• Birdhouses: Create a unique home for your feathered friends by covering a birdhouse with the woven wicker pieces.
Upcycling wicker is a great way to give old pieces of furniture a makeover, create unique décor pieces, and save resources in the process. With a little creativity, you can easily transform any wicker piece into something completely unique and creative.
How do you Modernise wicker furniture?
Modernising wicker furniture is a great way to breathe new life into a classic piece. First and foremost, inspect your wicker furniture to make sure it is structurally sound. If any pieces have come loose, repair or replace these before moving forward.
Once the framing is sound, you can begin the modernising process.
The easiest way to modernise your wicker furniture is to repaint it. Make sure to use a proper paint primer and sealer to protect the wicker from moisture, sun and other environmental factors. Choose a modern colour and paint it on in multiple thin layers, allowing proper drying time for each layer.
Adding modern cushions and pillows to your wicker furniture is another great way to modernise it. Choose chic and contemporary designs and materials for these. For example, velvet and microfibers are two modern materials that will look great.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pattern styles and colour combinations.
Finally, you can modernise the look of your wicker furniture by adding contemporary accessories. These can include magazine holders, storage boxes, and contemporary wall art. Place these items around your wicker furniture to give it a modern, updated look.
By following these tips, you can easily modernise your wicker furniture and give it a fresh, new look.
Is wicker furniture out of style?
No, wicker furniture is not out of style. Wicker furniture has been used for centuries and it is still a popular and timeless style of furniture that complements both indoors and outdoors. Wicker chairs, tables, and other pieces provide a beautiful and natural element to any space, and due to their durability and value, wicker furniture continues to be an appealing choice for many homeowners.
While the traditional style of wicker furniture is still popular, many modern twists and updates have been seen in recent years, such as vivid colors and unique shapes that can be added to wicker pieces for a more contemporary feel.
All of these factors make wicker furniture a great option for any home.
Can vintage wicker furniture be left outside?
No, vintage wicker furniture should not be left outside. Wicker furniture is not intended to be used outside, as it will quickly deteriorate if exposed to the elements. Wicker furniture generally consists of a woven material made from plant material, such as rattan, seagrass, or willow, and therefore is susceptible to the elements.
These elements can cause the wicker to weaken and eventually break, as well as aging faster than normal. It can also collect dirt and dust from being outside, which can cause discoloration, making it less attractive and less comfortable.
It is not a good idea to leave any kind of vintage furniture exposed to the elements for long periods of time, as it can significantly reduce its lifespan. To maximize the longevity of your vintage wicker furniture, you should keep it indoors, out of direct sunlight and away from moisture, when not in use.
What happens if wicker gets wet?
If wicker gets wet, it can be very damaging, depending on the type of wicker. Natural wicker can be affected by mildew, rot, and discoloration if not properly cared for when wet. As wicker is made of thin strips of bark, reed, and wood, it can also become weak and deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture and sunlight.
Additionally, when wicker is wet, it can become very fragile, making it more prone to cracking and breakage. It is important to note that some synthetic wicker can also be damaged if it is exposed to moisture overtime, although usually not to the same extent as natural wicker.
To protect wicker from getting wet, it is best to move the furniture indoors during inclement weather, and store it in a dry place when not in use. Additionally, if wicker does get wet, it should be dried immediately, otherwise the damage may be irreversible.
How do you protect natural wicker from outside?
To protect natural wicker from the elements, it is important to do the following:
1. Keep wicker furniture away from direct sunlight and the elements. If it is in a place where it will be exposed to sun, rain, or high humidity, consider taking steps to cover it with an outdoor cover.
2. Clean the wicker regularly to keep dirt and debris off of it, to prevent bacteria and other contaminants from accumulating. Use a natural cleaning solution and a gentle brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris.
3. If your furniture is in a place where it is exposed to water, consider applying a coat of sealant or varnish. This will help protect the wicker from moisture and other contaminants.
4. If the wicker is made of rattan, it may discolor or expand if it is exposed to too much water. Therefore, be sure to store your wicker furniture in a climate-controlled area.
5. Apply a light coat of furniture polish every six months to keep the wicker moisturized and healthy.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your natural wicker furniture is well-protected from the elements.