subject: The History of Rattan Furniture [print this page] The History of Rattan Furniture The History of Rattan Furniture
Are you choosing new garden furniture? Have you considered Rattan? This astounding material has a rich history and deserves a place in every fine garden.
Here's why
Rattan is a vine that can grow to incredible lengths. Its native home is the tropical climates of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It has been a popular material for centuries in this country and is still used to this day to make baskets, chairs and various pieces of furniture.
Rattan is over 5000 years old and was very popular amongst the ancient Egyptians. Furniture made from the material has been dug up from various excavation sites and was the material of choice for Egyptian royals. The ancient Egyptians also used the vine to make boats, chariots and baskets.
Rattan is a vine that can grow to incredible lengths. Its native home is the tropical climates of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. It has been a popular material for centuries in this country and is still used to this day to make baskets, chairs and various pieces of furniture.
Rattan furniture was first produced in the US in the 1800's and became very popular amongst Victorians. This was due to the Victorian obsession with germs and cleanliness which came about after scientific revelations concerning bacteria.
Rattan was considered to be a great deal cleaner and more hygienic that upholstered furniture and became a well used alternative to furniture covered in material.
Rattan did not lose favour as a new century dawned, stylish bright young things found that it's pared down, minimalist style fitted in perfectly with the burgeoning Art Deco and Modernist movements.
Synthetic Rattan began to emerge in the late 1930's when the war brought about a shortage of wicker. It was made by packing paper under thin steel wire so it could be woven on a loom in the same way as natural wicker. The synthetic material became very popular as it was reasonably priced and could be produced anywhere.
Today, the material in its natural form is regaining popularity, and Rattan garden furniture is particularly popular. The durable material is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and can be an elegant addition to any conservatory or outside space.
So if you are in the process of choosing garden furniture then keep Rattan in mind. Choosing Rattan could be the wisest choice you will make, a beautiful Rattan Garden Furniture set will put a smile on your face whenever you look at it for many years to come.
