Contrary to popular belief, wicker is a weaving process, not a material. Use of the word wicker conjures up a stereotype of one particular product, rattan vine. Any product that is made with woven vines or stems is referred to as wicker.
The word “wicker” is believed to be of Scandanavian origin stemming from the word wika which means “to bend” in Swedish, and vikker meaning “willow”.
Traditionally, the rattan vine is the material used in making wicker products and has been used in this country for the past 150 years. It is still considered to be the most popular product for wicker furniture today. However, new products are finding their way into some of the most innovative designs. Plants other than rattan vines are used such as banana leaves, seagrass, and water hyacinth as well as paper, metal, leather and resin.
With the increasing popularity of using alternative products in the weaving process, furniture designers are creating new looks in wicker. These new designs can fit into a wide range of decor from the traditioinal tropical, airy feel to traditional, rustic and even contemporary.
Watch for future posts on the different products used in wicker!
