Inside Out

Bringing the outdoors in with wicker and rattan furnishings.

by Trisha Kemerly

More and more Americans are turning their style inside-out by decorating their outdoor living spaces. Whether you use the space for reading a good book, entertaining friends, or enjoying some sunshine—a well-designed outdoor oasis is a great way to add some fun and function to this extra “room” in your home. Others may want to bring natural elements inside to enjoy an outdoorsy feel when being outside isn’t an option.

What’s Makes it Special?

Wicker and rattan are two materials that are perfect for indoor and outdoor lifestyles, and today’s selections are surprisingly durable and fashion-forward. These durable materials are showing up in everything from outdoor lounge chairs to indoor bed frames.

“Today’s wicker and rattan has a synthetic or resin construction, which ultimately lasts long, especially for outdoor living and is especially easy to care for indoors,” says outdoor furnishings and design expert Kathy Peterson, who reaches 15 to 30 million households each week through her national TV series Town & Country Crafts with Kathy Peterson.

How’s it Made?

Most rattan and wicker furniture originate from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, the Philippines and China) and are manufactured by hand. Some companies import the materials into the United States in order to assemble and finish the furniture in the U.S.

Rattan is a vine that grows in the tropical forests of the Far East. Growing hundreds of feet in length, it is one of nature’s strongest materials. It will not splinter or break, and it is ideal for making furniture. Once molded, solid rattan retains its contours permanently. Peel, the outer skin of the rattan pole, is traditionally used to wrap the joints.

Wicker refers to products that are made from reed, cane, rush, willow or other natural materials. When wet, these materials are pliable enough to be woven.

Rattan and wicker are natural products with each piece having its own individual, unique qualities. When stained, there will be slight differences in hue and color, which is part of the uniqueness of owning a product made from nature.

What’s Hot?

“As a trends spotter, I’m seeing large open, oversized wicker weaves. However, tight construction continues to be the strongest trend in most showrooms,” Kathy says.

“New colorations are adding fresh styling to the category. Tans in a woven sea grass and seashell-colored polyethylene highlight the continuing ‘tropical’ look, and a nice boast of dark wicker and rattan finishes include espresso and black colors.”

Kathy adds that shoppers looking for eco-friendly options should definitely consider this category. “Synthetic wicker continues to be touted as environmentally friendly, non-toxic and recyclable!”

Care and Maintenance

Wicker and rattan are practically maintenance-free. Good quality wicker and rattan is very strong. To prevent dirt and dust build up, dust woven rattan regularly with a feather duster and vacuum with a soft brush attachment. The material is weather-resistant, but not weather-proof. If your rattan furniture becomes excessively wet, make sure it dries thoroughly to avoid any warping or damage.

Fabric and Color Choices

Fabrics for indoors and outdoors have come a long way in the past few years. Now, fabrics offer amazing quality, sophisticated styling and excellent clean-ability. The lines are now blurred between indoor and outdoor fabrics, giving you more options than ever to personalize your home. Whether you’re looking for soft, sheer fabrics for indoor elegance or the toughest outdoor fabric to weather any storm, you don’t have to sacrifice style for performance.

Some fabric companies, such as Sunbrella, offer a complete line of beautiful all-weather fabrics—including decorative Jacquards, luxurious velvets and romantic sheers in a variety of colors and patterns. Similarly, accessories such as throw rugs and accent pillows are available to complete your outdoor-friendly space.

Above all, the key to creating any good room—indoors or out—is making sure it is comfortable and meets the needs you have for the space.