Wicker & rattan chairs: Lightweight and versatile

Furniture items made from rattan or wicker have a large following. They are popular for use either in the home or in commercial establishments. They’ve been with us for a long time (their use has been noted in the Victorian era) and it looks like they’ll be with us for quite some years yet.

Whatever a restaurant’s theme may be, chances are its owner will fine wicker chairs to follow and complement it. They can go with almost anything. There are many design options from which to choose, any of which is suitable for reception area seating to the dining room proper. Sizes, colors and shapes abound. Just do a google search for rattan and wicker furniture and you’ll see what I mean.

Why are rattan and wicker chairs so popular, and why do they make ideal restaurant furniture items? For one thing, since they’re made mostly from grasses, vines, and other kinds of plants they’re usually lightweight, so they are a lot easier to move around than something like solid wood chairs. Only finishings like wood and steel make rattan and wicker chairs considerably heavier. For another thing, they can be considerably less expensive than chairs made from, say stainless steel or aluminum. The woven or knitted texture also appeals both to the eye and touch.

Natural wicker can be used indoors as contemporary bistro chairs. For outdoor use, though, it’s important to make sure that they are treated or waterproofed so that they resist wear and tear caused by sunlight and rain, making them last longer. Remember that any upholstery you plan to use with them should also have been similarly sealed or treated. Finally, while wicker and rattan are naturally durable, they aren’t indestructible. They should be cleaned regularly (which can be as simple as dusting it or wiping it with a piece of soft cloth). They shouldn’t be subjected to undue force to prevent the weaving from coming apart. With regular care and appropriate use, wicker and rattan chairs can grace a dining establishment for a long time.