Many pieces of beautiful wicker furniture feature in homes, hotels, offices, restaurants, and cafes. Wicker always looks modern and fashionable in these settings. It somehow always invokes a feeling of nostalgia with memories from seaside holidays and lazy days in the sun. But is wicker coastal?
Wicker is coastal and a popular weave in furniture for beach houses and nautical-themed décor in many beach resorts. All-weather wicker can contend with the harsh sun, sea, and sand required by living at the coast. It adds comfort and classical coastal beauty to many homes.
Why is wicker so popular, and what makes it suitable for the coastal climate. Read on to find out more about the characteristics of wicker weave furniture.
Wicker Is Classically Coastal
Wicker weave has long been associated with beach furniture, and its style and beauty complement many types of coastal décor. An array of furniture pieces is made from distinctive wicker weave materials. You can decorate every room in your beach house and the patio with versatile pieces of wicker furniture.
Types Of Wicker Used For Coastal Homes
The timeless and elegant beauty of wicker can be found in indoor and outdoor coastal furniture. However, decorating coastal homes to be inviting and comfortable is not enough. Seaside homes need to have practical furniture that can withstand the elements of living at the coast.
Natural Wicker For Coastal Indoors
Traditional or natural wicker is made from natural fibers such as rattan, willow, seagrass, and raffia. Rattan is the material most often used for wicker furniture. These fibers are popular due to their elasticity and ability to be created into beautiful patterns and designs.
But, although very beautiful, natural wicker furniture is not that durable and easy to maintain, so it is only suited for indoor use at the coast.
It will grow mildew and rot if it’s left in the rain. And left too long in the sun will cause its color to bleach. It does not fare well in extreme cold either, and with time, the cold will cause the material to swell and contract, ultimately breaking.
So, there was a need to experiment and create a hardier material suitable for coastal indoor and outdoor use in modern times. The material would still have to resemble the beauty of natural wicker.
All-Weather Wicker For Coastal Outdoors
Still offering the same elegant wicker designs, all-weather wicker is made from different resins such as PVC, nylon, polyethylene (PE), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wicker. These resins are plant matter that has the capability to permanently harden, and this is what makes them resistant to the elements.
The resins can be made into fine vine-like pieces that resemble the natural materials of traditional wicker furniture. Advanced technology creates continuous strands with a consistently smooth weave that won’t crack, burr, or peel.
The frames used to make all-weather wicker furniture is made from rust-proof materials such as aluminum and steel. Outdoor furniture is often finished with a resin-based paint coating that is flexible and durable and can withstand long periods outdoors without being damaged. Thus, all-weather wicker is strong, lightweight, and well suited to coastal weather.
Reasons Why All-Weather Wicker Is Coastal
All-weather wicker grace homes, hotels, and many seaside resorts in coastal towns all over the world. Below are some reasons why resin material is so characteristically well suited for coastal use.
All-Weather Wicker Is Moisture, Mold, And Mildew Resistant
Coastal furniture must be able to weather rainstorms and moisture from the sea air. The resin materials in all-weather wicker do not absorb water and, when wet, will simply bead off the moisture.
The sturdy frames will also cope with coastal weather, and the furniture will retain its shape throughout the changing seaside seasons. Due to its ability to not absorb water, All-weather wicker is resistant to mold and mildew.
All-Weather Wicker Resists Sun Exposure
The feel of the sun’s warmth on your skin is one of the reasons why so many holidaymakers flock to the seaside every year. Lounging in the sun on comfy chairs and sunbeds is part of the coastal experience.
Hardy furniture that can withstand the harsh sun is in great demand, and all-weather wicker does not disappoint. The resin coating on these furniture pieces makes them resistant to harmful rays from the sun. All-weather wicker will retain its shape and color even after prolonged sun exposure.
All-Weather Wicker Cleans Easy
Although the weave and frame of all-weather wicker are mold-resistant, dust and dirt can accumulate on the exterior over time. Cleaning all-weather wicker is easy. You simply hose it down with a garden hose and allow it to dry.
Should some grime not come off with just water, you can gently scrub it clean with mild dish soap. Rinse off with clean water and let it dry outdoors.
Why Choose Wicker For The Coast?
When you think of a beach house, wicker furniture images almost always conjure up that coastal feeling of sun, sand, and sea. The organic look of wicker-weave furniture perfectly fits the coastal theme in any home. Wicker is also ideal for any climate and looks good with any palette.
There are many wicker furniture styles, from traditional pieces to modern, coastal, and bohemian styles. It can be simple, relaxed, and fun, or you can dress it up to look elegant and stylish. Wicker furniture looks inviting and comfy on patios, decks, in cafés, and in restaurant settings.
But wicker looks equally attractive in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas. The versatility of wicker is endless, and this is what makes it so popular.
Pros And Cons Of Wicker
Wicker weave furniture looks good in any home, but there are pros and cons that you should consider when purchasing this coastal style for your home.
The pros of wicker are:
- Attractive – wicker furniture is beautiful with a coastal feel and can be used in any room décor. Wicker can be painted into different colors to match any decorating palette. Check out the wicker chair on Amazon below.
- Durable – all-weather wicker is strong and made from synthetic resin with durable aluminum and steel frames.
- Low maintenance – all-weather wicker can be cleaned with water and dish soap if required.
- Lightweight – the aluminum and steel frames of all-weather wicker is not heavy and can easily be moved around.
- Outdoor and Indoor Décor – natural wicker is best suited indoors, whereas all-weather wicker is best for outdoor furniture. All-weather wicker can withstand the harsh weather associated with coastal regions.
The Cons of Wicker are:
- Loose weave – natural wicker, when not correctly crafted, can unravel when the weave is too loose. Beware of low-cost pieces that are poorly made.
- Comfort – natural wicker chairs and couches will need soft cushions for a more comfortable seat. All-weather wicker usually comes with cushions included as accessories.
- Expensive – natural handcrafted wicker is costly as you pay for beautiful craftsmanship. Although noted here as a disadvantage, superbly crafted wicker furniture, no matter the cost, could also be an added pro. If well looked after, timeless wicker pieces can become a family heirloom.
Decorating With Wicker
With its interlacing strands, a wicker weave has numerous simple or artful types of patterns that form beautiful designs that are crafted into furniture. Wicker is the oldest method of making furniture and dates back as far as 5,000 years and was first documented in ancient Egypt. The word wicker is Scandinavian for ‘vika,’ which means to bend.
The wicker look is relaxed and blends in well with many other décor styles. Natural wicker furniture is designed for all areas of the home, from beautifully crafted headboards, side tables, and dressers to chairs and couches for the living room. Although natural wicker is often used in enclosed patios, synthetic wicker is more suitable for all outdoor pool areas and beach houses.
Adding Coastal Décor To Your Home
A modern coastal style of decorating with earthy colors or a pop of color fits in perfectly when paired with wicker furniture. Combining wicker with drift and reclaimed wood accessories will add texture to coastal décor.
You can add beautiful linens and cotton seat cushions to the wicker chairs, like the one from Amazon below, and couches in neutral shades of beige, tan, and brown like the colors of the beach sand. Splashes of colors such as azure blues, seaweed greens, turquoise, and indigo will bring the shades of the sea into your home.
Add bright pillows in different shades of yellows, oranges, and reds depicting the hues of beautiful beach sunsets. Patio all-weather wicker furniture with colorful floral patterns of tropical flowers and fruits will bring the fun element to the holiday vibe at any beach house. Or you could tone down the look with bold white and navy striped cushions for a nautical feel.
Add decorative elements with seashells and sea glass found on the beach. Fill wicker baskets with brightly colored beach towels and ‘flip-flops’ for guests and family. Decorate a wall in the house with a collage of holiday photos in large wicker and wooden frames. You could place wicker-framed mirrors in the bathroom and lay sisal rugs on the floor for a beachy look.
For the children, fill large wicker drawers and toy boxes with books about marine life and coastal areas, board games, arts and craft supplies, and toys for the beach. If your pets have traveled with you on holiday, place wicker pet baskets with soft cushions for lazy sunny days for your cats and dogs to sleep in.
Coastal décor is not complete without adding some greenery to the mix. Place tall leafy plants in large wicker plant holders to add to the beachy feel in the home. Or add rows of potted herbs on the kitchen window in a long wicker basket tray.
The decorating possibilities with wicker for coastal and nautical themes are endless. You can find a piece of wicker furniture or accessory to beautify any area in your beach house or home.
How To Protect Wicker Outdoors?
Although all-weather/resin wicker is durable and has a protective coating, it can still do with a bit of maintenance to remain in good shape for longer. Natural wicker will require lots of love and care when not in use and during the winter.
- If you have a beach house that you only use occasionally, it is best to store outdoor wicker furniture indoors when not in use. During wintertime, when it may be too cold to sit outdoors, keep outdoor chairs and tables in a garage until the weather warms.
On windy days, this lightweight furniture can easily be blown around if left outside and can get damaged.
- You can apply a little Tung oil on the weave before you put your wicker furniture in storage or when you are not using the beach house. This will give natural wicker some protection against water and moisture.
- Special UV protection sprays can be used on natural wicker to repel dirt, stains, and dust.
- Cover the furniture with a fabric cover when not in use or if you need to leave it on the patio during the offseason.
- When using any wicker for a barbeque, don’t place the wicker chairs and other wicker furniture too close to the heat.
- If your all-weather wicker furniture has been stored indoors during the offseason, bring the furniture outdoors to air when you are using your beach house again. If the wicker is dusty, you can hose it off with a water hose. Let the wicker dry before bringing it back inside or using it on the patio.
Conclusion
Wicker is coastal as these attractive furniture pieces have always been associated with nautical themes and seaside décor. All-weather wicker is ideal for outdoor furniture at beach houses and seaside resorts. It is resistant to the coastal weather of moisture from the air and the harshness of the summer sun.
All-weather wicker is durable, has low maintenance, and is lightweight, making it easy to move from indoors to outdoors. Wicker furniture is popular with most beach homeowners and fits in well with any style of décor.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicker
- https://www.thespruce.com/resin-wicker-all-weather-wicker-2736867
