Now that you’ve taken more interest in your outdoor retreat, and decided to create a beautiful place for lounging and entertaining with our contemporary and upscale outdoor wicker furniture, it’s time to think about all the spring parties and family get-togethers you’ll be having.

There’s nothing quite like bringing your circle of friends and family together for an outdoor celebration, and with outdoor wicker dining and roomy wicker sectional seating, you’ll find yourself wanting to enjoy good times more often than ever.

After all, entertaining without enough seating, or having to cram a crowd of people indoors with wine, food, and all of the potential disasters that can cause is generally not very relaxing. Who wants to worry about wine spills, food stains, and hours of cleanup after the last guest leaves? That’s the beauty of entertaining outdoors. With the right outdoor wicker furniture, such as synthetic wicker which is stain and weather proof, and built to commercial grade standards, you won’t have to worry about the wear and tear on your home, your carpeting, or your furniture. Everything outdoors is easily washable and the worst thing that can happen is maybe a few stalks of celery end up in the pool. Besides that, you have an evening of fun to look forward to. Can you see how this can lead to more and more get-togethers?

Spring Garden Party

If family gatherings are going to be an important part of your future, you’ll need to learn a few secrets about making dishes ahead of time. This will give you plenty of time to look your best without slaving away over food right before your guests arrive. A few of the best “make ahead appetizers” include the following. They each have less than five ingredients and they are healthy too!

Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese served on Flatbread Crackers

1 cup pitted olives

1/2 cup diced feta

2 T olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

2 cloves garlic

1 t fresh rosemary

1 pinch red pepper

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl. Place in decorative container and arrage crackers around the mixture.

Ham & Red Pepper Spread for Vegetables

1 1/2 cups diced ham

1 cup diced red pepper

1/2 t smoked paprika

1 T vinegar

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup chopped, fresh parsley

Place ham, peppers, paprika, and vinegar in food processor and chop until ham is fine. Transfer to mixing bowl, add cream cheese and parsley. Stir until smooth. Place in decorative bowl with fresh vegetables, such as celery sticks and broccoli flowerets arranged around the dip. Also can be served with crackers.

Both of the appetizers above can be made in advance, which will give you plenty of time to decorate your outdoor garden area, set up the music, lighting, and tableware. Serve your appetizers after guests arrive by arranging the dips, crackers, and vegetables on your wicker dining set or by using your wicker storage benches as banquet type tables.

For more information and a full selection of our outdoor wicker furniture, garden furniture, and patio items, visit our full online catalog at Outdoor Furniture Shop.

If you’ve recently moved into your new home and want to create a lovely, garden area where you’ll be able to enjoy your relaxing outdoor wicker furniture along with lush, rich landscaping, you may be wondering about shade trees.

Flowers and shrubbery are always a necessity for a relaxing garden, and you’ll need a mixture of both annuals and perennials, but along with your flowers and hedges, you’ll want to enjoy the beauty and relaxing atmosphere created by tall, stately shade trees.

Best Shade Trees for Your Garden Retreat

Most of us think shade trees take twenty years or more to become large enough to make a difference in our yard, but that’s simply not true. There are certain trees that are known for their ability to grow extra fast, and some can even grow up to 12 feet per year. Yes, 12 feet every year! With that kind of quick growing ability, you can literally have a lovely shade tree, or several, by next year this time! Within two or three short years, your yard can look completely different than it does right now. Are you ready to add the perfect trees to your yard? Your outdoor wicker sectional, wicker chaise lounges, and your outdoor wicker daybed will look lovely surrounded by the beauty of these trees.

Hybrid Poplar

The poplar tree grows in zones 3-8, is disease resistant, and can easily reach 8 feet per year.  Zones 3-8 include all states that have regular seasons, including everywhere in the United States except for lower Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and California.

Royal Empress Tree

If you live in zones 5-11, which include all of the lower United States, including the tropical regions of South Texas, California and Florida, you are in luck. Sometimes referred to as the miracle growth tree, these lavender flowering beauties grow as much as 18 feet in just one season. Perfect for homes that need a mature shade tree or two quickly, you won’t believe the growth of these lovely trees. With huge leaves and sweet smelling blooms, you’ll have dense shade more quickly than many would ever believe! These trees are also very easy to take care of and don’t need to be pampered.

Eucalyptus Tree

Perfect for tropical climates, the eucalyptus tree has dusty blue leaves that are incredibly aromatic. This tree will grow up to 6 feet each year and the leaves and bark can be used in dresser drawers or anywhere in your home where you’d like to add a fresh, clean scent. The leaves can also be used in flower arrangements. This tree is evergreen, so you’ll never have leaves to rake either. What a win/win situation! You’ll have shade and fragrant leaves that serve a variety of purposes.

If you’re thinking about creating the perfect outdoor garden for your new wicker furniture but never thought you’d be able to enjoy full grown shade trees in record time, think again! By doing a  bit of homework you can discover the fastest growing trees, just perfect for your outdoor wicker furniture.

Creating a tranquil and beautiful backyard retreat by installing a pond is easier than you think. This project can easily be completed in one weekend and you’ll be adding such beauty and enjoyment to your outdoor space with the installation of a pond. Just think how lovely your outdoor wicker furniture will look, casually arranged around your new pond. A wicker daybed or a couple of rattan chaise lounge chairs are the perfect lounging furniture for your new retreat.

If you’ve never installed anything and you aren’t exactly the handyman of the house, you may want to hire a pond installation company to complete the job. But, if you are up for the task, here are the steps involved. This will give you an idea of how long it will take to install your new garden pond and what skills you’ll need.

Planning Your Perfect Water Garden

A water garden often includes both aquatic plants and goldfish. Of course, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to exclude the goldfish. For areas where temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods during the winter, you’ll need your pond to have enough depth to provide at least twelve to sixteen inches of water below the freeze zone. 

Once you’ve established whether or not your pond will include fish, your next step is to decide on a location and determine the size. Although you’ll be surrounding your water garden with your outdoor wicker furniture, you’ll enjoy it more if you can also see it from your home. Ponds regularly attract wildlife and you never know what birds or animals you may see, especially in the early morning hours. As for the size, a larger, deeper pond is easier to maintain. Use a rope to measure out the size and shape of your water garden.

Steps to Proper Water Garden Installation

Now for the labor. You’ll need to dig your pond to its desired shape and bury your pond skimmer at the proper depth beside the pond. Next you’ll line your water garden with pond underlayment followed by the rubber pond liner. You’ll then connect the pond liner to the skimmer, lay your tubing and start arranging your stones around the edge of your pond.

Fill your pond with water to within a few inches from the top, make your tubing connections, add your dechlorinator and then the aquatic plants you’ve chosen. By adding your plants as soon as possible you’ll greatly reduce the opportunity for algae to grow, as many of the aquatic plants for ponds use up a great deal of the pond’s nutrients, which prevents algae from growing. Excellent plants to use include Water Hyacinth, Anacharis, Bacopa and Parrot’s Feather.

There you have it. That’s about all you’ll have to do to install your beautiful water garden. The only thing left is to arrange your outdoor wicker furniture around the pond and enjoy. Can’t you just picture cool spring evenings around your lovely water garden? And what a lovely photo spot your pond and wicker furniture will make.

For more tips and articles on backyard living, parties, and outdoor wicker furniture, we invite you to follow our blog.

Does Our Synthetic Wicker Furniture Sound too Good to be True?

We know how you feel. Often, online stores talk a good game but the product you receive is quite a bit different than the one presented on the company’s website. With Outdoor Furniture Shop’s beautiful and luxurious wicker furniture, you won’t have to worry about that. First of all, we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or we will gladly refund your money. At the Outdoor Furniture Shop, we’re not happy unless you are happy. That’s our goal. We are not just after a sale. We are building our company and building our brand with this mission: To serve our customers with the very best product at the very best price, with the best guarantee. We want lifelong customers, not a one time sale.

Second, we have personally searched across the globe for manufacturers. When we started our business we weren’t satisfied with mediocre products and we didn’t settle for anything but the best. We found the best manufacturer that would build our design according to commercial grade standards. After a couple of prototypes and numerous tests, we were thrilled with the results.

The Main Question About Synthetic Wicker Furniture

So, what’s the main concern for potential customers apprehension? From all the emails and customer service questions we’ve had, the main question was:

What does synthetic rattan feel like? Is it hard? Is it comfortable? How durable is it?

Why all the synthetic wicker questions? Simply put, not many individuals are familiar with manufactured wicker and aren’t aware of all of the benefits. Because of this, individuals continue to purchase traditional wicker, which cracks, rots, grows mold, stains, fades, and loses it’s shape. On top of that, traditional wicker will not hold much weight and isn’t a durable material. The average life of natural wicker furniture is approximately two seasons if kept outdoors. After that , the furniture will begin to either rot (if it was exposed to too much moisture), or it will dry rot (if exposed to too much sunlight).

Do you really want a habit to continue to cost you money every two years? We don’t either. That’s why we created our exclusive line of synthetic wicker furniture. With our guarantee against fading, cracking, sagging, and a commercial quality frame, you’ll have furniture that will stand the test of time instead of something you’ll have to replace every few years.

Even our cushions are created with satisfaction in mind. We could of had our cushions stuffed with the “regular” amount of stuffing. Instead, we went the extra mile. Our cushions are overstuffed and our cushion covers are created from top quality material, making them ultra durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean.

Want to See Our Synthetic Wicker for Yourself?

Not a problem! We want you to see and feel it also. Our synthetic wicker is soft and smooth to the touch while extremely durable! To experience it for yourself, just call our customer service number and request a sample. We’ll get one out to you right away. After seeing and feeling our wicker for yourself, you’ll become yet another satisfied customer.

Outdoor Furniture Shop is your leader for upscale, modern, luxurious wicker furniture.

With more families staying in their homes for longer periods of time, creating extra space is often a welcome idea. If you are considering the addition of a screened in or enclosed porch on the rear of your home, you’ve got a win/win situation on your hands.

Screened in Porch or a Backyard Deck?

If you are deciding between a backyard deck and an enclosed back porch, here is a short pros and cons list to help you sort through the preliminary details.

• A backyard deck is generally open to the elements and created from treated and stained lumber. While this may be ideal to finish off a pool area in the southern states, if your home is located in a region where all of the seasons (including the blustery winter) occur, you will definitely get more use out of an enclosed porch than you will a patio or deck.

• An enclosed room can be used as a traditional porch or converted into an informal dining room or a sitting area for entertaining guests or hosting parties. While a back porch or deck can also be used for entertaining, keep in mind again that the weather plays a key role in what you can or cannot do in an open area.

• An enclosed room can be heated or cooled. It can be designed with well insulated windows for winter and screens in the summer. A backyard deck or patio can also be heated and cooled. Outdoor fireplaces make the ideal focal point for your outdoor wicker furniture and your deck can be cooled with the use of water misters and outdoor fans.

Whichever you choose, building a back deck or an enclosed back porch is a smart investment. You’ll be adding value to your home and you’ll have an enjoyable, beautiful retreat for your family and friends to share special times. You’ll have additional space for cooking, dining, and parties.

Depending on the space, you may want to divide your backyard deck or enclosed porch to include wicker sectional seating as well as a wicker outdoor dining set. This is the perfect combination since entertaining almost always involves a feast as well as socializing.

Little Extras Make a Big Difference

When planning your enclosed porch, there are little things you’ll want to consider that can make a big difference, especially when it comes to convenience. Here are a few:

• Storage Space: Wicker storage benches provide the perfect storage for extra table linens, throw pillows for your wicker sectional, comfy blankets, or even an extra set of dishes if you will be using the area for dining.

• Pass Through Window: While you are in the process of remodeling, consider adding a pass through window. This can be extremely convenient when bringing food into the room or clearing dirty dishes.

• Space heater: You don’t have to heat your enclosed porch when it’s not in use. Instead of running ductwork to the area, you can purchase a smart looking upright space heater. This will allow you to save on electricity by only heating when needed.

We hope this information has helped you to decide whether a back deck or an enclosed porch is right for you. Continue to follow our blog for even more ideas and information on wicker furniture and wicker dining. The Outdoor Furniture Shop is your source for upscale, quality wicker furniture.

Let’s face it, you may have been married for the past decade, but you certainly don’t always see eye to eye on every decorating detail. Even for the most agreeable couples, planning out a backyard retreat can be a challenge.

While decorating and furniture shopping for a living room or bedroom might go rather smoothly, it’s often those fun and undefined areas, such as a basement or a backyard space that causes a bit of trouble between couples. Why is this? Well, generally two people can easily agree on other rooms in the house because there isn’t as much creativity involved. In a bedroom, for instance, the most you’ll have to decide on is where to arrange the dresser, the chest of drawers and which wall to set the bed on. A backyard space, on the other hand, is completely different. Here are some ideas and considerations to keep the two of you playing on the same team through the entire planning process:

Define Your Areas

First of all, consider what the two of you want from your outdoor space. While a husband may be dreaming of the perfect outdoor kitchen, complete with stainless steel grill and outdoor wet bar to entertain the guys, you may be looking for a relaxing, quiet retreat where you can enjoy your morning coffee with your favorite novel. Or, you both may be looking for a place to entertain guests and enjoy outdoor dining. If your backyard deck is large enough, you can have all of these. You’ll just need to separate the areas.

How to Create Separation

Depending on the size of your deck, you may be able to get two distinct areas out of it. If you have a pool area, this is perfect for a wicker chaise lounge or two, or a wicker daybed. This tranquil poolside area is perfect for relaxing. On the other end, away from the pool, is where an outdoor dining area complete with grill and additional seating can be plotted out. Now, if your deck isn’t this large, here are a few alternatives:

• Structures – By using a backyard structure, such as a pergola or a gazebo, you can easily define an additional area. This can be furnished with your outdoor dining set for entertaining, or can be furnished with an outdoor sectional for evening garden parties under the stars.

• Pathways – A pathway can be created from a variety of stepping stones or tiles purchased from your local garden store. They can easily be installed in a weekend and can be used to lead from one are of the garden to the next. Pathways can add depth and definition to your backyard while also dividing between outdoor lounging areas and outdoor dining.

• Hedge or trellis – Need a little privacy between areas or just want to add to the beautiful ambience of your garden retreat? Quick growing flowering vines or hedges are the perfect fix for creating separation. Hedges will take a bit of time to grow, but a trellis wall with bougainvillea, morning glory, or other flowering vine are a quick and simple way to define an area.

Whichever method you choose to define and decorate your outdoor space, be sure to visit our main website when you are ready to select your wicker furniture. Our contemporary and modern line includes outdoor dining, relaxing wicker chaise lounges, lovely wicker daybeds, and an exquisite outdoor sectional with a variety of seating capabilities.

You’ve enjoyed your outdoor wicker furniture all through the summer and made it through the fall, but if you have an outdoor deck that’s not protected from the elements in any way, you probably won’t be spending a great deal of time enjoying your wicker furniture. What’s the best plan of action to protect and care for your furniture? Here are 3 timely tips to keep in mind:

Outdoor Furniture Shop Wicker Furniture Comparison

First of all, if you’ve purchased your wicker furniture from Outdoor Furniture Shop, we’ve got good news for you. You probably already know this, but your synthetic wicker furniture is virtually weather proof. The color will not fade and the snow or rain won’t damage the material at all. Also, the aluminum frame is constructed to commercial grade standards and is guaranteed not to rust or corrode in any way.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to take care of your furniture. All it means is that with the wicker furniture you’ve purchased from Outdoor Furniture Shop, you’ll be ahead of the game and won’t have to worry about replacing your wicker furniture a few years down the road. Synthetic wicker furniture is an investment you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

If you do happen to own natural wicker or another outdoor patio furniture, check with the manufacturer details to determine how to care for your furniture for the winter. Depending on how delicate the material is, you may want to place your patio furniture in storage or indoors during the winter season.

Outdoor Furniture Shop All-Weather Furniture Cover

This leads us to step number two. If you’ve already purchased the finest quality outdoor wicker furniture from our store, you won’t have to worry about the weather, but you may want to protect your furniture from the elements anyway. To keep your wicker furniture nice and dry, we offer our own unique rain covers that are specially fitted to each piece of wicker furniture or each set that we offer.

Crafted to commercial standards, our rain covers will protect your wicker furniture from rain, sleet, snow, or any debris that may be blown your way. Check out our website for our unique rain covers.

Cushion Care

The third step of the winter care process involves your cushion care. If you do not own a wicker storage bench, you should bring your cushions indoors for the season. A wicker storage bench is water tight and will protect your cushions from the elements. Don’t simply place your furniture cover over your wicker furniture expecting everything to be in pristine condition when you remove it. The cushions, since they are made out of cloth, will hold moisture and may mold or become damaged in some way if they are just covered.

Your cushions are an integral part of your outdoor wicker furniture ensemble and it’s important that you care for them properly.

By using our tips to care for your wicker furniture, you’ll have outdoor wicker furniture that always looks just like the day you bought it.

When you first begin thinking of selling your home, you may want to take a step back and consider what improvements you can make. Why? Well, with today’s real estate market, there is much more involved in selling your home than just determining a great price. It is also a beauty contest. If you want to ensure that your home sells quickly, it not only need to be priced well, but it also needs to deliver a great first impression.

5 Ways To Build Your Property Value and Guarantee a Quick Sale

There are several ways attract a number of buyers when your house goes on the market. Here are just a few.

• Create Inviting Spaces- A great first impression is important when you sell your home, so you need to understand what your buyers want out of your home. Consider how you felt when you first began looking for a new home. Did you want a front porch where you could sit with your spouse each morning and enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a little small talk? Your buyers are searching for the same peaceful atmosphere. Use wicker furniture and comfortable cushions on your front porch to create an inviting and comfortable environment where your buyers can imagine themselves sitting each morning. Let them “see themselves” right there, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, seated cozily on their own wicker furniture.

• Clean Up- A little dirt can take a huge bite out of your property value and discourage potential buyers from making an offer. Take the time to pressure wash your porch and driveway. Rake the yard and cut your grass, as well. And don’t forget the inside of your home. Make sure to give your carpets a nice clean before you put your home up for sale.

• Use Plants- According to Psychology Today, plants are not just great to look at. They can have a number of psychological and physiological affects on individuals. Plants have been shown to lower blood pressure, increase attentiveness, improve perceptions of a space, and lower anxiety. Place a few plants on your front porch, near your wicker furniture and on either side of your front door and scatter a couple throughout your house to heighten the mood of your buyers.

• Fix The Small Things- So, your dolphin mailbox has been an icon of the neighborhood for years. You bought it at a flea market and you think it’s cute. That doesn’t mean anyone else will. Make sure you take the time to install a fresh new mailbox before you put your house up for sale. While you are at it, take a good look at other small things around your home, like your address numbers and your outdoor lighting. Are the numbers scratched, weathered, and worn? Do the light bulbs need replaced?

• Put on a Fresh Coat of Paint- While you may have had an eclectic eye when you were living in your home, your new buyers may not enjoy a royal purple living room. Put on a fresh coat of paint before you put your home up for sale, and use only neutral colors. This color palette will be much more inviting for your buyers.

If you want to increase your property value and encourage the sale of your home, make sure your house is inviting, comfortable, and clean. With a little elbow grease, some nice outdoor wicker furniture, and a keen eye, you can create the perfect environment for you buyers.

Christmas is just around the corner. If you haven’t decorated your backyard deck or patio yet, here are some easy tips and unique ideas to get you going. Whether your outdoor deck has a roof covering (very few do) or is out in the open, you can still make a cozy space for a bit of chilly family fun or a romantic holiday atmosphere.

Lighting is Everything

A classic, upscale looking deck doesn’t necessarily need blow up Santa’s or mechanical reindeer lighting up the patio area, but outdoor lights are a must. Depending on the look you are going for, white twinkling lights are always classy, while colored bulbs will provide a bit more of a playful or whimsical look. Be sure to purchase the bulbs that are safe for outdoor use.

Another type of lighting to consider is rope lighting, as long as you have somewhere to wrap it around. Deck railings will work just fine, but you’ll also need traditional bulb lights if you are going to carry the lights over to the house itself. Don’t mix too many different types of lights, especially with the modern, clean lines of your outdoor wicker furniture. Sticking to one classic look is best.

Light the Fire

Of course, you’ll need warmth if you are going to enjoy your outdoor deck during the winter months. A portable or stationary outdoor fireplace are the perfect addition to a large deck area. In fact, you’ll be surprised at how much warmth the fire will actually create. Even on the coldest winter evenings, a roaring fire is just the ticket for outdoor enjoyment. Besides, what could be more romantic than a twinkling holiday lights and a fire?

Outdoor Wicker Furniture Tips

During the winter season, snow can begin to fall at a moment’s notice. In order to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor wicker furniture when you want to, it’s important to keep your wicker sectional seating cushions on the inside of your house. A wicker storage bench is the ideal place to tuck away your cushions until they are needed, but you may want to move your storage bench indoors for the winter. Why? Just think…You’ve lit your outdoor fireplace to warm the area, the holiday lights are twinkling, you have a couple of glasses of wine poured, and then you take your freezing cold, sub-zero temperature cushions out of the storage bench to sit on. That’s not going to be very conducive to the romantic atmosphere you’re trying to pull off. Either move your storage bench indoors during the winter, or simply place the cushions in front of the fireplace (not too close) for at least ten minutes before expecting to sit on them.

Take these ideas and make the most of your synthetic wicker furniture, your fireplace, and your backyard deck, regardless of the weather or the temperature. A romantic evening seated by the fireplace, a glass of wine, and a significant other? Perfection…Happy Holidays!

Have You Given Your Lifestyle Much Thought?

Today’s blog post comes from one of our favorite customer’s here at the Outdoor Furniture Shop. As a freelance writer for Southwest Florida lifestyle magazines, Hollie Simons spends plenty of time interviewing area residents. One thing she always notices, is the way people choose to decorate their homes. Hollie has purchased several of the wicker furniture pieces from our collection and feels very strongly about the way her selections make her feel about her home. Here, in her own words, she describes why she loves outdoor wicker furniture.

I had to drive to Tampa this morning and I decided to take a little detour and visit Siesta Key Beach. I had never been there before, but had heard or read somewhere that it was one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I still like Sanibel and Captiva Island a bit better than Siesta Key, but I must admit, it was simply beautiful. Living and working here in Southwest Florida, I truly have the best of everything. The weather is wonderful, and there’s nothing quite like ocean side living. Then I thought about my home and how I had taken quite a bit of time to decorate it with all the things that made me feel tranquil and happy. Personally, I feel that your home is an extension of yourself and should be carefully decorated, giving thought to each piece of furniture and all of the accent pieces. Your home sends a message. It gives off a vibe. When you walk into your home, how does it make you feel?

Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Since I love the ocean and the tropical paradise of life in Florida, I chose to invest in a rich, dark, wicker sectional for the main area of my home. I love to entertain and to provide a welcoming atmosphere for my guests. The modern, contemporary look of my wicker furniture along with the rich, deep color make me think of the tropics while also having a very upscale feel.  The fact that my furniture is easy to clean, stain resistant and manufactured to commercial grade standards is even more of a plus. It proves that my furniture is an investment in quality, instead of just a piece of furniture that will need to be replaced within a year’s time. They just don’t make furniture like they used to, but with Outdoor Furniture Shop, you’ll have quality merchandise along with long lasting appeal.

Shortly after purchasing the wicker sectional, I chose a matching wicker storage bench to hold extra pillows and my favorite quilt. I placed it under the window and it doubles perfectly as an ottoman or as extra seating when I entertain guests. When I think about the fact that I could have paid a bit less for furniture that was nowhere near matching in quality or beauty as my wicker furniture, I know I made the right choice. I’m convinced that furniture is an extension of our thoughts, our personalities, and the way we feel about life. For me, there’s nothing like paradise, and my wicker furniture is proof of that.

Wicker furniture has been a part of history and culture for generations. As one of the first materials ever used for creating beautiful yet functional furniture, wicker has been popular with civilizations and countries through the ages, including Great Britain, Egypt, and Spain. The perfect combination of skilled craftsmanship and art, wicker furniture has survived and evolved to become one of the most loved and sought after types of furniture available today.

Wicker Furniture – A Beautiful Beginning

Every story has a beginning, and the tale of wicker furniture is no exception. Today’s outdoor furniture can be traced back to early Egypt, 3000 B.C. During this time, the grasses and reeds growing along the Nile river were used to create several different types of furniture, including:

• Chests
• Baskets
• Chairs
• Wig boxes

The ancient Egyptians, who have always been known for their sense of style, enjoyed fine wicker furniture, and the trend quickly caught on with other civilizations. The simplicity and style of beautifully crafted wicker furniture caught the eye of Roman emperors, who employed artisans to develop the material to fit their own needs. Soon, this Egyptian furniture could be found throughout the Roman Empire. Although the furniture declined in popularity for a while during the Dark Ages, it was a common commodity in Europe by the seventeenth century, and a household name in England by the nineteenth century.

From Reed To Rattan

When the pilgrims first set off in the Mayflower, they brought wicker furniture with them. Rattan, which was discovered in Southeast Asia, was the typical material used to strap down cargo on ships like the Mayflower and in 1850, a man named Cyrus Wakefield discovered this material could be used for far more than just holding cargo. He began importing rattan into Boston, providing material for furniture and basket makers while creating his own line of wicker furniture himself.

The Decline and Rebirth of Wicker Furniture

Although wicker was extremely popular during the nineteenth century, interest in it slowly evaporated in the 1900s. Many individuals wanted outdoor furniture with clean and simple lines, and they believed wicker to be too elaborate, ornate, and too Victorian.

While efforts were made to create a more modern style, it was not until a man named Marshal Lloyd created a synthetic rattan that popularity surged once again. Lloyd was a wicker design competitor to Wakefield. Wakefield, often called the father of wicker furniture, could not be outdone by his competitor, so he purchased Lloyd’s company and began to manufacture the synthetic material himself.

Synthetic rattan became a more cost effective and stylish type of furniture, and, despite a dip in sales during the Great Depression, became a household name during the ‘70s and ‘80s. Synthetic wicker is now used globally to define and decorate decks, gardens, sunrooms, and porches.

Wicker has come a long way from the reeds and grasses that were first used to make baskets and chests in Egypt.

Today’s synthetic rattan furniture’s clean, modern lines and contemporary appeal can provide just the right look for any home, from the urban Manhattan loft to the outdoor patio of a New England bed and breakfast.