Wood and wicker make a comeback in Indian homes

Wicker has regained popularity in the last couple of years. You may have seen its manifestations in chairs and stools, but today wood and wicker is going beyond conventions to create a compelling décor statement like no other.

Old World Charm

This year has seen a move towards fresh, natural materials such as terracotta, wood and wicker for furniture and decor pieces. These elements help bring an organic and serene ambience to any space. “The trend for chic bohemian homes is defined by gentle neutrals mixed with splashes of colour, houseplants and most importantly, furniture made of natural materials. From easy maintenance to durability, wood and wicker furniture optimise functionality with aesthetics,” avers Catherine Trotman—Head-Home & Lifestyle, Fabindia.

Options Galore

“它由设计师黎拓可以创造性地使用n a piece of furniture—in terms of the overall design or to infuse a certain feel. We as Chairs & Company have used it on sofas, on sideboards, almirahs and headboards natural by itself and in colours,” says Deena Rodrigues the Creative Director and Founder of Chairs & Company.

Going Green

The need of the hour is to switch to materials that cause minimum impact on the environment. Mithun Sheth, CEO, AMA Design Solutions Pvt. Ltd. opines, “Wood and wicker furniture can last for decades and can be passed down from generations to generations as an antique piece of furniture.” From source to soil, cane furniture is not only eco-friendly but also gives back to the environment as it is a great replacement for wood. Rohit Kapoor, Founder and Chief Designer, Nivasa adds, “The beauty of wicker furniture lies in its sustainability and this is one of the reasons it is becoming very popular. Rattan is harvested without harming trees and then the bark is cut into fine stripes that are then woven to create intricate patterns and designs.”

Maintenance Tips

Usually wicker furniture made of cane or rattan is quite hardy—wicker weaving is also a dying craft. So when you do buy a piece of wicker furniture you are also supporting an artisan.

Make sure you buy from a reputed brand. Ashok Kularia, Managing Director, ANJ Group says, “It is crucial that wicker is kept away from extreme weather conditions and cleaned regularly with a dry paint brush or a water hose. Low humidity levels can lead to wicker cracking whereas too damp an environment can damage the finish.”

When using wicker outside, it is better to use a synthetic material, unless you have some sort of cover for the furniture from rain.

Latika Khosla, Founder and Owner, Freedom Tree says, “Invest in real hand-crafted wicker furniture which will withstand the test of time. Maintenance is super easy—use a light hand of wax occasionally for indoor furniture and a PU surface coating on outdoor furniture.”