RATTAN FURNITURE STYLE HISTORY AND TRENDS
The Origins of Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture can have its origins traced back to Ancient Egypt. We actually have ancient tombs to thank for this, as wicker furniture was discovered buried alongside Egyptian Pharaohs.
However, we do not get the name from some ancient source. Instead, the term 'wicker' is actually from languages in Scandinavia. It is believed to come from two words. First, there is 'wika' which translates roughly as 'to bend' alongside the word 'vikker' which translates as 'willow'.
Since its origins back in Egypt, wicker furniture saw its popularity move throughout the ancient world, including the Romans and across the civilizations of the Ancient Near East.
But while it remained somewhat popular over the centuries, including wicker furniture appearing in America on the Mayflower, it saw a real renaissance in Victorian times.
That popularity has never really waned since the 19th century. With the rise of synthetic wicker and rattan in the 2000s, it is now as popular as ever thanks to the option of having wicker furniture outdoors.
Designs & Trends
While furniture, and interior decor in general, follows designs and trends, the shape and style of this furniture still follows the same approach, with a few tweaks along the way. Don't think that your outdoor furniture is the same as items that were being designed 100 years ago. Now, wicker furniture takes on more of a modern trend, but with a nod to its traditional days included.
However, the trends are more closely related to the different items created using rattan. The Romans were known to closely copy the Egyptians when it came to furniture manufactured from rattan, but things had changed by the 17th century.
By then, the main focus was on using wicker for baby furniture, including cribs. This was a new change, but the overall techniques remained the same.
After that, the main focus with the design was for items of furniture to be elaborate in style and finishes. Detailing on items had to be intricate. There was a taste for things to be slightly more 'out there' compared to other furniture of the time.
Now, a number of pieces of rattan furniture do still contain those intricate details from the Victorian era, but that's not all. Modern styles are slicker and stylish, while often being easier on the eye for some.
But behind it all lie the same principles that have always existed. A strong base wrapped in tightly woven rattan to produce a functional and wonderful piece of furniture.