How to Work In Wicker
Woven furniture and accessories can enhance just about any room of the house
The most common association with woven furniture – also known as wicker – is patio or porch pieces popular in warmer climates. But now, it’s time to readjust our sights and look at wicker furniture from a different angle, because its virtues are many – as well as being practical and hard-wearing, it can add welcome texture to a room and a light and casual feel.
Wicker furniture can be woven together with cane, bamboo, rattan and other reeds and grasses, although woven furniture is now also being made out of synthetic fibres. That wicker furniture remains popular after all this time speaks to its classic appeal, and its outstanding versatility. From the patio or dining room to the bedroom and even the bathroom, woven furniture has a place in nearly every corner of the home.
Wicker furniture can be woven together with cane, bamboo, rattan and other reeds and grasses, although woven furniture is now also being made out of synthetic fibres. That wicker furniture remains popular after all this time speaks to its classic appeal, and its outstanding versatility. From the patio or dining room to the bedroom and even the bathroom, woven furniture has a place in nearly every corner of the home.
As we move indoors, wicker furniture can complement a sunroom or enclosed porch in all the right ways. Woven furniture softens the formal edges in this room – working well with the stone fireplace, Persian rug and other interior details. In summer, the French doors can be thrown open and the room becomes a comfortable place to laze away sultry days. In winter, with the fire blazing, the golden hues of the wicker furniture turn the room into a cosy haven that’s still in touch with the garden, despite the chill outdoors.
Laid-back living rooms
This striking interior demonstrates an intelligent use of wicker furniture that works brilliantly to bring cohesion to this sun-drenched living space. The woven pieces work beautifully with the upholstered furniture. As beautiful as woven furniture can be, too much is never a good thing.
This striking interior demonstrates an intelligent use of wicker furniture that works brilliantly to bring cohesion to this sun-drenched living space. The woven pieces work beautifully with the upholstered furniture. As beautiful as woven furniture can be, too much is never a good thing.
The woven rug creates a textural backdrop for the star players in this living area, bringing warmth and a relaxed feel to the space. Another, more formal rug in bold tones could easily have the opposite effect.
Did you know: Woven natural rugs soften over time, becoming even more pleasurable underfoot.
Did you know: Woven natural rugs soften over time, becoming even more pleasurable underfoot.
Coarser weaves deliver a rustic rather than refined feel to a room, but are often no less stunning. In this eclectic living room, the rug and pendants are daring additions that add texture galore.
Wicker pieces don’t necessarily need to be the centrepiece of a living room. They can also be applied in smaller doses, such as pouffes, occasional chairs and this smart lounger.
Tip: The go-with-anything tones of wicker mean furniture can cope with bright upholstery in bold patterns.
Tip: The go-with-anything tones of wicker mean furniture can cope with bright upholstery in bold patterns.
In coastal-style interiors, accessories made of woven natural materials are easy companions for other casual furnishings.
Browse more coastal-style living areas
Browse more coastal-style living areas
Cool dining room comfort
In the dining room, wicker also has its place. It pairs well with a range of materials, including the timber of this dining table. Woven chairs are a natural fit in a casual dining setting.
In the dining room, wicker also has its place. It pairs well with a range of materials, including the timber of this dining table. Woven chairs are a natural fit in a casual dining setting.
Woven chairs can also work in a formal arrangement in a way that doesn’t detract from the elegance of the room.
Tip: Woven chairs and stools are great to consider for the dining room as they usually are lightweight (easy to move in and out from under the table) without compromising on durability or class.
Tip: Woven chairs and stools are great to consider for the dining room as they usually are lightweight (easy to move in and out from under the table) without compromising on durability or class.
Kitchen helpers
Don’t forget the kitchen. Take a look at the woven chairs sitting at this island. Wicker can add some welcome texture and character to an otherwise sleek space where hard surfaces dominate.
Don’t forget the kitchen. Take a look at the woven chairs sitting at this island. Wicker can add some welcome texture and character to an otherwise sleek space where hard surfaces dominate.
Even small kitchens can benefit from a touch of woven texture, such as with this pendant shade and the basket on the benchtop. Teamed with timber, wicker is a perfect match.
Bedroom beauties
There are a lot of woven textures in this beachy bedroom – in the bed, grasscloth wallpaper, armchair, carpet and bamboo blinds – and yet they don’t overwhelm the room. The woven bed is a unique piece of wicker furniture that takes this bedroom from bland to brilliant.
How to choose a ceiling fan
There are a lot of woven textures in this beachy bedroom – in the bed, grasscloth wallpaper, armchair, carpet and bamboo blinds – and yet they don’t overwhelm the room. The woven bed is a unique piece of wicker furniture that takes this bedroom from bland to brilliant.
How to choose a ceiling fan
Again, small touches such as this woven lamp base land beautifully in this bedroom, bringing a casual, welcoming vibe to the space.
Better with wicker
When wicker is painted white, it retains its texture but blends into the fresh palette of a bathroom without attracting too much attention. The wicker side table and laundry basket bring a beachy vibe to this bathroom.
When wicker is painted white, it retains its texture but blends into the fresh palette of a bathroom without attracting too much attention. The wicker side table and laundry basket bring a beachy vibe to this bathroom.
Loosely woven baskets are just the thing to contain extra towels or rolls of loo paper, and add contrast to pale bathroom palettes.
Storage dos and don’ts for your home
Storage dos and don’ts for your home
Welcome home
The entry and hallway can also benefit from a woven touch. Remember to think vertically as well as focusing what to put at floor level. Woven hats and bags create a wonderful woven vignette in this entryway.
YOUR SAY
Do you love wicker or has it had its day? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Read up on more trends
The entry and hallway can also benefit from a woven touch. Remember to think vertically as well as focusing what to put at floor level. Woven hats and bags create a wonderful woven vignette in this entryway.
YOUR SAY
Do you love wicker or has it had its day? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
Read up on more trends
This is how most people imagine woven furniture being put to use – on a porch or verandah in a casual setting. This remains an ideal application for a durable, comfortable and stylish material. It’s a classic look that doesn’t date and invites long afternoons of conversation and naps.