Wicker patio furniture is always referred to as a “classic.” Its origins can be traced back to 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs and their families lounge on wicker chairs along the Nile River. Even their thrones were made of wicker. Beds, baskets, tables and trunks were made using this material.

In ancient Rome, Marc Anthony might have bought these pieces of furniture made of wicker from Egypt at the time Cleopatra. Unlike the Egyptian weaving style that had dark colors such as brown and green, the Romans preferred it to be more subtle such as beige and white. Also, the weaving style became elegant and straighter.

In the 15th Century, the wicker reached China and used these materials for storage and for preserving sacred writings. The weaving style became finer and thinner. This was during the Age of Philosophy.

The wicker reached Africa before it was colonized by America. The Africans use wicker as a shield for protection instead of using it for furniture. The weaving style was looser and not embellished.

Through the early settlers, the wicker was introduced to the Americans. The designs were simple yet elegant with a touch of the Victorian era. The colors were usually white and beige and they were used as suitcases and trunks for storage.

In today’s modern lifestyle, the wicker still remains as one of the most in Wicker Patio Furniture demand patio furniture pieces in the world. Before, most of the wicker furniture came from rattan or cane, while some were made out of bamboo. There have been types of plant materials that have been developed over a period of time. Today, wicker patio furniture can be made out of a traditional or synthetic or hybrid wicker. The traditional wickers came from wood. The synthetic ones were made out of plastic. Lastly, the hybrid wickers were made out of wood and plastic.

Furniture made out of wicker has come a long way. The wicker patio furniture found in our homes will surely stay a “classic” and will forever be an elegant masterpiece in the home.

Patio Furniture in a Tropical Setting

You often dream of retiring at the age of sixty-five and living in a warm and tropical place. As you are nearing this dream, think of finding a suitable house with a wide grassy lawn, a swimming pool and a patio. This would entail lots of money. But for a low budget, you can have that patio of your dreams. Keeping a simple, easy-to-maintain patio is not beyond your reach. Of course, you have to choose the right patio furniture that is weather-proof, child-proof and pet-proof.

There is a variety of patio furniture in the market; some are made of marble, wrought-iron, bent-tubes, aluminum, wood, or wicker. If you want to live near the seashore, then wrought-iron is not for you. You may choose the light and tropical wicker or rattan type with plump cushions. You can paint these white, and cover the cushions with brightly printed durable cotton fabric. Washable fabrics are a good choice for furniture cushions, although leatherette is also a good alternative since this is easy to wipe with a damp cloth. Just bear in mind that you need low-maintenance patio furniture for easy living.