When it comes to rattan sofas , sunny gardens and poolside come to mind. In fact, rattan is a material used mainly for outdoor furniture and sofas . In fact, it resists bad weather and can also be used to obtain chairs and tables. Nevertheless, in recent years it is also finding space in interior design .
In this article we want to show you the differences between the different types of rattan: the natural one or the synthetic one is better.We will see how to take care of them in both cases, so that your garden furniture will stay beautiful longer. Why is rattan used for outdoor sofas ?
Outdoor sofascheaper are those in white plastic, which turn yellow in the sun and risk breaking within a few years. Wood is a cheaper alternative but certainly more resistant, as long as you take minimal care of it. And then there is rattan , the main material for terraces and gardens.
As we will see more specifically in the next paragraph, rattan is worked by weaving it. This simple feature makes it more versatile than wood , at least as far as outdoor sofas are concerned . In fact, it is enough to have a steel skeleton to obtain large and small furniture, with curved and straight lines. That’s why you find both classic rattan sofas and design modelswith eccentric shapes.
However, the materials for outdoor sofas must have a characteristic, in many ways more important than versatility: they must resist atmospheric agents . The natural and resistant rattan, but still subject to mold and insect attacks. For this reason, it is treated with special resins that keep insects away and protect it from rain. Alternatively, it can be replaced with a synthetic version. What are the differences between natural and synthetic rattan
As mentioned above, rattan sofas are divided into two broad categories: those in natural rattan and those in synthetic rattan. From an aesthetic point of view, the two materials are similar, yet they are different in many respects. If you want to furnish your home in a 100% organic way, you will look with a little suspicion at synthetic sofas. If, on the other hand, you live near the sea, natural rattan may not be the best choice. Sofas in natural rattan
The sofas in natural rattan are made by weaving India canes , also known as Rattan canes. Being very elastic, they can be used in place of wicker and other similar natural fibers. Being much thicker than these, they are also more robust and more suitable for making sofas, tables and benches. It is therefore quite normal that rattan is one of the most used and appreciated materials in the field ofoutdoor furniture .
Unfortunately, rattan has the typical problems of natural fibers: however resistant, if left untreated it deteriorates over time. It is damaged by saltiness, hardly tolerates direct sun and is sensitive to molds. The one used for garden furniture is however treated with products that create a protective film around the fibers .
Still on the subject of resistance, the presence or absence of bark is decisive for natural rattan sofas . The rattan with the bark is more resistant, therefore more suitable for outdoor sofas. The rattan without barkit is especially good for ethnic indoor furniture, especially if treated only with anti-mold and fireproof products. Sofas in synthetic rattan
To solve some of the problems of rattan and similar fibers, sofas in synthetic rattan were born . Although they are in all respects similar to those in natural rattan, they are not afraid of rain, sun or salt.
Synthetic rattan – or polyrattan – is made with polyethylene fibers , an artificial material but still 100% recyclable. This also makes it an excellent choice for those who care about the fate of the planet and usually prefer natural materials.
The synthetic rattan garden sofasthey maintain their characteristics even in extreme climatic conditions . Burning sun and saltiness are not a problem, which is why synthetic rattan furniture is the most used for swimming pools and the sea. Maintenance is also lazy-proof: just brush the surfaces periodically to remove dust residues. How to clean rattan garden sofas
Above we mentioned maintenance, a delicate theme in the case of natural rattan garden sofas . Although rattan is a sturdy material, it needs some precautions: cover the furniture in winter with a cloth; periodically clean them in the ways we are going to see.
- Brush them with a stiff bristle brush. Outdoor sofas tend to accumulate dust and dirt , especially when woven together. Use a paintbrush to flush out any debris that has gotten between the links.
- Use the vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle and an integrated brush, so as to suck up the most stubborn dust. Do not apply too much pressure, otherwise you risk scratching the furniture.
- Mix a couple of tablespoons of castile soap in about 1 liter of hot but not boiling water. Use a sponge or soft cloth to wipe the mixture over the entire surface of the outdoor sofas. Avoid alcohol and chemical solvents.
- Rinse them using a bucket of water or the pump to water the garden.
- Dry them with a soft cloth, being careful not to leave any traces of moisture.
To preserve the color of natural rattan sofas , wipe them with a cloth soaked in linseed oil about once a year. If they are old but still intact, you can paint them with special products in order to renew them. Rattan sofas also for the interior
We are talking above all about rattan garden sofas , but this natural fiber is also excellent for home furnishings . A couple of multicolored cushions and the unmistakable texture of rattan are enough to recall environments from a Thousand and One Nights.
Natural rattan is almost always synonymous with ethnic style . With a little imagination, however, it also finds space in the shabby and in thecountry . The elegant and at the same time rustic appearance allows you to combine it with all types of furniture and floors. It is also available in a wide range of colors , as well as in the natural one of Canna d’India. For example, you could choose a white rattan love seat for your shabby living room.
Rattan sofas for interiors have one last advantage: when you furnish a living room or bedroom, many of the worries of garden furniture disappear. The sofas do not stay in the sun all day, they do not get wet, they do not risk being damaged by salt or chlorine. Maintenance is therefore also easier and you just need to dust them regularly to keep them clean.
Rattan is an extraordinary material, for your garden and for your living room. Now that you know how to choose it and how to take care of it, you just have to find the sofa that’s right for you!
