Wonderful Wicker

Stroll through big box retail outlets this time of year and you will likely stumble over a staggering range of commodity outdoor seating and tables constructed of wicker. Wicker has become synonymous with lightweight, mass-market outdoor seating and tables and it’s more popular than ever. But did you know that the use of wicker in furniture construction dates back to 3,000 BC and has been used in virtually every style and genre since?

Despite this, there are commonly held misconceptions about wicker and we’re here to clear it up with our list of 5 Things You Didn’t Know about Wicker!

Wicker is a technique, not a material

The term ‘Wicker’ refers to the weaving technique that has become characteristic of wicker furniture, which is typically constructed from the wood species rattan, but can also be made of bamboo, straw and even synthetic materials.

Wicker Furniture has a father, and his name is Cyrus Wakefield

While the origins of wicker are around 5,000 years old, Mr. Wakefield and his company Wakefield Ratttan Company (Est 1851) are credited as being the father of wicker as an industry

Wicker’s Origins

The term wicker derives from the word wika, a Scandinavian word whose translation is “to bend”. The earliest traces of wicker use as a furniture construction technique can be traced to ancient Egypt. Some of these early pieces still remain intact today

Wicker’s Rise in Popularity

Due to it’s durability, versatility and value, rattan became highly sought after, and the rise of trade between the east and west brought wicker to Europe by the 17th century. Wicker became a mainstay of Victorian furniture during its’ golden era (1860-1880)

Wicker Can Be Eco-Friendly

Because wicker is often constructed from rattan and bamboo, it is often used in eco-friendly furniture. Both species are native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australia and come from naturally renewable / sustainable forests.

Newel has been known for decades for its expansive wicker collection that crosses many genres, including English, French and American Victorian, Mission, Art Deco and Anglo Indian).

Here are some of our favorite & latest Wonderful Wicker additions: