Rattan sofas: features, varieties, selection rules
The phrase "rattan sofas" seems to many people to be something unusual, associated with exotic. And this is, indeed, so, because tropical wood is different from other familiar materials. What are the features and varieties of rattan furniture, the rules for choosing it must be dealt with very carefully.
Features of rattan sofas
Furniture made from natural wicker rattan differs from furniture made from other materials, much more than you might think. Such raw materials are even better than newfangled bamboo and traditional willow vines in many ways. The smooth trunk and three-layer wood structure are commendable. Wicker furniture looks sophisticated and immediately attracts attention. By purchasing it, the customer thereby emphasizes the exquisite taste and ability to choose a good thing.
In nature, a vine called rattan has a very long stem. The material obtained from it is environmentally friendly and does not harm health. Rattan furniture does not provoke any allergic manifestations. It will be beautiful and durable, even if faced with difficult operating conditions.
Thanks to the unique natural properties of rattan, you can make furniture with a minimum of joints.
And any engineer will confirm that the fewer such joints, the more reliable the structure. Characterizing this material, the following advantages should be noted:
- optimal smoothness;
- nice-looking curves;
- a wide variety of options (since there are many weaving techniques);
- increased comfort.
But there are also disadvantages:
- high probability of scratching;
- inability to put hot items;
- ease of damage with sharp objects.
Varieties
The classic solution is a straight sofa with an upholstered seat. Such furniture is perfect for:
- terraces;
- balcony;
- plot in the country;
- large rooms in a cottage or spacious apartment.
Outwardly, it looks like a simple wooden sofa. Straight rattan models are equipped with monolithic supports or figured legs. Stability is guaranteed in both cases.
The compatibility of straight models with other furniture is ensured perfectly. Convenience is also not questionable.
Corner sofas rattan saves space in the room. Such products can often be found in the following places:
- patios of country houses;
- restaurants;
- a cafe;
- summer cottages;
- on the terraces.
Modular type Is just part of a larger composition. With the help of modules, you can improve the efficiency of using free space. Such blocks also help to make the room more stylish and pleasing to the eye. Modular sofas are versatile and feature enhanced functionality. There are many options for such furniture and its combinations with other interior elements.
Describing the models of rattan sofas, one cannot ignore the difference between 3- and 2-seater varieties. Double type Recommended for those who want to comfortably spend time alone or together. Constructions with 3 seats best suited for those who want to occasionally sleep a little outdoors after a long hard day. Meet four-seater models possible only occasionally.
If you can't find a suitable four-seater rattan sofa, you can simply combine a couple of two-seater units.
In the vast majority of cases, rattan wicker sofas do not have a transformation mechanism. Refusal from it allows you to reduce the weight of the product. It will not be difficult to move it to a new location. Finding a folding option in a store is not easy, and the complexity of the design does not allow it to be considered an ideal. Most often, 3 formats of folding mechanisms are used:
- French;
- "Dolphin";
- "telescope".
The geometric configuration of the sofa plays no less important role than the transforming device. Among the rectangular models, it is easiest to find those equipped with transformation tools. "Rectangle" looks traditional and at the same time solid. Such a product will harmoniously fit into any interior or garden landscape. Therefore, you do not have to puzzle over how to use it.
A round and semicircular sofa can be placed where there is an acute shortage of free space. Such models bring a sense of originality and solidity at the same time. Some of them can be easily disassembled. Then you can create a harmonious sleeping place as needed. The type of sofa bed deserves a separate discussion.
It can be installed even where there is no place for a regular bed of a full-fledged format. In the daytime, such furniture takes up a minimum of space and does not bother with some kind of cumbersomeness or appearance. Sofa beds can be either angular or straight. For their manufacture, they usually take the highest quality grades of materials and good-quality fasteners. The choice of suitable models is simply enormous.
If you need to choose not a place to sleep, but just a means of entertainment, for a short rest in the garden or in the country, you can order a sofa swing with a canopy. The role of the canopy is obvious - it will protect from sunlight and precipitation, slightly weaken the gusts of wind. The larger the size of the base, the greater the range of motion will be.
The suspended structure can be comfortably accommodated with the whole family or invite friends. And in warm weather, you can spend one night on such a sofa if the house, for example, is too stuffy.
Contemporary chaise lounges are often supplied with a cushion. Their flowing lines look very good. Such furniture is comfortable and practical at the same time. Chaise lounges are of various types:
- stationary and mobile version;
- single and designed for several people;
- classical and modernist style.
Dimensions (edit)
Since there are a lot of rattan sofas, and they are made by various factories, it is quite easy to choose the right model. If you are not limited to structures 1 m wide, then you can indicate that the most massive products have the following parameters:
- in width - 1.15 -1.44 m;
- in depth - 0.66 - 0.85 m;
- in height - 0.73 - 0.81 m.
Popular colors
It is traditionally believed that rattan sofas painted in 4 main colors:
- honey;
- coffee;
- olive;
- cognac.
Black, white, red, and even green rattan sofas are rare. By default, white rattan trunks are considered to be of the highest quality. It is they who are transferred for coloring in a pleasant honey color. This procedure involves the sequential processing of the material:
- varnish (twice with a small time gap);
- liquid glass;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- gold-colored water-based varnish.
Other painting technologies (when choosing other shades) are much simpler. Those trunks that have not been painted with anything are white. The color does not affect the natural appearance. The fact is that any paints used are absorbed evenly and fit well. Of course, if we talk about the 4 main dyes that are completely natural.
Selection rules
The great popularity of rattan sofas makes it very relevant to choose the right one. Only solid modifications can last for several decades. Such products are manufactured by firms in different countries, and therefore the state of origin does not really matter. The joints are much more important: as already mentioned, the fewer the better. Rattan vines reach a great length, and it is not difficult to make a quality sofa from a minimum number of branches.
It is equally important to check how even the weave is. The high quality of the furniture is evidenced by the absence of breaks and other damage. You should also look to ensure that the varnish and paint are applied as uniformly as possible. Any irregularities in color, and even more so streaks, poorly painted areas, are unacceptable. Rattan sofas are usually glued, but if the technology is followed, there can be no visible traces of glue.
Sitting on a new rattan sofa, they often hear a crunch or crackle. This sound is emitted by the spikes of the varnish where the pressure moves the rods slightly. Gradually, the crackling will disappear. Important: the gap between the parts of the weave should be the same over the entire surface. High-quality products are assembled using screws and self-tapping screws, and responsible manufacturers do not use staples and nails.
Where to place
Rattan is quite resistant even to difficult meteorological conditions. It can be used for summer cottages and garden plots. If the rattan sofa gets wet, nothing bad will happen, but the furniture will have to be dried. She is placed in a dry room with adequate ventilation, without excessive heating. You can store rattan sofas even in an unheated room - sometimes they are placed on a balcony, on a terrace.
But outdoor conditions for storing sofas of this kind are not suitable. They suffer greatly from prolonged direct sunlight. Do not put rattan furniture and near heating equipment, sources of open flame. Keep it away from acetone, paint thinners and other corrosive chemicals.
There are also design considerations: if rattan furniture can be used in an apartment, then only on the balcony; it is mainly intended for the street or for a country house.
See below for the benefits of rattan furniture.