FAQ
Where can I buy?
Designers and buyers can purchase Moenia Design products through our sales representatives. Retail customers can buy through local and on-line merchants.
What is wicker?
Wicker is not a material but a term that refers to woven furniture and accessories in a variety of materials like rattan, sea grass, Abaca grass, etc. Wicker comes from two Scandinavian words “wika” to bend and “vikker” meaning willow, so wicker literally means “bend willow”.
What is rattan?
Rattan is a variety of climbing palm tree native to Southeast Asia. The vines are harvested by size with small vines designated for basket production and large vines designated for furniture. The larges vines are sometimes used whole, but are often separated. The outer surface, known as cane, is often used in chair seats and backs. The softer more pliable inner material is known as reed; this is the material people commonly envision when they think of Rattan.
How is rattan furniture made?
Rattan reed is soaked or steamed to make it pliable, it is then woven to a rattan, wood, or metal frame while still moist. Weaving rattan is a very specialized, meticulous process done by skilled artisans.
How do I judge quality?
There are some very easy ways to judge the quality of rattan. First look at the fiber. Is it a full cylinder or a fraction of one? Whole vines are stronger and make better baskets. Reeds are flatter and will be used in furniture production to give it a smoother appearance. There will always be a few visible ends with vines and reeds but if there are many visible ends it can signify a lower quality item. Next look at the evenness of the weave, does it look tight and even? An irregular weave could be part of the pattern, but if it’s not it is the sign of an inexperienced weaver. Look at the joinery. Joints on rattan baskets and furniture are generally lashed. Make sure that the lashing looks tight and that they have wrapped the joint enough times to support weight. Rattan is very strong so a loosely lashed joint is generally the cause of a wobbly chair rather than a lower number of wraps. Feel the weight of the piece. A heavy basket has more material than a light one. Rattan furniture is much lighter than the same size upholstered piece so weight is not a good indicator for furniture.
Is it durable?
Woven materials are quite durable; archeologists often find baskets that date back thousands of years. While wood will warp, crack, and split, woven goods have give, they flex. For example an antique wooden chair will often show warping, and splits in the wood because the wood is too dense to return to shape after stress. If you look at antique rattan or cane chairs you will sometimes see a slight sag in the seat because the rattan has the ability to flex and adjust to stress.
Can rattan be used outdoors?
Rattan is a very durable material and will last a very long time if cared for properly. It is ok to use your rattan furniture in a sunroom or patio but we do recommend some precautions. Cover when not in use to protect from UV rays and moisture, boat canvas is better than plastic as it allows moisture to evaporate. Consider using a treatment spray.
If you’d like to use your rattan furniture outdoors on a regular basis, the best option is our natural pre-treatment. Please inquire if you are interested in this service. We cannot treat existing pieces as the treatment is done before weaving.
TOP
CARE & CLEANING
How can I clean my rattan furniture?
It is best to vacuum or dust rattan. If there is a stain that requires water cleaning, use a lightly damp sponge and gently dap rather than rubbing.
How can I remove mold from a rattan basket? Take the piece and seal it in a plastic bag. Put the entire bag in the freezer for 48 hours. After 48 hours remove it from the bag and dust off the frozen mold. If the piece still has residual mold, repeat the process. If the piece is too large you can wash it gently and leave it in the sun to dry completely before use. Once dry, brush the mold away.
What if it gets wet?
Rattan is grown in tropical climates so water will not destroy it, but it is best not to expose it, or any natural fiber, to excessive moisture. If your rattan gets wet, do not put any weight on it as it will deform. Let the piece dry in a sunny area. Don’t use it again until it is completely dry.
What if it gets deformed?
Rattan is actually shaped by steam bending and is reshaped the same way. Take a fabric steamer or tea kettle and wave steam near the affected area. Gently reshape the piece; you may have to do this more than once. Don’t force the piece; if it is stiff it needs more steam, not more force. Steaming will take slight dents out of wood furniture too, although you should test a hidden area first to be sure that the steam will not affect the finish.
TOP
DESIGN
Can I mix rattan with other styles of furniture?
Yes! Rattan is a great way to break the monotony in a room. The greatest disservice that the American furniture industry has done us is the “living room suite”. This was a marketing ploy, not a design scheme. Mixing furniture styles is intimidating unless you remember this tip. Look for commonalties – texture, color, line, and mood. All of these themes can be your building blocks for design. If you choose one period and stick to it strictly your house will look impersonal. For further assistance see: HGTV.com and search “mixing styles”.
Are other colors available?
Rattan and grasses are stained before weaving in a process called dip-staining where the fibers are dipped in liquid stain. This allows for more control of the colors and a wide variety to choose from. Wood pieces are generally stained by wiping the stain on with a rag. This doesn’t work well for woven furniture because the stain would settle into the crevices leaving dark spots. If you need a specific color please contact us.
Do you recommend painting rattan?
No. Natural fibers do best when allowed to breathe a bit. Also, paint will settle into the crevices of the weave which creates a sloppy finish. If you want white rattan, staining or white-washing will look far better than painted rattan. Small pieces can be dip stained.
Why does the color vary?
Like all natural materials, rattan has variations in tone. These variations should be viewed as a sign of authenticity as they are in leather, and silk. In older pieces a natural grey patina will develop; this is considered a positive attribute like a copper patina.
Is rattan sustainable?
Rattan grows at a rate of about 3-4 meters per year. That makes it a fast growing but often over-harvested plant. Many local governments realized in the 70s and 80s that they would need to monitor production by starting their own plantations to replenish supplies and experiment with crop rotation, etc. This, in addition to export tariffs on raw rattan, has kept rattan furniture production stabilized. Because rattan is a major export for most countries in Southeast Asia much attention has been directed at controlling production, exportation, and manufacturing of finished goods. Thankfully local governments have recognized the importance keeping skilled their artisans employed so they reward sustainable practices.
Who makes rattan products?
All of our woven goods are handmade by skilled artisans. Most of them are small family-owned businesses that specialize in a certain type of product. They sell their products to us through an expeditor who manages the shipping process. Currently our products are made in Indonesia, and The Philippines, we are talking with artisans in South Africa, India, and South America to expand our product offerings.
TOP