Discount Patio Furniture Site

There is an indefinable pleasure in the ownership of objects that has been used or handled by several generations of a bygone era. Such objects called antiques, through their usage by people long since dead, acquire a mystical quality. You get the urge to acquire them, to feel the pulse of designers and workman who crafted such exquisite things at a time when tools were rudimentary or technologically inferior.

So it is with antique wicker furniture produced by the British, Europeans and Americans of the Victorian era. Currently, there is a renewed popularity of wicker furniture produced in the last 150 years. The amazing craftsmanship of those times still draws gasps from people – amateurs and connoisseurs alike. These lovely pieces of furniture come made from cane, rattan, reed and bamboo, crafted in a variety of designs.

It is now recognized that the work of wicker craftsmen of those years have contributed significantly to the development of decorative arts in general. Today you will find in the market antique wicker furniture of all kinds, carefully restored to its original condition.

These furniture have a worth far beyond their use as mere pieces of furniture. They give a touch of classy elegance to whatever setting they are placed in. Plus their aesthetic features give them a dimension that makes them of investment quality. The older they are, the pricier they become. And if you are an art buff, then this may give you eternal joy. Or you can treasure your priceless furniture as a prized heirloom.

Most antique wicker furniture put for sale are outstanding examples of their art. They include Victorian fancy furniture as well as more functional pieces of furniture. You will find many antique furniture pieces still carrying their natural finishes and original paper labels.

You can get Heywood rockers of the 1900s and beautiful chaise lounges made from early cane and reed. There are highly professional restorers in the market who won’t leave any stone unturned to provide you with excellently restored rare antique furniture or accessories. You will get very usable wicker furniture made in the bar Harbor and Art Deco styles from the 1880s to the 1930s. If you are interested in buying wicker furniture, these restoration shops will provide you with a catalog of rare pieces of furniture that are on sale.

There is at present a huge selection of such furniture made between 1850 to 1930. Particularly interesting are those made from 1890s onward, when manufactures were competing to attract buyers with more and more innovative designs. The furniture produced then has stood the tough test of time, giving us beautifully crafted works of wicker art, a century later. These pieces of furniture are now very in much in demand for restoration work. Pieces of this furniture can do wonders for your indoor living room or outdoor patio and garden.

Tips On Buying Antique Wicker Furniture

Before you set out to buy, do some research like reading up as much as you can about the subject. Furthermore, make a list of well known antique dealers in your area. Study the styles of the past decades dating back to at least the 1850s.

Get a catalog of rare wicker furniture from antique dealers. The catalog will give you details about the furniture and their current price. Remember the value of antiques tend to appreciate. Once you know the prices, you will not exceed the budget you have set for yourself.

Check the piece you have decided to buy for any damages. You must know the extent of the damage to carry out a proper restoration work. Small cracks in the weave can develop into bigger cracks, increasing the cost of restoration. Find out from the dealer the origin and history of the antique. This is important in appraising the antique piece.

If you are unable to get the piece you want, then check online sources.

To make sure the product you are buying is genuine, look for the manufacturer’s label on the underside of the antique piece. Ask the dealer to include your name in the mailing list for the latest antique furniture.

Restoring Antique Wicker Furniture

Restoration can often turn out to be very expensive. A major restoration project will certainly need the skills of professional, but minor restoration can be handled by you at virtually no cost. Some refinishing and repair work can also be easily done if you can spare the time for it.

There are mainly 3 steps that are needed to restore antique furniture.

Cleaning: This is the first step involving thorough cleaning of the furniture piece using a medium bristle brush. Then clean the piece with a mild detergent. After cleaning, rinse the antique piece with warm water. Then pat it dry, using a soft cloth. Wait for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding to the next stage.

Repair: Any repair work should be done at this stage.

Refinish: Antique wicker generally comes painted white. If you don’t want to strip the finish, then apply a primer and let it dry completely. Then spray a coating of white paint on the furniture. This is quick and genuine restoration work. If you want to strip the finish, use a good furniture stripper. The wicker should be saturated with the stripper to remove completely the old finish. Wait for the furniture to completely dry. Then either spray paint or refinish using a clear finish.

Tips To Maintain Antique Wicker Furniture In Top Condition

• The antique furniture should not be exposed too long to the elements
• An even humidity must be maintained wherever. Low humidity makes the wicker brittle.
• Mold and mildews should be immediately cleaned with bleach water solution.
• Use padded seat cushions in chairs to prolong the life of the wicker seat.
• Vacuum it regularly for dust and dirt.