Your Used Furniture

One of the most popular furniture styles for Victorian conservatories is that which is made out of wicker or rattan. Natural wicker furniture is made from the stalks of plants such as willow, rattan, reed, bamboo or cane, giving a natural look which sits well which the traditionally elegant aesthetic of Victorian conservatories.

Buying Wicker Furniture Tips

ñ  There are many different types of wicker furniture available, from dining sets to coffee tables, three piece suites and chaise longues. Ideally, we would all have enough room in our Victorian conservatories to pick the furniture we want by design alone, but most people will also need to bear in mind how much floor space is available. While that rocking chair may look charming in the manufacturers catalogue, you will be less enamoured if you find yourself having to dodge around it every time you walk through the room.

ñ  An important word to bear in mind when shopping for wicker furniture is practicality. While wicker furniture may look fairly robust, it does not stand up well to rough treatment. Parents who long for wicker furniture in their Victorian conservatories, but are concerned about the effects of boisterous youngsters may want to look into plastic wicker. Plastic wicker is durable and creates the wicker look, without the worry!

ñ  When you have chosen your main pieces of wicker furniture, think about accessorising with complementary wicker items. How about replacing your metal waste-paper bin with a wicker one, displaying your house-plant collection in wicker planters or adding wicker framed mirrors? All of these little touches will help carry the theme through your room, giving it that designer look.

ñ  Cushions on wicker seats and sofas helps to prevent breakage to the fibres and is more comfortable to sit on. Light, neutral colours such as sand or beige enhance the natural beauty of wicker, while pretty florals or  bold stripes are in keeping with the Victorian look.

Maintaining Wicker Furniture in Victorian Conservatories

ñ  To keep your wicker furniture looking stylish, maintenance is important. A weekly pass with a the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner helps to remove surface dust which can make wicker look dull. Always take time to follow the direction of the weave, as this will prevent breakages. You can remove larger particles which have become trapped between the wicker strands with a dry, stiff paintbrush.

ñ  It is normal for wicker to become noticeably dirty in areas which are touch more often such as the arms of chairs. Using a damp cloth, and a little soap, gently wipe these areas to lift away built up dirt.  Work in a small area at a time, and wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to cleanse away soap residues.

ñ  Although wicker is damaged by conditions of high humidity, it does not benefit from being allowed to become too dry. Wicker which is dry is brittle and will split more easily, so it is recommended you treat your furniture each year with linseed oil. This is applied with a cloth, and will be absorbed by the natural fibres, giving them an appealing sheen.

ñ  If your wicker furniture gets damp and does not dry quickly, black mould may begin to appear. Although this is not likely in a well ventilation conservatory, it pays to regularly inspect your furnishings for signs of mould. If you do spot any, simply clean the area thoroughly with bleach diluted in water. You can then use a hair-dryer to dry the affected area as quickly as possible.