There's no shortage of wicker and rattan furniture in second-hand shops. At first glance, these pieces might seem like cast-offs from the set of the Golden Girls, but a coat of fresh paint and new cushions can make them good as new. If you need proof, click through the examples...
Porches and sun rooms are traditional spots for wicker furniture, but they also go well in living rooms and dining areas. We especially like a boldly painted piece, like the red or green chairs shown above. For more on these spaces, click through the links:
• 1 Red Rattan Chair: Kim's One Room at a Time
• 2 White Rattan: Joseph's Cottage
• 3 Black Rattan Living Room: Canadian House & Home
• 4 Wicker Porch Chairs: Country Living
• 5 Green Dining Chairs: Modern "Wicker" from Vincent Sheppard
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Can you put things like this outside? I need to furnish a patio on a budget, but want something pretty with cushions... Would the type of paint make a difference?
I love wicker furniture. I think it's great for indoors and outdoors. I've had an old wicker chair on the front porch for years and it has held up fine. It looks shabby, but that's ok to me.
Love the red rattan and the black one.
Yes cal, it is made to go out doors. But one must use reasonable precautions to make it last. Usually, it's the feet that rot out first. So, just protect the feet. They need to be kept out of standing moisture. That means, not sitting in the grass. They sell very cheap little feet protectors that form a thermal separation between the wood and concrete. Keep out of direct sunlight UV as much as possible. All will be well.
That's my red chair! (but you've got the wrong link - it should be this)
Rattan is also light weight so it's easy to move around. My mom's rattan set has been moved, recovered, and refinished quite a few times over the last 40 years. The sofa is a little squeaky, but it's cute and comfortable and great for a relaxed space.
What type of paint would work best on rattan/wicker furniture?
Yes, tips on how to best paint wicker furniture would be greatly appreciated. I've got a great, comfy wicker chair that I love, but just doesn't work with the rest of my furniture. A fresh look and bright color would be just the thing...
This is timely for me, since I'm planning on getting a wicker porch set off of Craigslist and repainting it. I checked out the spray paint in Home Depot, and saw some cans which specifically said that they were good for wicker, and cheap at around $3/can! I've never done this before though, so I'd love to hear if there are any special tips.
one way to get a great paint job - evenly coated and lasting - is to take the wicker or rattan to an auto body paint shop - maaco or fact-o-bake -
I used spray paint that mentionned wicker on the can and I have done 3 wicker/bamboo chairs (one of which has been outside on my deck for a couple months) and they've held up really well. (I didn't do any prepping.)