Wicker is a plant branch or twig that is flexible enough to be woven into baskets, chairs, tables, headboards, chests, and drawers. These often come from rattan, willow, reed, or bamboo. The term, however, is also applied to plastics that resemble wicker sourced from natural fibers. Furniture, decors, devices, and gadgets made of wicker have been in use since the time of Ancient Egypt, and it continues to attract homeowners until today. This attests to its timeless beauty and functionality.
Among storage devices, it is drawers and chests that are often made of wicker. In the bedroom, wicker drawers are typically used for the storage of t-shirts and blouses, nightshirts and lingerie, handkerchiefs and scarves, or undies and shorts. Wicker chests, on the other hand, are often installed at the foot of the bed where bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are kept. Sometimes they are also used for shoe storage.
Woven wicker materials, whether natural or synthetic, are never airtight. There are always gaps among them as well as on the posts of their frame. This allows air to freely flow in and out of wicker drawers and chest, preventing the build up of unwanted odors and the growth of mold and mildew inside.
Wicker drawers and chests are lightweight, making them easy to move from one location to another. In spite of this, they are quite durable, provided they are properly taken care of and treated to prevent bugs from attacking them. That said, caring for wicker is actually easy. All you need to do is periodically vacuum brush and wipe them with a damp cloth.
Of the different sources of wicker, bamboo and rattan are deemed the most environmentally friendly. Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest growing plants. It can be harvested in a mere five years making it sustainable. Although rattan does not grow as fast as bamboo, it grows faster than tropical woods. It is also easier to harvest requiring simpler tools.