Wicker: Furniture

: Today, paper wicker is often seen in bohemian-style home decor, such as the Household Essentials Handwoven Side Table which uses a tightly handwoven paper rope exterior over a metal frame.

Wicker is actually a , not a material, and it has a history spanning nearly 5,000 years, with some of the earliest traces dating back to 3000 B.C. in Ancient Egypt. While natural fibers like rattan, bamboo, and willow have traditionally been used to create these pieces, a significant shift occurred in the early 20th century with the invention of paper fiber rush . This man-made material, created from chemically treated twisted kraft paper, allowed manufacturers to emulate luxurious Victorian rattan designs using more affordable, locally sourced paper. The Evolution of Paper Wicker wicker furniture

Wicker furniture is generally divided into and synthetic categories: What is Paper Fibre Rush, Paper Rope or Paper Wicker? : Today, paper wicker is often seen in

: Artisans still use paper cord for restoring antique chairs , as it closely mimics the texture of natural rush but is often easier to handle for beginners. Key Materials & Their Properties While natural fibers like rattan, bamboo, and willow

: Paper rush was invented in the U.S. in 1904 and became widely popular between the early 1900s and late 1930s. It was marketed under names like "Fibre Reed" and "Art Fibre" to distinguish it from natural rattan.