When you invest in beautiful wicker furniture, you plan to keep it for many years to come. Sometimes trends change or your overall home décor is updated. The current design of your wicker furnishings might not match your new tastes. You may not have go to the effort and expense of buying a whole new set of wicker furniture. Consider simple ways to transform the look of your current wicker furniture to extend its life in your revamped environment.
Consider Your Wicker Furniture Makeover
The first step is to assess your recent updates. Consider the colors, textures and styles used to create your latest outdoor living space. Write down the colors and features added to the area. Look at your wicker furnishings with an impartial eye to determine what type of furniture makeover is needed. A few changes can make your old wicker furniture look fabulously fresh. You can even update certain accents to give your wicker pieces a whole new look. Jot down your ideas then get to work. The process might be easier than you think.
Swap Out Your Old Cushions
Are you using blue cushions in an area that is now dominated by hues of red and brown? Swapping out your old cushions or getting new cushion covers is a quick way to update the look of your wicker furniture. Certain cushions need to be completely replaced. They might be worn or less comfortable than when you first bought them. If your cushions are still in great shape, invest in new covers. Consider beige to lighten up the space and fit into any color scheme. Add a splash of color with cushion covers in a tangerine hue. From sophisticated to fun-loving, the color of your cushions can create a certain mood in your outdoor living space.
Clean it Up
A simple cleaning can also make your wicker furniture fit better into your refreshed surroundings. The buildup of mildew, dirt and dust can make your wicker pieces look dingy. Revive the appearance of wicker furniture by cleaning it up. Use a soft brush to gently scrub each piece of wicker furniture. A toothbrush can be used to get into narrow spaces. This loosens the dirt on the furniture which can then be sucked up by using a vacuum cleaner attachment. Use a soft cloth with warm water and a gentle liquid soap to wash off the surface of the furniture. If it has a musty odor, mix a few drops of vinegar in water in a spray bottle. Spray down the furniture lightly when wipe down with a cloth to eliminate icky smells.
Check the Legs
Sometimes the chair legs on wicker start to look shoddy. The wrapping might come loose and give it a shabby appearance. This can be repaired by using wicker caning, which is typically available at most craft stores. Soak the caning in water for a few minutes until it becomes flexible. Use furniture glue or a glue gun to put a drop of glue near the end of the loosened wrapping. Put in the new strand of wicker and secure it with a tiny tack. Wrap the new wicker cane around the leg then put a drop of glue at the end. Keep it tight with another small tack and trim away the excess wicker.
Fix The Body
All types of bodies change with age, including the body of your wicker furniture. A strand or two might be missing or broken, making your furniture look less valuable than it actual worth. Use a strand of water-soaked wicker caning to fix it. Cut off the ends of the old strand and glue a new one to the underside of the furniture. Cut a section of the new wicker caning that is a bit longer than the area you want to replace. Put a drop of glue in the woven strands of wicker. Tuck and weave the new piece just like the old one. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers can help you get the job done. When it is finished, nip and tuck to make it look smooth.
Primed and Ready
You might want to change the color of your wicker furniture to match your new décor. From white to brown, there are an array of hues to choose from. You might even decide to brighten up your outdoor living space with colors such as pale blue and bright orange. Before you paint your wicker furniture, make sure to use a primer first. This extends the life of your paint job and prevents chipping. Never prime and paint in an enclosed area. Lay down drop cloths and work in an open space. Wear old clothing in case you get sprayed. Make sure wicker furniture is completely dry before you apply primer and paint. Simply spray the primer on the furniture evenly and let it dry. Now you are ready to add some colors.
Painting Wicker Furniture
Now that your furniture is primed, apply a coat of paint. Spray paint the furniture evenly to give it whole new look. You might also want to try a 2 in 1 primer and paint combination spray. Some people find it gives them great results in half the time. Spray paint offers the highest level of coverage since you need to get between strands of wicker. Allow your furniture to dry before you place any cushions or sit in it. Also make sure it does not get wet after painting it.
Awesome Accents
There are a couple of other fast ways to update your wicker furniture. Add throw pillows for an additional level of comfort. Use contrasting colors that complement the cushions. Weave lengths of silk flowers along the top of the wicker furniture to make it fit into your garden area. For example, silk ivy look beautiful in your zen garden. Be creative and your wicker furniture is sure to stay relevant and fantastic for decades to come. Some people keep their favorite wicker furniture to pass on to future generations.