Wicker comes in many shapes, styles, colors, and weaves. It can be used for a multitude of purposes, from holding keys on a shelf to holding laundry in your bathroom. Yo
u can use rattan baskets to pack picnics, hold toys, and to display objects in your home. However, if the rattan isn’t durable, your lovely wicker basket can fall apart. A few tried and true tips will help you choose top quality rattan baskets.
What is Rattan?
The first important thing to know is that rattan is a material. Wicker, often confused with rattan, is not actually a material; it’s a process. You can have a wicker basket made out of rattan, bamboo, or any number of other materials. The process of weaving the basket is wicker. So rattan is a material that baskets can be made of.
In fact, it is one of the most durable basket materials. Rattan is a type of plant, a palm, which is grown in humid climates in Africa, Asia, and Australasia.
Choose a Strong 
Weave
One of the most durable weaves is the Hapao rattan. It’s a coiled weave that is strong enough to withstand just about any task you might require of your baskets. The design is also beautiful enough to fit in any modern or traditional home.
Natural Finishing
Paint can often weaken the strength of rattan over time. Choose rattan baskets that have been colored naturally. They can be stained or simply cured to retain their natural coloring. Rattan basket colors usually range from a light beige to a dark brown.
The Right Basket for the Job
It’s important to make sure you choose the right basket for the task. For example, you can find rattan baskets that are ideal for holding fruit. They have a large, open weave that shows off the fruit in a simple and attractive way.
If you use that basket to hold something heavier or that has sharp edges, like keys, you may find the basket breaks down more quickly. It’s not that the quality of the basket is low but rather it’s not the right job for that particular basket.
If you’re buying a basket in the store, examine the handles and connecting points to make sure the basket is in good shape. Rattan baskets are durable, beautiful and can serve a number of decorative and organizational purposes.