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DESIGN 101
What Is Rattan Furniture?
If you're looking for decorating ideas for your home, it may surprise you to learn that rattan furniture has been a fashionable mainstay since the 1960s. This durable, lightweight material has a unique ability to add charm to a variety of rooms, and depending on how it's styled, it can be placed in indoor or outdoor spaces. Learn more about the origins and benefits of rattan, how to define rattan, how it differs from wicker (which it's commonly confused with), and common styles for your home.
What Is Rattan Furniture?
What is rattan made of? It's a natural material sourced from a particular type of palm tree. It is flexible and lightweight, which are both properties that make it an easy choice for weaving. It can withstand harsher weather conditions than wood, won't splinter or rot over time, and is easy to clean. Synthetic rattan is similarly used to make this type of furniture, but it may not have the same natural warmth and character as genuine rattan.
Origins of Rattan Furniture
While rattan palm trees commonly grow in Southeast Asian countries, experts suspect rattan originated in ancient Egypt. Today, rattan makes up a large part of the trade-in rural villages in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The rattan furniture you see in stores, as well as that used in hats, baskets, and other home projects, is made from material sourced from these trees.
The Difference Between Rattan and Wicker
What is rattan material, and what's the difference between rattan and wicker? The clearest distinction between these two terms is that rattan is a material and wicker is a style. This can be confusing if you search for rattan furniture and find a collection of "wicker" or "rattan wicker" styles. Wicker may be made from rattan, but it could also be composed of other weave-friendly materials such as bamboo. If you're looking for rattan-only furniture, keep this in mind and ensure that any wicker pieces you buy are woven with rattan.
Wicker can also be woven from synthetic resin, a material that lends itself to outdoor use and severe weather conditions. Many outdoor-only furniture pieces are made of completely waterproof synthetics so they last longer and repel rain. If you're not sure what you're purchasing, you can expect that furniture described as "year-round" or "weatherproof" is likely synthetic.
Common Rattan Furniture Styles
Rattan is a highly versatile material that you may spot in chairs, tables, accent pieces, or perhaps even woven into the doors of an accent cabinet. Consider these options for the perfect rattan piece:
1. Lounge chairs and sofas
Rattan easily lends itself to poolside or patio furniture. Sofas, multi-piece conversation sets covered with colorful cushions, and lounge chairs are all mainstays of the rattan furniture market. If you're lucky enough to live in a warmer area with a pool, or if you spend a lot of time outside in warmer seasons, you can consider a high-quality rattan piece (or set) as a worthwhile investment.
2. Side tables and accent pieces
If you're feeling unsure about taking the plunge with a major furniture piece like a rattan sofa, you could try an accent piece that blends seamlessly with the rest of the room. Smaller tables, such as those that might hold a cup of coffee, magazines, or a couch-side lamp, could be ideal for your first rattan purchase. Folding screens can add a bit of visual interest to a corner, and a rattan door on a console table or cabinet can lighten a bulky piece that would normally feel too "heavy" for a smaller room.
3. Dining chairs
It's easy for the right table to be weighed down, or overlooked entirely, when it's paired with the wrong set of chairs. Depending on the theme of your home, rattan chairs for the dining table or breakfast nook can create a feeling of airiness in a room that might otherwise feel cluttered. It can also be neutral enough to let a standout table have a moment of attention for itself. On a practical note, rattan chairs are much lighter than wood or metal, which makes them easy to move around and functional for everyday dining.
Can Rattan Furniture Be Used Inside?
Yes, rattan can be used indoors. In fact, several high-end designers use rattan to create an interesting juxtaposition between modern decoration and nature. This natural material is versatile enough to complement many indoor decorating styles.
In climates that experience longer cold periods that include snow and ice storms, rattan furniture may fare better indoors — just because a rattan chair can withstand rainstorms doesn't mean it should be placed on a patio. Adding rattan pieces to your indoor decorating theme has the following advantages:
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It lends an air of warmth and comfort to any room.
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It can add visual interest to a room or house that's decorated with mostly wood furniture.
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It easily pairs with neutral tones like cream, earthy hues such as sage green and terracotta, or bolder colors like mustard and avocado green.
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It works with a variety of styles such as natural, minimalist, or Scandi style.
While rattan is a natural material, keep in mind that the rattan furniture you purchase does not have to be brown. Depending on your home's color palette, you can opt for rattan pieces in neutral or bright tones.
Consider Rattan Furniture for Your Home
Rattan furniture could be the missing link to converting a lackluster living space into a charming haven. Whether you want to add a unique twist to your home's decor, lighten the visual element of a room, or simply try a new style, it's easy to find the right pieces made from this durable, versatile material. Check out our products to find the perfect piece for your home.