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Rattan Is A Summer Staple; Here's Everything You Need To Know

Rattan is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment; from furniture to lighting, the natural material and wood-alternative has been a major player in the world of interiors and design for centuries. We’ve collated everything you could ever possibly need to know about rattan from its incredible history to how to properly maintain it.

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What is rattan?

Rattan is an umbrella term for around 600 species of climbing palms and vines grown throughout tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and parts of Australia and Africa. Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Phillippines and Indonesia are the biggest rattan growers, with the latter producing over 70% of the world’s supply alone. Rattan refers to the core or stem of the vine.


Because of its strength, flexibility and durability, rattan is a sought-after material for furniture making; in fact, rattan baskets and small furniture items have been discovered in ancient Egyptian Pharaoh tombs from as far back as 8,000 B.C. Poles of rattan are usually boiled, steamed or torched to make them malleable enough to shape or bend them into moulds. Once in the desired form, they’re left to dry and harden before the ends are then wrapped in thin bands of a fibre called bury for reinforcement.

What are the benefits of rattan?

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of rattan, the material is a popular choice for furniture for several reasons. When properly finished and treated, rattan is extremely resilient to weather conditions such as exposure to rain, sun and fluctuations in temperature, making it a durable choice for outdoor furniture even in the harshest climates; it also requires next to no upkeep to keep it looking its best.


Because of its inherent flexibility, it can be moulded into countless forms and is a great choice for ergonomic designs that require a little extra bounce (and comfort). As well as this, it’s an extremely robust material which maintains its structural integrity over time and can last for years if properly looked after. Its natural porousness also makes it an excellent choice for a multitude of treatments, finishes and paint colours. 


Rattan is a close relative of bamboo (more on that later), and is the second-fastest-growing material after willow as it fully regenerates every five-seven years, making it a less environmentally impactful choice than many other types of wood.

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the material

Rattan, Wicker, Cane or Bamboo – What’s The Difference?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they all refer to different things. Now you know what rattan is, let’s dive a little deeper into the other three.

Wicker

Wicker describes the weaving technique often used to make furniture, baskets and other decorative items, not the material itself. Wicker can be made from rattan, grasses, willow and many other fibres; its texture, flexibility, strength and durability depend on the material used.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a completely different plant from rattan; unlike rattan vines, bamboo is actually a type of grass and grows vertically (up to three feet a day!). It’s extremely strong and durable like rattan but isn’t as flexible so you’ll often find it used for more rigid furniture items and even scaffolding in some countries. 

Cane

Unlike wicker, cane is a material. It’s the tough outer skin of the rattan plant which is stripped from the main vine during processing resulting in a thinner product that can be used for all kinds of things, including wicker – confused yet? It’s strong and supple just like rattan, but is less porous and requires less treatment which is why its often left in its natural state. 

wicker

bamboo

cane

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Early Days

Rattan’s History in Interior Design

Though rattan has been used for thousands of years in its native countries, it wasn’t until the 17th century, when Portuguese traders brought it back from their travels to Southeast Asia, that its use spread to the wider world.


Rattan furniture as we know it today came about in 18th-century Vienna with the invention of the Wiener Geflecht cane work technique (pictured here) which later became synonymous with European coffeehouse chairs. Fast-forward to the 19th century, rattan furniture became very fashionable during the Victorian trend for pastoral design and handicrafts, especially during the Arts and Crafts movement. 


the last 100 years

Rattan’s History in Interior Design

Throughout the 20th century, rattan furniture featured in some of the century’s most iconic design eras. Starting with Modernist design, rattan and wicker were used to add warmth and natural elements to the style’s cold lines, as seen in Marcel Breuer’s ‘floating’ chair designed in 1928. It wasn’t until the 1950s though that rattan exploded in popularity, mainly thanks to the advancement in manufacturing, but also due to an increase in demand for more casual furnishings after WWII. By the 1960s and 70s, rattan had become a cornerstone of interior style for people wanting a more exotic and bohemian aesthetic in their home, thanks to designers such as Gabriella Crespi.


Today, rattan is most often used in outdoor furniture thanks to its durability and relaxed style, but a revival in mid-century design has meant the material has had a renaissance inside our homes too.

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How To Style Rattan?

Thanks to its natural and neutral look, rattan goes with just about anything, and these days there’s a myriad of furniture and decor to suit your existing interior style. 


Embrace Nature

Lean into the natural effect of rattan by teaming it with plenty of greenery, this tropical style works particularly well in indoor-outdoor spaces like conservatories, atriums or roof terraces. 


Make A Statement

Make a statement with large items of rattan furniture like tables, chairs or even sofas. Using bigger pieces allows you to showcase the intricate craftsmanship of rattan or even source unique antique pieces. 

Go Full Retro

Lean into the retro renaissance by tapping into the ‘70s bohemian style and using rattan anywhere you can. For an authentic effect, try and source vintage pieces; there are some amazing finds out there if you’re willing to invest a little research time.

Stylish Storage

If you’re not quite ready to take the rattan leap of faith yet, start small with subtle pops of the material. Rattan baskets make for excellent storage solutions and can really add a playful element to what can otherwise be a boring necessity. 


Light Your House

Rattan lamps, shades and pendants are the perfect way to dip your toe into the trend, whether you opt for a tiny table lamp or statement chandelier. By using it in your lighting schemes, the natural material adds texture and a warm glow to your space. 

Take It Outside

We’d be remiss not to mention rattan outdoor furniture. Not only does the natural look of it pair perfectly with the garden, but its low-maintenance nature means it can be left outside year-round. 

Pro Tips

Buying The Best Rattan

With so much rattan on the market now, it can be hard to know where to start and how to choose the best piece for your needs. 


Broadly speaking, the most highly valued natural rattan pieces have more individual poles or strands tightly stacked together to create the overall shape. Generally, most furniture has between 2 and 10 strands, with 6 being the magic number to look for. Other things to look for are the colour and texture (blemishes and dark spots can lower the value), the quality of curves and bends in the design (tighter bends are more difficult to achieve and therefore more sought-after), and the overall elaborateness of the design and wrapping of the bury around joints. 


If you’re shopping for synthetic versions to use as outdoor furniture, look out for pieces that have been properly treated with UV protection and waterproofing sealants to ensure they stand the test of the elements and time. 


How to look after your rattan furniture

Though it is generally considered a pretty low-maintenance material, rattan does require some upkeep to keep it in good condition in the long run. 

  • Avoid harsh and abrasive cleaners and chemicals when cleaning your rattan. Instead. Use a soft, damp cloth so as not to damage the delicate weave. 
  • Cover outdoor furniture when it’s not in use, especially if it’s left outside during winter. Exposure to sun and rain can damage the rattan over time.
  • Consider getting natural rattan treated for UV and weather protection if it’s in heavy use outside or in a sunny room inside. 
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Discover The Trend

Dive into Rattan

Scalloped Rattan Tray
from £67.42
Shell Side Table / Laundry Basket
£580.00
Etta Scalloped Pendant (Large)
£310.00
Shell Brass Toilet Roll Holder
£98.00
Shell Brass Wall Sconce (Single)
£88.00
Retro Rattan Lantern/Pendant Shade
£260.00
Anar Rattan Pendant Shade (Large Teak)
£220.00
Luna Wall Light (Large Natural)
£150.00
Amina Rattan Side Table
£450.00
Scalloped Wall Light (Teak)
£140.00
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