10 Fresh Ways to Revive Rattan
Rediscover this eco-friendly material that's versatile and offers far more than just outdoor furniture
Like the climbing palms that grow, vine-like, up and over other vegetation, rattan is creeping back onto the design radar. A recent renaissance has seen it used to inject touchable woven texture and a soft, wood-like accent to many stylish interiors.
Similar in appearance to bamboo, but with solid stems, the plant is found primarily in Indonesia. As well as being fast-growing, rattan is also highly versatile. Stalks can be used whole or stripped to produce wicker, while the bark of the plant is woven into cane sheets to be incorporated in furniture-making.
Provided sustainable harvesting and non-polluting processing methods are used, rattan also offers an economic alternative to timber-logging, since it provides a profitable crop that depends on, rather than replaces, trees. See whether these 10 tempting examples can convince you to make a little space in your home for ravishing rattan.
Similar in appearance to bamboo, but with solid stems, the plant is found primarily in Indonesia. As well as being fast-growing, rattan is also highly versatile. Stalks can be used whole or stripped to produce wicker, while the bark of the plant is woven into cane sheets to be incorporated in furniture-making.
Provided sustainable harvesting and non-polluting processing methods are used, rattan also offers an economic alternative to timber-logging, since it provides a profitable crop that depends on, rather than replaces, trees. See whether these 10 tempting examples can convince you to make a little space in your home for ravishing rattan.
Start small
Reach for rattan in the same way as you would use timber – to dial down the sterility of painted surfaces, incorporating a touch of organic softness. A rattan pouffe adds an effortless rustic accent in this naturalistic nursery.
Reach for rattan in the same way as you would use timber – to dial down the sterility of painted surfaces, incorporating a touch of organic softness. A rattan pouffe adds an effortless rustic accent in this naturalistic nursery.
Don’t nix nostalgia
Cane mirrors combine with midcentury armchairs to nostalgic effect in this pastel-packed living room. In wood and white finishes, the round shapes and curved surrounds help to balance the rigid lines of the more formal furniture.
Cane mirrors combine with midcentury armchairs to nostalgic effect in this pastel-packed living room. In wood and white finishes, the round shapes and curved surrounds help to balance the rigid lines of the more formal furniture.
Prioritise practicality
Woven rattan works particularly well in this stylish bathroom setting. As well as offering a classic look, this vanity unit has a rattan shelf where air can circulate around the towels to help guard against mildew.
Check out ideas for brightening a dark bathroom
Woven rattan works particularly well in this stylish bathroom setting. As well as offering a classic look, this vanity unit has a rattan shelf where air can circulate around the towels to help guard against mildew.
Check out ideas for brightening a dark bathroom
Accessorise accordingly
A rattan trunk provides storage and an extra surface to stash things, as well as textural interest. Use yours to house items you don’t reach for daily to avoid spoiling those carefully constructed table-top vignettes!
A rattan trunk provides storage and an extra surface to stash things, as well as textural interest. Use yours to house items you don’t reach for daily to avoid spoiling those carefully constructed table-top vignettes!
Welcome warm accents
Take the chill out of Scandi-style, monochrome interiors with woven rattan furniture. This inviting armchair has a vintage feel thanks to distressed paint and teal velvet upholstery.
Authentic Scandi-Style Decoded
Take the chill out of Scandi-style, monochrome interiors with woven rattan furniture. This inviting armchair has a vintage feel thanks to distressed paint and teal velvet upholstery.
Authentic Scandi-Style Decoded
Keep hold of cane classics
If you’re still convinced rattan belongs stashed with the rusty barbecue and faded parasol, here’s a chic sunroom to change your mind. White-painted tongue-and-groove panelling provides the best backdrop for funky floral chairs, which look both contemporary and comfortable.
TELL US
Which is your favourite rattan idea here? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Wonderful Ways to Mesh Woven Furniture With Your Style
If you’re still convinced rattan belongs stashed with the rusty barbecue and faded parasol, here’s a chic sunroom to change your mind. White-painted tongue-and-groove panelling provides the best backdrop for funky floral chairs, which look both contemporary and comfortable.
TELL US
Which is your favourite rattan idea here? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Wonderful Ways to Mesh Woven Furniture With Your Style
Hanging chairs might conjure up distinctly retro vibes, but this rattan beauty has a sculptural quality that’s appealing when placed in a chic, contemporary setting, such as this barn conversion. The sedate colour scheme (save for a bright kilim) and wealth of natural materials let the eye-catching design remain front and centre.