If your first thought when you hear the word ‘rattan’ is ‘1970s-style lounge chairs’, then you’re way behind the times! Modern rattan products are slick and contemporary and can take pride of place in any home.
Rattan is a sort of strong cane material, made from any one of 600 species of palm tree. You’ll often here the words ‘rattan’ and ‘wicker’ mentioned in the same breath, but while ‘rattan’ refers to the material, rattan refers to the style of weave. So a wicker basket may or may not be made from rattan! Natural (as opposed to synthetic) rattan is sustainable and actually helps to preserve the ecosystem so it’s eco-friendly too.
From a home interior point of view, it ticks the natural and textural boxes and will help to add interest to your decor. If you’d like to try it in your home, here are our top picks.
1. Ubud rattan wing chair, Ciel Shop Interiors

Woven from eco-friendly natural rattan sourced from Kubu, in Bali, the Ubud wing chair features slimmer bands of rattan to create an openwork style. £284, available in a choice of black of natural from Ciel Shop Interiors.
2. Round rattan cabinet, Sunday Living

Perfect for bringing some texture and relaxed boho charm to your interior spaces, this cabinet is sure to bring the wow factor to your home with its unusual shape. £200, available from Sunday Living.
3. Rattan side table, Five and Dime

This neat little table is ideal for smaller spaces as it doesn’t look too solid and blocky. Made from woven rattan, it costs £80 from Five and Dime.
4. Stackable rattan Rossini dining chair, Sika

Lovingly handwoven, this chair features high armrests, an intricately woven seat and a rounded back for ultimate comfort. Made from the highest quality rattan sourced from sustainable Indonesian forests and handcrafted by skilled artisans, each chair looks and feels unique. Available in four colours, it costs £350 from Cuckooland.
5. Black rattan hallway bench, Kinfolk Decor

This black rattan hallway or dining bench is produced by highly skilled craftspeople who hand weave the top of the bench. The solid mango wood comes from certified plantations so you can be sure your choice is not only a stylish one but an ethical one too. £200, available from Kinfolk Decor.
6. Ankhara double wardrobe in rattan and oak, MADE.com

A refined combination of oak and rattan, this double wardrobe by designer Andy Boyce has a curved silhouette which feels warm and welcoming. £799, available from MADE.com.
7. Key Largo kubu rattan lidded bread bin, Maine Furniture

This bread bin is an unusual kitchen feature. It is hand crafted in Semarang, Indonesia, by artisans carrying on the traditional craft of rattan weaving passed down from father to son for countless generations. Was £69, now £55.20, available from Maine Furniture.
8. Oberyn dining chair, Cult Furniture

The natural woven rattan seat and black hairpin metal legs of this simple chair would look perfect in your conservatory. £149, available from Cult Furniture.
9. Natural rattan tassel stool, Puji

This could possibly be the cutest stool we’ve ever seen! Made from natural rattan, it comes in two designs, short tassels or long tassels. £109, available from Puji.
10. Joy rattan pendant light, Pepper Sq.

This natural rattan lampshade (above and main image) has a woven design to allow light to diffuse through the openings creating a decorative effect. £239, available from Pepper Sq.
Main image shows the Joy rattan pendant light from Pepper Sq.
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