Rattan has long been used in furniture due to its flexibility, durability, and ability to regenerate in 5-7 years, which is quicker than many other natural elements. In the past few years, we’ve seen rattan venture out to so many categories, including indoor and outdoor decor, furnishings, rugs, and more! Who knew it could be interpreted in so many ways? Review our tips below for utilizing this trend in a refined and sophisticated manner!
Rattan-Inspired Furnishings
When selecting woven furniture, high-end pieces are the way to go. Harder tubular pieces are great for rigid frames and tables while soft and thinner rattan is great for accent chairs and lighting. Rattan can be used to add a touch of warmth to modern or contemporary pieces to soften edgy or angular design styles. Yet, because of its organic nature, it is still a casual piece.
When considering what to pair around your rattan furnishings, it’s valuable to consider adding other similar textures to compliment the style. For example, in this image above this wicker basket has a similar weave pattern and the blanket within it mirrors the woven pattern. The basket also matches the dark bed frame so that the rattan side table can stand out as a design piece, while still fitting in organically in the room.
Design Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix different patterns around rattan furnishings. Because it is a neutral-looking material, most patterns complement it quite nicely.
Rattan Lighting
Take your lighting to new heights… literally! Utilize hanging, standing, or mounted rattan lighting. We love how the material can be combined with brass or iron to add sophistication to the material.
Mount sconces in bedrooms, along hallways, bathrooms, or your home office to emphasize specific wall art or provide reading light. If you prefer not to mount your lighting, table or floor lamps are great options that require no installation and provide a cozy element to any room. Create a design theme by featuring rattan lighting in your interior and exterior. Suspended lighting, such as chandeliers and pendants, are a calming addition to your backyard, covered patios or screened-in porches. You can choose traditional or unique designs to suit your personal style.
Design Tip: To ensure your rattan lighting is made for the outdoors, look for damp-rated fixtures, which are designed to withstand moist environments.
Rattan Seating
Wicker seating is a popular design element that is great in kitchen and dining areas, as well as by the pool. Chairs, sofas, ottomans, and poufs are gorgeous neutral additions to any design style and can be created with a full frame of rattan or just parts of it. Accessorize your seating with plush pillows and throw blankets indoors and water-resistant cushions outside. While rattan seating is typically interpreted as casual, the extra details in design and construction make these a focal point in any space.
Design Tip: When using multiple rattan seating pieces, vary the coloration to create depth in your design.
Woven Rugs
Woven rugs such as jutes and sissals are classics in the interior design industry and mirror wicker look. Some of these materials are delicate and only should be used indoors so it’s valuable to follow the manufacturer’s directions on keeping the rug looking its best. Others, like the PET rug made from recycled water bottles, have been made for existing in the outdoors and are more soil and stain resistant. Woven rugs add texture and interest into any room, and easily mix with any design style, ranging from classic to eccentric, or eclectic to transitional.
Design Tip: Consider choosing a neutral rug in gray, tan, nude, or light brown to compliment existing decor and pair well with linens and wood elements.
Ready, Set, Rattan!
Ready to refine your home with rattan or another design element? NAI’s trained interior design professionals can’t wait to be a part of your next design project! Contact us today to schedule a consultation!