Rattan Furniture: What You Need To Know

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Gillian Grefe

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Published on July 24, 2019

Rattan, a vine-like species of palm similar to bamboo, can be manipulated into the most incredible, seemingly organic forms, making it a popular medium for both basket and furniture weaving.

Rattan is having a moment, and frankly, has been for the last few years. We see why. Seating and decor items fabricated from this natural material give homes an effortlessly cool vibe–and who wouldn’t want that?

More important than looking good is feeling good. It’s time we ask what everyone is thinking: Is rattan furniture actually comfortable? Before adding rattan seating to your living room, you need to be sure that on a scale of 1-10, the piece will score at least a 5 for comfort.

We know for certain that Apt2B’s Islay Rattan Lounge Chair is truly lounge-worthy.

 

If you’re still skeptical, try a hanging chair complete with plush throw pillows. Here’s one we’ve been eyeing:

 

If the above options feel like too great a risk, try rattan in room accessories like lamps and storage baskets. The stakes don’t get much lower than this.

Rattan Table Lamp from Williams Sonoma

Due to its durability and mobility, rattan is frequently incorporated in outdoor designs–like this Bohemian patio by Brianna. Why not share the love and bring rattan inside?

Introducing rattan accents to rooms that come across a little too well-planned or stiff, can transform the space into something more liveable. Need a little guidance on how to strike the right balance? We think this design absolutely nails it.

If you love it as much as we do, you can shop it here.

Rattan just not your thing? Find out what is with our style quiz

Words by Erika Torvik