Rattan: the breakout interiors star of 2020. This beautiful material has always been popular but is rattan indoor furniture is currently enjoying a real moment in the limelight.
Indeed, according to research from HotelFollower, ‘rattan furniture’ is the interior design trend that has showed the largest increase in search volume during lockdown, with a huge 809 per cent rise in interest since 1 March. While synthetic rattan has often been used for outdoor furniture, natural indoor rattan furniture is now having a resurgence and is a huge trend for 2020.
Rattan is a natural material that originates from the fibres of a trailing plant related to the palm tree found in the tropical jungles of Asia; its vines are woven together to create the well-loved look.
You may also see rattan furniture referred to as wicker, which is actually the name for the weaving process that takes place with rattan’s inner reed-like section; the outer bark is used for caning, so you may also see it called cane furniture.
Rattan’s popularity first soared in the 19th century, and in the mid-20th century it was used on film sets to create a romantic, tropical atmosphere. Its laidback yet cosy look also made it a key interiors look from the hippie 1960s and 1970s; it’s now garnered a retro-cool reputation and is enjoying another surge in popularity as we try to create at-home sanctuaries with a natural, organic aesthetic.
What’s more, it’s a naturally sustainable material due to its fast growth, short renewal, dependence on existing rainforests, and ability to grow in areas that would otherwise be natural wastelands.
Whether you’re looking for big-ticket items like beds, chests of drawers and cabinets, or accessories like mirrors and lamps, we’ve rounded up the best rattan indoor furniture below to add a little laidback Palm Springs-worthy pretty to your home. Happy shopping…
Rattan low lounge chair - H&M Home
Since it launched in 2018, this rattan lounge chair has been a consistent bestseller at H&M Home. With modern mid-century vintage vibes is sleek lines and dark wood are elegant and stylish, easily fitting in to any space. Style it with a cosy throw, houseplants and a neutral interior for a luxury laidback look. There’s a host of affordable matching rattan furniture pieces here, including a seat bench, cabinet, and plant stand. We love.
Bardot rattan webbed large sideboard
How gorgeous is this sophisticated sideboard? Rattan is given a modern makeover here with cool brass legs and unique webbed-effect cupboards. The Bardot collection is Rose & Grey’s first exclusive furniture range and is handcrafted from sustainable mango wood and rattan panels. Invest in the sideboard for a gorgeous statement piece that you can style up with curated pieces like books and vases.
French cane coffee table
Ooze all the rustic-luxe vibes with this beautiful talking-point piece from French Connection. Striking the perfect blend of smart yet informal, this rattan coffee table is an investment piece that will last for years. Pair with a rattan light pendant, textural rugs and wooden pieces for a layered, organic look.
Round rattan butterfly chair
Move over leather butterfly chairs, this rattan version is cruelty-free and even more beautiful. The occasional chair is given a contemporary look with angled black iron legs, and the wide back and seat offer a comfortable reading perch. Add a jute rug and cosy blanket for extra snuggle-up factor.
Rattan bed frame, double, oak
Soft curved lines are another big trend for 2020, so this oak and rattan bed is completely on-point, and gives a nod to biophilic design with its all-natural materials. The ideal piece for a soothing, serene bedroom retreat.
Nadia natural handwoven rattan bedside table with shelf
A super-stylish spot to pop your night time essentials, this rattan bedside table is an elegant place for your lamp, books and that morning cuppa. Seamlessly fitting into any decor scheme, you can pair it with the matching Nadia bed, but a wooden bed would work equally well. Created by artisans in Indonesia, the table is constructed using rattan stems in different thicknesses, which are steamed to make them pliable before shaping them around moulds. How cool?
Rattan floor lamp
Ambient lighting is often key to bringing a cosy, restful feel to your interiors, and we adore this affordable-chic rattan floor lamp from George Home. Emitting a warm glow for comfy nights in, it also looks funky as a standalone piece in the day time.
Waska rattan oak console table
If you haven’t got room for a large sideboard, opt for a cool console instead. This natural-meets-industrial rattan console table will up your hallway game no end, but would look equally fab in a lounge or dining room. The black steel legs give it a modern twist, and the rattan cane sliding front is clever as well as good looking - sounds like a real catch.
VidaXL 4x dining chairs natural rattan beige
Rattan dining chairs are a great way to incorporate the look into your home decor scheme. This set of four chairs boasts a wide seat and raised edges for a comfort level that is far higher than it looks. At under £100 each, the price is also purse-pleasing, although the frames are a little fiddly to put up so you’ll need a DIY doyenne on-hand for assembly. But the final result is worth the effort.
Petra rattan side table
Is it a side table, a stool, a plant stand, or a bedside table? Well, it can be any of those things, actually. This versatile piece is crafted with renewable mindi wood with a woven rattan top. The perfect spot for your candle, night time reading or pretty vase.
Liana chest of drawers, ash & rattan
Curvaceous, elegant and alluring, this gorgeous rattan chest of drawers is a real natural beauty. Created for Made in collaboration with Sebastian Cox, its got real design credentials, as well as being sustainable and eco-friendly.
Duma round rattan mirror
Conjure up a far-flung, exotic holiday feel right at home with this pretty rattan mirrors. Versatile as well as attractive, you can pop it anywhere for a relaxing taste of the tropics; try it above your bed for a funky focal point or hovering over a console in the hallway.
Bembridge log holder
Get ready for the return of autumn and winter with this rattan log store that’s bursting with cosy rustic feels. As well as being a practical one-stop place to store the firewood, it’s a lovely way to show off your cut logs for a cool cabin-worth look.
Blaise side table
Coastal meets vintage vibes with this stylish side table that boasts a whitewashed wooden frame and parquet top with a handy rattan magazine shelf below. Nifty, huh?
Bali rattan console
Whether nestled in a nook or making a statement in your hallway, this rattan console stand will add a real bohemian flavour to your home. Crafted by Indonesian artisans, it pairs natural rattan weaving with sustainable bamboo wood for an eco piece with ample amounts of style. Vintage-lovers won’t be able to resist.
Java lampshade natural rattan
A rattan pendant is an easy way to add the look to your home decor scheme. This oversized version from Made will make a style statement without being overpowering thanks to the natural aesthetic. Use it as a ceiling light or over a dining table for maximum impact.
Verdict:
We’re a bit giddy for every item in the list, and they would all make beautiful additions to any home, depending on what rattan indoor furniture piece you’re looking for. But if we had to choose a favourite, the rattan low lounge chair from H&M Home oozes style and luxury yet comes at an affordable price. Add it to your bedroom, the living room or the study for a funky furniture accent that’s also practical.
