Derived from a climbing vine-like palm, rattan is a natural material used to make furniture, baskets, lighting, and other home accents. This durable yet flexible product can be bent or woven into a wide variety of shapes and patterns. Due to its weather resistance, rattan is commonly used as patio furniture, but it isn't limited to the outdoors. The tropical material can bring rich texture to all sorts of decor, including coastal, boho, and traditional—and for a contemporary look, it's easy to paint. Follow our ideas for showcasing its natural beauty in every room of your home.
Kim Cornelison
1. Refresh living spaces with rattan furniture.
Rattan can be woven into nearly any type of furniture, including sofas, chairs, accent tables, folding screens, and more. Lightweight and widely available, it's generally less expensive than other furniture materials, making it ideal for a budget-friendly room refresh. Rattan has a casual, inviting feel that's perfect for living spaces where comfort is key. To increase the coziness, accessorize with throw pillows or a plush area rug.
Melanie Acevedo
2. Bring a natural element to bedrooms.
Rattan chairs and benches feature unique texture and natural tones that pair well with nearly any bedroom color scheme. Style an empty corner with a striking woven peacock chair, or for a finishing touch, place a rattan bench at the end of your bed. In addition, if you decide to rearrange, the light material makes furniture easy to move.
Brie Williams Photography, Inc.
3. Pair rattan with different styles.
Rattan is a staple in shabby-chic or boho-style spaces, but it works well with a vast range of design styles. Bringing warmth and a more casual feel, it can keep modern interiors from feeling too cold, or lend a more easygoing air to traditional rooms. To reinforce its natural beauty, pair it with plenty of plants, along with floral or botanical print fabrics, as well as other natural materials, such as jute or wood. For a more eclectic look, contrast rattan's laidback feel with sleek mid-century furniture and metallic accents.
Kim Cornelison
4. Brighten a room with rattan light fixtures.
For an eye-catching focal point, switch out basic light fixtures with rattan versions. Look for large rattan pendants in sculptural shapes, or choose a fixture with an open-weave pattern that will spread light around the whole room. For an easy DIY pendant, cut a hole in the bottom of an old basket or bowl and use it as a drum shade. Purchase a swag light kit ($23, The Home Depot) for simple installation, or use wireless puck lights and skip the wiring.
David Tsay
5. Boost style with caned furniture.
Rattan's outer bark is the primary material used for caning furniture in a multidirectional open-weave pattern. Most commonly used on chair backs, the caning technique has ancient roots, but it's still widely popular today, and gives furniture a light, airy appearance. To give your space a boost of timeless style, look for caned details on accent chairs, headboards, and storage pieces.
Marty Baldwin
6. Add storage with rattan baskets.
Use rattan baskets to create storage space wherever you need it. Woven rattan baskets come in all shapes and sizes, so you can tuck them into virtually any space. Large versions are ideal for keeping extra throw blankets and other linens easily accessible, while smaller baskets can be tucked under accent tables, or inside cabinets for out-of-the-way storage.
Kim Cornelison
7. Paint or stain rattan for a modern twist.
Just like wood, rattan can be stained or painted in nearly any shade. A fresh coat of color can instantly modernize rattan furniture, giving inexpensive items or secondhand finds a new look. Spray-paint it in a bold, splashy color, or for a traditional look, opt for classic white. These round, white rattan stools, for example, play up the room's open feel and contrast a sleek contemporary dining table.
Brie Williams
8. Energize neutral spaces.
Decorating with rattan can boost visual interest in neutral spaces without adding color. The woven material offers textural contrast that makes furniture stand out in rooms dominated by whites, woods, and other neutral tones. For even more impact, look for rattan furniture with unique silhouettes, such as these shapely dining chairs. The elegant curved design helps elevate the look, making the chairs worthy of indoor use.
Joyelle West
9. Use rattan in kids' rooms.
Both lightweight and easy to clean, rattan is an ideal material for kids' spaces. Use it as a durable addition to playrooms, bedrooms, and other family-friendly areas. A hanging rattan chair, for example, can create a kid-sized reading nook virtually anywhere. Add a cozy throw blanket and a few patterned pillows for extra comfort.