Not many people know that rattan is actually a climbing palm that grows as a vine in the rainforest. As a material it is fantastically resistant and therefore incredible for structuring furniture for both indoors and outdoors. Rattan is beautiful in its organic and authentic form, with a beautifully natural combination of strength and shape. Its original tones are warm and soft, and add nature’s touch to any interior décor. It’s no secret why people far and wide are reading the rules and regulations regarding rattan to create the ultimate in home styling. Check out where we think rattan works best with its stylish comeback, and how you can achieve a timeless look in your home.
The Pendant Light
For beautiful and decorative ambience in any room, rattan pendants will heighten the room design with style and more style. They are easily transferrable across most rooms in the house too. We love the look of having two or three rattan pendants placed above your kitchen bench or island bar. A huge oversized pendant will look brilliant as a feature over a dining table but will look equally as attractive in the bedroom. We have seen them styled above bedside tables or as a main feature in the centre of the room. Gone are the days when downlights and minimalistic lighting is all the rage as most people now look to oversized features to light up their spaces. Rattan lamp shades in your living room either side of a sofa will also add huge impact. You can play with heights and sizes to create your favourite look.
Creatively Colourful Rattan
There’s a lot of choice on the market where rattan is concerned and it can be difficult to choose the right colour. More often than not, it comes down to your personal preference and what look you’re trying to achieve. Some people like the sharp, modern look of solid black rattan which stands out beautifully. Others are more inclined to go for a softer brown colour rattan. This will blend seamlessly with surroundings in the garden or for a subtle look indoors. The most popular would be the weathered grey (called Kubu Grey). Kubu, rattan, grey rattan or whatever you want to call it, looks completely at home inside or out, and provides the most natural vibe.
Very Versatile Rattan
Rattan in its raw state has a very authentic and neutral colour which will easily complement any living space. Given it’s durability and strength, it is absolutely an ideal material for outdoor furniture. The natural tropical look it offers can transform any interior or exterior spot into a warm and enjoyable space. It is easy to integrate rattan furniture into a whole range of spaces. It looks equally as amazing in your living area as it does in the dining room or the bedroom. Outdoor patios are easily jazzed up with rattan chairs. Hallways can be instantly lifted with the simple addition of a rattan side table or bench.
We are super in love with the idea of using rattan furniture with existing furniture in your home. It works on a tactile level with almost anything, like a velvet sofa or armchair making a striking contrast against two rattan chairs and a coffee table. It makes for an overall interesting space visually and all you need to do is throw in a few cushions to match the pre-existing scheme to tie the room together.
Less Rattan Is More
Typically speaking, too much rattan is definitely a thing. Some looks can be overwhelming when too much of the same texture is added and you look the overall vibe altogether. Using rattan as a feature or as a foundation is much better than making it the overarching theme of your décor. Careful placement of a corner chair, the addition of dining chairs around a timber table or an oversized light pendant can bring so much more appeal on their own merit. It’s super important to make sure you don’t overdo the look. Rattan has been around for hundreds of years so it’s safe to say it’s timeless but should be balanced with other tones, textures and materials. Try to avoid matching furniture sets and instead go for those one-off statement pieces. Contrast your pieces with warm toned accessories.
Channeling The 1970s
The huge range of rattan styles we have seen in the past year definitely have one foot in the past. Padded rattan chair seats, swirly shapes and beautifully woven designs are being showcased in almost every furniture range. Think bed heads, shelving units, dining chairs and light pendants what are a very real nod to the 1970s. Moving away from the minimalism approach of previous years, we see customers increasingly choosing retro-inspired pieces. It’s easy to channel casual chic comfort with natural materials. Seventies inspired designs have seen a huge comeback in recent months with rattan and bamboo materials preferred. There’s a clear ability to balance sleek lines with an authentic handcrafted look.