If you keep abreast of interior design trends, you’ll know that rattan is enjoying a renaissance as a material for indoor seating, as well as outdoor furniture. The current trend for statement pieces such as rattan peacock chairs and the dark, sultry shades and textures of tropical styling is a reminder of the timeless appeal of rattan.
What is rattan?
Natural rattan is created from the woven strands of a vine-like plant that is part of the palm family. Durable, incredibly strong and flexible, rattan has used to create furniture for centuries. The plant grows best in tropical areas of high rainfall and humidity, and it is highly tolerant of UV rays and wet conditions, making it perfect for our UK weather.
As an indoor material, rattan is lightweight, and its open weave allows light to travel through it, creating furniture with strength that won’t dominate a room. For outdoor use, rattan is also a very natural product that harmonises with its garden surroundings and is both subtle and stylish.
Synthetic rattan
Rattan weathers well, but can suffer in the extremes of our weather, so synthetic rattan has become hugely popular as it provides an exotic, tropical look, but in a material that is more durable and easier to look after. Synthetic rattan garden furniture is made from man-made fibres that are coated with UV additives to prevent fading and wear. Frames are usually powder-coated aluminium to ensure the furniture remains lightweight and to lend it both strength and longevity.
The pandemic might have curtailed long-haul travel, but it certainly hasn’t stopped us recreating the glamour of far-flung destinations in our gardens.
