Rattan… From the forests of Asia and Africa to the cozy corners of your home

When it comes to what’s trending in 2025 in the overlapping fields of home furnishings and décor, it’s clear that retro will still reign supreme, with curved shapes, modern colors, and materials like rattan, velvet, and copper: Rattan, velvet, and copper.

Nostalgia still plays an important role in interior design. This is translated through the revival of playful shapes and bold colors from the 1970s and 1980s.

Rattan Plant Information

A corner furnished with a bohemian-style rattan chair, a small-leaf fig tree and a snake plant (photo via unsplash)

Rattan, or rattan, resembles a climbing or dangling vine, a type of climbing palm tree that grows naturally in West and Central Africa and Southeast Asia, in rainforests and monsoon forests.

The second fastest growing, after willow, and renewable in five to seven years, rattan is the hard outer core of the palm plant, while other parts of the plant are used for other purposes.

Rattan’s fast-growing nature and hardness make it ideal for use in the furniture industry. However, the advantages of rattan don’t end there; this natural material is lightweight and extremely durable, with good flexibility and natural protection against the weather. Perhaps all these properties explain why it is a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

Outdoor seating, with a rattan hanging chair, a couple of cushions, soft furs, cacti and palms

Rattan furniture, in general, can be easily moved and stacked when not in use. Because rattan is more porous than other similar materials, it can be treated and painted, so it will last for a long time, with regular cleaning to keep it looking new.

A rattan tray carrying food (photo from unsplash)

The material is very flexible, making it easy to shape, especially when the rattan is torn into smaller fibers. Rattan can be woven into furniture, such as: Chairs, mirrors, baskets, beds…

When the rattan is harvested, it is cut into 13-foot poles, the dry wrapping is removed, and the stems are left in the sun to dry. After the drying and curing process, the long poles are straightened and used for furniture and decoration.

A rattan cart, loaded with a vase filled with egg lilies and glasses (photo from unsplash)

The outer bark of the tartan is used for canning, while the reed-like inner section is used to weave furniture, although it is important to note that reeds are a weaving process, not an actual plant or material, such as: Rattan.

Rattan can be used to create durable outdoor and indoor decorative elements, while brightening up any space with the plant’s light golden color, which reflects a tropical atmosphere.

Reeds

Cane, sometimes called rattan cane, is also a material produced from the rattan palm, by splitting and stripping it and exposing the central fibers within. However, unlike rattan, cane does not need to be processed to be ready for use as a manufacturing material, and is generally more durable than rattan.

Due to its flexibility and durability, rattan cane is used to weave chair seats, cushions, and parts of furniture frames. It offers an unparalleled level of strength, with the ability to create a curved pattern for chairs, cabinet door designs, and other styles of furniture. You don’t have to worry about the maintenance or cleaning of reed rattan furniture because it has a natural shine and doesn’t absorb stains or dirt easily. Thus, it is easy to clean.

The environmental benefits of both rattan and reed include the fact that pesticides and fertilizers are not necessary to grow the palm plant. In addition, both rattan and reeds are carbon dioxide neutral due to the rapid growth of the palm plant, and reed and rattan products are recyclable. Because palms grow best on and under other trees, they indirectly protect forests.

Artificial turquoise

Synthetic rattan is a material that imitates natural rattan and is often used in furniture and outdoor décor. It is often referred to as outdoor rattan, outdoor bamboo, or polyethylene rattan, as it is made from polyethylene.

Wicker

Wicker is frequently confused with reeds. However, unlike other materials that are specifically extracted from certain types of plants, wicker can be made from rattan, bamboo, reeds, and many other materials, including: Willow. The reason for this is that it is a product that is defined by the way it is made, not its source. Wicker takes very thin branches of different vines and wraps them around wooden or metal frames, which often requires less material than reed or rattan products, as much of the strength and shape of the furniture is provided by the frame. While wicker is still fairly environmentally friendly, the sustainability of wicker’s features depends on the type of frame used.

The wicker technique is thousands of years old and requires natural materials, skill, and time to produce durable, useful products, such as: Functional and decorative baskets, boxes, and floor mats. Natural wicker is not weatherproof, so it’s worth noting that any products made using this technique should not be intended for outdoor use.

When it comes to wicker furniture, it requires different maintenance than rattan or cane. Therefore, the consumer should always check the care details.

Coordinating home decor

Bright living room, with rattan furniture

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural materials in design and decoration, and one material that has gained popularity is rattan. Rattan furniture can add beauty to modern interiors, especially those that follow the minimalist style, which is all about clean lines, simple shapes, and a clutter-free environment. Rattan furniture, with its simple elegance, complements this style, especially when a rattan chair or coffee table is chosen as the centerpiece of a contemporary living room, adding warmth and texture to the space without overpowering it.

Rattan furniture and home accessories made from the material blend seamlessly with a variety of pieces made from wood, metal or glass, creating visual interest in your home. For example: Pair a rattan dining table with modern padded chairs for a sleek, eclectic look, or combine distinctive rattan chairs with a sleek leather sofa in a modern living room.

Furnishing a quiet corner

Rattan furniture has a natural, organic quality and is able to evoke a sense of serenity and relaxation in any space. Use a rattan chair to create a reading nook.

Add soft pillows and blankets in complementary colors and textures to enhance comfort and create a welcoming atmosphere, without forgetting to incorporate plants in the aforementioned corner.

Garden furniture

Consider incorporating rattan pieces into outdoor living spaces, such as patios, balconies or garden areas to create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors: patios, balconies, or garden areas to create a seamless transition between the inside and outside of your home. Rattan sofas, chairs, and tables are not only stylish, but also durable enough to withstand the elements.

Home decorating baskets

Basket on the couch (image from unsplash)

Choose baskets, trays or wall décor in rattan to add depth and dimension to said surfaces and shelves. Layering different fabrics, such as woven rugs, faux fur blankets and velvet pillows enhances the appeal of the decor, creating a visually rich and inviting environment: Woven rugs, faux fur blankets, and velvet pillows enhance the appeal of the decor, creating a visually rich and inviting environment.

In conclusion, rattan furniture offers endless possibilities for incorporating natural beauty and timeless elegance into modern home decor; whether a homeowner prefers a minimalist aesthetic or a cozy bohemian vibe, rattan can easily be incorporated into any design scheme.