In our house rattan is a hotly debated topic, I love it with a passion and my husband hates anything “wicker”. I don’t know why, maybe it’s a weird childhood thing for him, but for me equally so. Growing up in Europe, memories of my childhood included spending time in my mom’s artist atelier – we called it the mansarde – which is a name for a rooftop apartment. It was this small bohemian space my mom would go to paint, and I could spend hours there drawing, watching the flames in the Kachelofen (a German type of tiled masonry stove), or rummaging through old objects the place was filled with. It felt like another world. One of the things I remember were these two large, very elegantly woven peacock chairs. I knew they were special, they must have been a family heirloom but I loved sitting in them, and feeling fancy. A few mismatched bentwood chairs surrounded the small dining table, where we would have cake and coffee on quiet afternoons.
Rattan furniture really has this emotional aspect to me, it feels like a piece from back home, but for many years it felt old and outdated. But how life is, everything comes back, and all of a sudden you love it again.
Embracing the timeless elegance of rattan in interior design
Renowned for its natural charm, versatility, and eco-friendly appeal, rattan furniture and accents are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, bringing a touch of organic warmth to modern living spaces.
Rattan, a type of palm native to southeast Asia, has been utilized for centuries in furniture making due to its durability and flexibility. However, it became increasingly popular in the West in the late 19th century, Europeans were looking for materials that could be used in place of wood for furniture making. Rattan seemed like an ideal choice because it didn’t require as much processing as wood did and it was more durable than cane or bamboo.
Exemplified by the Thonet chair with its rattan caning, it reached its popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly during the heyday of bohemian and coastal design aesthetics. Fast forward to the present day, rattan is once again taking center stage, this time in a more contemporary context that seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
One of the key reasons for the renewed interest in rattan is its inherent sustainability. As people increasingly prioritize eco-conscious choices, rattan’s renewable nature and minimal environmental impact make it an attractive option for conscientious decorating. Unlike synthetic materials, rattan is biodegradable and harvested from fast-growing vines, making it a renewable resource that supports responsible consumption.
A dedication to texture, sustainability, and skill
Beyond its eco-friendly credentials, rattan also offers unparalleled versatility in design. From intricately woven chairs and statement lighting fixtures to sleek tables and playful accessories, rattan can effortlessly adapt to a variety of design schemes, whether it be scandinavian minimalism, bohemian chic, or coastal elegance. Its organic texture and warm undertones add layers of texture and character to interiors, creating inviting spaces that exude comfort and style.
Incorporating rattan into your home décor can be as subtle or as bold as you desire. Personally, I like to start small with accent pieces like baskets, mirrors, or planters to add layers of texture & natural elegance to your space. A piece of rattan or wicker is really like adding a plant to a room, its organic nature brings balance into any room. Alternatively, you can also make a statement with a larger furniture piece such as a lounge chair infusing your home with a laid-back vibe.
A great example of how woven elements create balance is one of my favorite kitchens on the internet designed by Anna King. Full of warmth and texture, this dreamy kitchen features soft white cabinets, a stone accent wall, and a vintage table for an island. The kitchen feels light, cottage-y, and cozy. The woven island shades are really that perfect accent for the kitchen to bring in a light texture and balance all the harder surfaces. It would look quite different with traditional metal pendants.
For our breakfast table, for example, I wanted a bit more of an informal laid-back look. I have been looking for the perfect rattan chair for months but just couldn’t find the one. Until, i saw Amber Interiors Lakehouse reveal – ahh perfection as always – and fell in love with the Rossini chair in her dining nook and I knew I found THE ONE. The chair comes in various finishes and the antique version one just had that aged look, that other chairs on the market are missing. To me, it’s the perfect piece I was looking for because the proportions of this shape lie between the grand curves of a peacock chair and the tight silhouette of bistro seating. The seat and back are handwoven and add a charming layer of texture. In a way, I tried to re-create the feel of our old mansarde hideout.
Besides, using lots of woven baskets for storage throughout my house, another way I used a woven element was pairing this adorable scalloped seagrass shade with a vintage Ralph Lauren lamp base I recently scored on eBay. Besides, its functionality, the woven shade added another layer of texture to my living room. I truly believe that harmonious and balanced spaces contribute to our mental well-being and I am always looking to create that balance visually.
Biomimicry teaches us that by incorporating natural elements in our artifically built homes, we support our innate human need for being connected with nature. Studies have shown that being in nature helps to reduce stress levels. Bringing elements of nature into your home, such as views to the outside, plants, water features and natural materials, can help to create a more calming environment and thus support our physical and mental health. Especially in today’s world of constant information overload, it is so important to create a space where our mind can relax, think and re-charge.
So, yes – rattan or any natural woven material is such a great way to incorporate more balance and texture into our souroundings. So, go get a funky piece of rattan, wicker, seagrass – whatever it is, have fun with it. Here you can find a few of my current favorites but facebook marketplace or antique stores are great places to find affordable vintage pieces looking for a new home.
