Natural beauty: 4 reasons to love rattan furniture

If a day-dreaming interior designer were to create a list of ideal characteristics and features of a piece of furniture, it would likely include these enticing elements; endlessly stylish, highly durable, totally versatile, extremely interesting, and ultra sustainable.

It’s uncommon for a single material to be so many things at once, but rattan is one of those rare, beloved items that is nothing but one highly desirable benefit after another.

Here are the four reasons to love rattan, why rattan is so easy to decorate with, and why it’s on every interior designer’s wish list.

1. It’s seriously sustainable

Rattan is a natural material – a climbing palm that grows like a vine in the jungle. Yet it is not loose and flexible like a standard vine; it is tough and solid, and can grow to hundreds of metres from the ground to reach the top of the trees.

It grows extremely quickly, renewing in just five to seven years, which not only makes it the fastest developing tropical wood, but also means that it can be harvested and regrown in extremely short timeframes. This is a considerable improvement on timbers that take decades to reach maturity.

Whether it’s in South or Southeast Asia, rattan also grows in floodwaters and otherwise unusable landscapes. The plant also relies on other trees and vegetation for survival, which means harvesters are encouraged to preserve the rainforests where it is found.

If that wasn’t enough, rattan also supports the local communities where its grown. Growing and harvesting rattan is a manual task, and provides people with a regular, reliable income in an uncomplicated industry.

2. It’s trending – and won’t stop anytime soon

Rattan is beautiful in its organic nature, with a stunning combination of strength and natural curves. Its original tones are warm and soft, and add a pared-back organic touch to any interior design scheme.

It’s therefore no secret why design professionals are clamouring for rattan furniture. Rattan is trending now, and it will continue to be on trend for years into the future as its spectacular natural beauty carries it through the ups and downs of fashion.

Majestic Maya: The Maya Rattan Natural Shelf is chic and enduring. Its natural woven frame will look gorgeous in any setting, any time.

3. It’s incredibly versatile

There are few materials quite so impressively and stylishly versatile as rattan.

It can be right at home in a shabby chic seaside cottage, or it can be the cherry on top of a minimalistic Scandinavian look in a downtown condo. Chameleon-like, it works with any style, offering beauty and class no matter the look.

Rattan furniture often uses this material in its natural colour, a warm, earthy pale yellow. Yet it can also be stained for an added variety of hues, adding extra intrigue and dimension.

And of course, this material is so versatile that there’s no limit to its functionality. You might have a rattan bedhead and a matching rattan bedside table in the bedroom, as well as rattan dining chairs and a side table in the living area. Being able to use it throughout the home for flow and seamless style just adds to its desirability.

Midnight magic: The Malawi Accent Chair in Black showcase the versatility of rattan, both in their strength as seats and their elegant grace in a chic dark style.

4. It’s durable and long-lasting

Rattan is a natural fibre that has evolved to be tough and durable enough to survive the wilds of tropical jungles. It’s more than capable of lasting through urban living.

Rattan furniture is exceptionally resilient, which is why you will find it in high-use areas such as the seats of dining chairs, as well as in items such as a rattan coffee table, and even outdoor furniture.

It can withstand the humidity and heat of Australian summers, and the love and continued use of Australian families. It’s long-lasting, so it can be long appreciated.

There are countless reasons to love rattan, but none are quite as powerful as the feeling you get when you have a piece of your own. If you’re looking for rattan furniture in Australia, discover our latest range today.