Everything You Should Know About Rattan
So, what is rattan?
Is it a game? A culinary delight? A video game character?
It’s none of the above, though it may sound like one!
If you’ve never heard of rattan, it’s a vine-like palm found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia, with much of it sourced from Indonesia.
And there’s a reason why we want to share what this wood is.
We’re introducing a number of chairs made from it. Plus, we have various pieces throughout our collections featuring this wonder material already.
Tracing Rattan’s Roots
First and foremost, this climbing plant is known for being tough, yet bendable, making it ideal for woven furniture, which was known in ancient times. In fact, its origins date back centuries when those in Africa and Asia crafted everything from baskets and furniture to huts and spears with it. Even ropes and cords consisted of it.
A few centuries later, in British colonial days, the Western world learned of this wood. News of it traveled quickly through colonies due to its strength and unique appearance because it was unlike what Europe and the colonies were using at the time. Items made from it were considered luxury, symbolic of sophistication and style.
Today, this material is still widely used for various items, including premium indoor and outdoor furnishings.
Why Choose Rattan
With so many options, like oak, maple, cherry, birch, and teak, you may wonder why this particular wood would stand out. Simply put, rattan brings plenty of style without fuss and even a bit of sustainability.
Do Your Part for the Environment
As we answer the question, “What is rattan?”, it’s important to mention that rattan is a highly sustainable material, which is keeping it relevant in today’s world as we look for ways to continue producing new items without depleting our natural resources or adding non-biodegradable waste to the planet.
As a renewable resource, using this furniture medium appeals to those looking for eco-friendly solutions. While it takes five to 10 years, on average, for the vine to be ready for harvest, it’ll grow once again relatively quickly after each pluck.
Moreover, though your piece will last and is versatile enough to merge with an assortment of design schemes, furniture made from rattan will biodegrade from microorganisms and weather elements like heat and rain. So anybody who tosses a rattan item at the end of its long life will do so with peace of mind that they aren't contributing to environmental problems.
Move It With Ease
Though it might be good for the environment, that doesn’t necessarily equate to being a good fit for your home. But rattan is both lightweight and versatile, making it a practical and stylish choice for your space.
You know it's such a pain when you want to sweep the dust bunnies away but have to move heavy furniture, risking scratching the floor underneath.
Rattan solves that issue because of its lightweight composition, making it easy to move.
Can Be Styled With Virtually Any Decor
Beyond its practicability, summarizing its overall appeal can be chalked up to two words: warm and timeless. With that said, these pieces fit well with a variety of indoor and outdoor styles, ranging from bohemian to farmhouse to modern. You merely dress the piece with some cushions or knick-knacks of your choosing to create a look that matches the desired ambiance.
And rattan isn’t always a stand-alone kind of wood, either. You’ll notice the intricate interlacing paired with metal and other wood.
Maintain Its Beauty With Little Care
While you might be sold on furniture that looks great and you can move easily, time is valuable; the last thing you want is possessions that require extensive routine maintenance and cleaning, especially on top of everything you already have to do.
Fortunately, rattan is low maintenance. Think of it as the cactus of furniture — requiring little water and care to remain strong and resilient.
The bulk of caring for it includes keeping the dust away while doing your weekly chores. When it needs a more comprehensive cleaning, apply a mild cleaner to a damp rag and wipe it down.
Since excessive moisture is more of its foe than a friend, use a dry towel on it afterward to prevent mold growth, warping, and discoloration.
Though it’s optional, occasionally applying a natural oil to your rattan furniture prevents drying. It ensures your item retains its beauty, as it’ll remain radiant and flexible.
How Rattan Stacks Up to the Competition
Rattan sounds quite impressive, but to truly understand how it rates, you must look at how it compares to other woods.
Comparing It to Wicker
When exploring what rattan is, you can't overlook its relationship with wicker. Interestingly enough, wicker isn’t a material at all. (Shocking, right?)
Wicker describes the woven pattern done with several kinds of wood, such as bamboo, willow, and — you guessed it — rattan.
Like rattan, wicker is rooted deeply in history, with researchers finding woven creations in Pharaoh tombs.
Traditionally, the material of choice was swamp grasses and reeds, but with the introduction of rattan from Asia during the Age of Exploration, wicker’s popularity skyrocketed.
Comparing It to Other Woods
Oak comes to mind when somebody hears wood furniture because of its durability, adaptability, and traditional appearance. But what rattan has that oak lacks is pliability and portability. You won’t find wicker pieces with oak alone, as it’s not bendable enough to make interlocking designs. Instead, it acts as a sturdy frame for rattan furniture.
Even rattan outshines bamboo — another popular option for wicker. Rattan is much more pliable, and in terms of durability, it’s known to hold up to more and for longer.
At Wooden Soul, we’re not partial to any one specific kind of wood; they all have their advantages. That said, rattan is a solid, ageless choice — multifunctional enough to work as the seating for your dining room suite or the centerpiece of your living room, accenting the very foundation of your entertainment setup.
If rattan sounds ideal for your home aesthetics, check out what we have available currently.