Rattan: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know

Rattan and OKA go back a long way. As a staple element of our design since our very first catalogue in 1999, it’s where it all began for us – and we’ve been committed to sourcing the highest-quality, naturally grown rattan ever since.  
 
Right from those first few handcrafted rattan accessories and storage pieces, it’s been important to us to support traditional processes and celebrate the skilled craftsmanship needed to create each piece. Inspired by ancient designs from the Far East, and adapted for modern life in the West, rattan continues to take pride of place in our collections and in our homes – but how much do you know about this versatile material? 

Originally finding favour in warmer climates – from the West Indies to India and then on to the UK – during the Victorian period, rattan continued to be a fixture in homes that wanted a subtly “exotic” touch. In the 1960s and 1970s, rattan (and wickerwork generally) grew in popularity, becoming a staple for more bohemian-style interiors. Now, rattan continues to be a much-loved material – whether used to form garden furniture, storage or decorative pieces, it brings a relaxed, natural element to a scheme.

As a staple element of OKA design, we’ve long been committed to always sourcing the highest-quality, naturally grown rattan, supporting traditional processes and celebrating the skilled craftsmanship required to create each piece. But why do we have such a soft spot for this material?

Strong, sustainable and lightweight, rattan is a material that transcends trends and stands the test of time; perpetually popular, it blurs the line between simple and sophisticated and suits elegant contemporary interiors as effortlessly as relaxed country dwellings.

Why Is Rattan So Popular? 

So, history aside, why do we have such a soft spot for rattan? Well, it’s largely thanks to its timeless aesthetic and incredible durability. This strong, sustainable and lightweight natural material transcends trends and stands the test of time, fitting right in with our values as a brand and making each piece an investment. It’s also incredibly tactile, making it great for introducing contrasting textures into a space. 
 
Design-wise, it blurs the line between simple and sophisticated, making it equally at home gracing an elegant contemporary interior or bringing an effortlessly relaxed feel to a country cottage or conservatory. And because it’s a versatile material that complements a range of interior styles, it’s one you can invest in knowing you’ll be able to take it from one home to another when it’s time to move. 

Rattan: Your Questions Answered 

So much for its backstory and aesthetic appeal – now where do we get rattan from, and how should you look after it? Here’s everything you’ve ever wondered about rattan in the form of some handy FAQs. 

Where does rattan come from? 

Rattan is native to South and Southeast Asia, tropical parts of Australia and Africa. It’s a close and fast-growing relative of the palm family, and there are around 600 species of it. It’s usually to be found on forest floors, climbing up fruit, cedar and rubber trees, and it’s harvested and processed by farmers. 

What’s the difference between rattan and wicker? 

Rattan is a plant, whereas wicker is a weaving process used to create handcrafted pieces. Rattan accessories are always woven from rattan, while wicker products can be made from bamboo, straw or willow. 

What is rattan used for? 

We know and love it for our rattan furniture, but rattan has lots of other uses. Some types of it are eaten in some countries, as well as being used to build housing in more rural areas. Its strength and pliability make it perfect for weaving into baskets, storage boxes and placemats, while the resin of the fruit found on some rattan species – known as “dragon’s blood” – is transformed into varnishes, pigments and incense. This means that rattan has some unexpected uses, featuring in everything from traditional medicine to musical instruments – in fact, violins get their cherry red finish from natural rattan dyes! 

Is rattan furniture durable, and can it be used outdoors? 

Rattan is renowned for its durability, with its naturally solid core making it ideally suited to crafting into long-lasting homeware and furniture. Although it’s fine to take rattan furniture out into the garden for al fresco dining, it’s not showerproof, so you’ll need to cover it up when you’re not using it and bring it inside over the winter. That’s because although it’s a strong material, it will crack and eventually break if it sits out in the rain or direct sunlight for too long. 
 
If you love the aesthetic of rattan garden furniture, the good news is that there are some fantastic faux versions, such as our own all-weather “rattan”, which most of our outdoor sets, sun loungers and armchairs are made from. We’ve used a non-rusting aluminium with an artificial resin coating to create a synthetic rattan that’s so realistic you’d never know it wasn’t the real deal. 

How to care for rattan furniture 

Woven items need careful cleaning and looking after, so we’d recommend having a read of our guide on how to care for rattan and cane. Briefly, we suggest moisturising your rattan regularly by spritzing it with boiled linseed oil, or wiping it gently using a soft cloth dipped in warm water and leaving it to dry overnight.  
 
Clean your rattan accessories with a duster or vacuum cleaner, and keep them out of direct sunlight. For tips on caring for weatherproof faux rattan, check out our garden furniture care guide, where you’ll find advice on how to keep your all-weather “rattan” pieces in top condition. 

Clean your rattan accessories with a duster or vacuum cleaner, and keep them out of direct sunlight. For tips on caring for weatherproof faux rattan, check out our garden furniture care guide, where you’ll find advice on how to keep your all-weather “rattan” pieces in top condition. 

How to Use Rattan in Your Home 

As we’ve seen, rattan complements a range of classic and contemporary interior design, its hand-woven texture instantly bringing a relaxed, comfortable quality to any space. It’s perfect for adding a tactile element to a room, whether by placing it centre stage in the form of furniture or by introducing it in more subtle nods to the natural world, such as layered under your dining table crockery.  
 
Today, our rattan collection features everything from place mats and serving trays to glass-topped coffee tables and laundry baskets, giving you plenty of opportunity to draw on its natural aesthetic. And if you want to take the classic styling of rattan out into the garden, look no further than our extremely realistic all-weather “rattan” outdoor furniture range – such as our Carillo Garden Storage Coffee Table Set – which looks just like the real thing but is better suited to life (and the changeable weather) outdoors.