The Retro Comeback of Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture is super versatile but with all interior design ideas and schemes, restraint is still required. Given its signature look and feel, it can be used to add texture to your rooms. Adding a one-off statement piece will offer enough contrast and timeless appeal. Be sure not to overdo things with rattan as it can make the space look outdated. Adding a simple rattan mat under a coffee table like the Crema which has a similar neutral tone, will be a great way to start. The same can be done with the Crema TV console – its wooden accent will play with the theme of gentle neutrals and add a much-needed splash of colour.

Wood, glass, plastic, fabric – the list of materials that you may have encountered when buying a piece of furniture for your home are endless. Available in a wide array of colours and patterns, owning a furniture piece that is built with a specific material is sure to add some pizzazz to your home. Usually, when we are narrowing in on our choices for a major furniture purchase, we tend to look for materials that we have long grown accustomed to or those that will perfectly complement the interior design that we’re going for. Although this is indeed a failproof method of selecting furniture that we will feel comfortable integrating into a space, it also unconsciously prevents us from experimenting with other materials and configurations that also have the ability to elevate the aesthetic appeal of our home. One way to break this cycle is to try something new – and what better way than to jump onboard an evergreen interior aspect that will transform your home into a trendy space?  

With a highly anticipated revival, rattan furniture is making a huge comeback in the world of interior design, and for a very good reason. Possessing a rich history of gracing the homes and outdoor spaces of many places across the globe for decades, incorporating the rattan trend into any space is sure to imbue it with tropic-inspired vibes. So, how do you pull the look off and stylishly conjure up a modern interior design that is decorated with these antique farmhouse-style materials? We cover them in this ultimate rattan furniture guide!

But First, What is the Difference Between Rattan and Wicker?

Rattan and wicker are often used interchangeably but that does not mean that they are one and the same. Rattan is a natural material made from a vine-like plant species that is typically found in tropical parts of the world like Asia and Australia. Flexible yet durable and lightweight yet sturdy, rattan has qualities that make it a hot commodity amongst those interested in home interior design.

Wicker, on the other hand, is an ancient weaving process. The wicker technique makes use of natural or synthetic materials such as natural rattan, straw and bamboo. This means that unlike rattan furniture that is manufactured solely out of rattan, wicker techniques create wicker designed furniture pieces with other materials as well.

Enveloping a furniture piece with a vintage look and imbuing a space with a relaxing feel, the fresh silhouettes created by the wicker weaving process have garnered mass appeal amongst modern audiences. As one of the oldest furniture-making techniques, the wicker weave is not only distinctive but highly creative. Forget flat and rigid lines that can be unyielding when you’re attempting to introduce comfort and a lax vibe to your home. The hand-woven touch of rattan used in wicker weaves will seamlessly blend with any decor style and make for impeccable quality pieces that are incredibly versatile and durable.

Beyond the perfect blend of the unrivalled force of the natural product and its finesse, what makes owning a collection of rattan furniture in Singapore so exotic and chic?

The Appeal of Rattan Furniture

Rattan pieces used to only have a rightful place outdoors and on patios – hence the residual association with your grandparents’ porch. However, its history is so much richer! Widely popular back in the 1960s and 70s, the opulence of wicker furniture was appreciated by the masses for its ability to blend seamlessly with the Victorian style décor that was all the rave. As the rules of modern design began to meander their way into our lives and expensive décor found its footing in the abodes of the well-off, furniture designers took notice of these trends and transformed rattan into must-have pieces. Limited edition handcrafted rattan-inspired designs took the world by storm and found a place in the niche market.  

Today, its textures still intrigue many and have recently flooded home décor pages on social media and the likes. Why the sudden resurgence? Serving as stylish backdrops and envy-inspiring décor in any home interior design, the rattan trend is thriving in a day and age where every homeowner dreams of turning their home into the ultimate getaway. With aspirations of designing a home resembling paradise, rigid and inflexible materials, décor and furniture are no longer an option. Innately captivating the very nature of an island-life with its bohemian aesthetic, the renewed appreciation for rattan furniture thus comes as no surprise, especially for homeowners and designers inspired by travel and various cultures.

The Durability of Rattan Furniture

Timeless and paying homage to the Bohemian aesthetic, rattan furniture is more than a mere eye-catching addition to your home. Since the rattan material boasts a strong core, you can rest assured that pieces made from it will last for years to come. Unlike other plant materials like bamboo and water hyacinth, rattan is extremely durable and tough to break. Extremely laid-back and low maintenance, this environmentally sustainable material is often weatherproof, making it suitable even for outdoor use. Beyond its weather-resistant factor, it is also lightweight compared to its other weighty counterparts like Mahogany wood and glass.

How Long Does Rattan Furniture Last?

Of course, its ability to last long will depend on the furniture store you buy furnishings from, and the effort put into taking care of it. Generally capable of lasting for years with minimal effort, consider doing the following to maintain your rattan furniture in pristine condition:

• Keep it free from dust: As with all furniture, you’ll want to keep your rattan pieces free from dust and mildew. If left in this state for too long, it may cause the rattan to decay. Simply wiping your furniture with a damp cloth or using a soft brush on the surface will suffice.
• Keep your furniture dry: Be sure to keep your rattan furnishing dry if it is not weather-proof. Be it due to spills or the rain, ensure that no liquid seeps into the fibre.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Just like laminate flooring or wooden furniture, extended exposure to sunlight can weaken the material and cause it to become brittle.

How to Incorporate Rattan into Your Interior Design

Rattan furniture is super versatile but with all interior design ideas and schemes, restraint is still required. Given its signature look and feel, it can be used to add texture to your rooms. Adding a one-off statement piece will offer enough contrast and timeless appeal. Be sure not to overdo things with rattan as it can make the space look outdated. Adding a simple rattan mat under a coffee table like the Crema which has a similar neutral tone, will be a great way to start. The same can be done with the Crema TV console – its wooden accent will play with the theme of gentle neutrals and add a much-needed splash of colour.  

Does that mean that the “less is more” philosophy should be embodied throughout your home and rattan should be used with caution? This ultimately boils down to personal preferences. If you are all for a neat and stylish look that incorporates this retro material in the least obvious way, then select pieces that will match your existing design scheme. At the same time, being an organic element that easily blends in with its surroundings, do not worry about your rattan furniture sticking out like a sore thumb. Chances are, it won’t, as the rustic and handcrafted look of this material will help channel nothing more than casual comfort.

Interior Design Styles that Complement Rattan

1. Bohemian Interior Design

The Bohemian interior design style is known for its relaxed and eclectic vibe. With laidback textures and colours occupying the space without overwhelming the area, throwing in a rattan piece in the form of a TV display cabinet or fabric couch will add to the overall feel. To amplify the retro feel, you can even tap on the resurgence of maximalism and design a bold room, only to have your rattan double up as a grounding factor that balances out the boldness. Therefore, even if you opt for furniture like the Marvin L-Shape Fabric Sofa With Adjustable Headrests in an attention-grabbing Teal or Indian Red upholstery, the warmness of the rattan will create a striking contrast that helps make for an interesting space. 

2.Coastal Interior Design

As mentioned, rattan practically goes with everything since it is easy on the eye. The coastal interior design scheme has grown to evolve and become something more than a mere nautical blue and white themed home. Drawing inspiration from the Bohemian interior design style, this design is all about neutral colours that produce an elegant feel. Compared to the Bohemian theme that allows for experimentation, splashes of colour, and all-around “messiness”, the coastal trend can tread a fine line between sophistication and dullness. As such, by introducing elements of textures like those naturally possessed by rattan, you can add oomph to the overall look without much effort! A retro rattan chair in one corner or a cool one-off sofa will add some individuality and quirkiness.

Types of Rattan Furniture to Buy

Elda L-Shape Fabric Sofa with Wooden Storage Arm 

The good thing about the rattan trend is that it is easily adaptable to fit any room or budget. From small accent pieces like rugs to furniture pieces like a TV cabinet with rattan accents, any retro-inspired pieces made with this natural material can be woven into your home to create an interesting scheme and rustic feel. At Cellini, we boast a range of exclusive rattan furniture. Our latest Nash collection features TV cabinets, chairs, and mats that you can leverage to design an enticing living space. If you are looking to take baby steps into the world of rattan and simply want to add a touch of the material’s exotic nature, you can go for pieces that are reminiscent of its form, hue, and durability. Wooden accents as seen in coffee tables like Dansk and L-shaped couches like the Elda with Wooden Storage Arm make great modern options.

Shop Rattan Furniture in Singapore from Cellini!

Have a couple of rattan furniture and decor that you’ve set your eyes on? Make your purchase online or in-store at Cellini and enjoy free delivery for orders above $1000! Product warranty that covers any structural defects is also available for 12 months. You can also head down to one of our showrooms or opt for delivery to a local address.