Whether you’ve noticed rattan furniture as you scroll through your Instagram feed or in your neighbour’s back garden, there’s no mistaking this style of furniture is having a moment in 2021. However, rattan has a long history of popularity all over the world as a material for creating both indoor and outdoor furniture.
Where does rattan come from?
Rattan is a vinelike palm which grows in forests. There are roughly 600 species of it in existence. It wraps around different plants and trees and grows up them to get as much sunlight as possible. Rattan typically comes from tropical areas of Africa, Australia, and Asia. Because it grows so fast, it’s a reliable source of income for local communities.
Harvesting rattan
Rattan is harvested by farmers all year round. It’s an almost indestructible substance which can’t be split or broken, so it’s cut into large strips and collected for processing before selling. If the strips are thin enough, they can be left in the sun and smoked, otherwise they can be boiled in oil to ensure they are fully dried. When cut into small strips, rattan can be woven to make furniture and baskets. Some species of rattan can also be used as dyes or eaten, although we wouldn’t recommend chewing on your new chairs!
Using rattan to make furniture
Rattan furniture was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 19th century and has remained popular ever since. A previous notable spike in the popularity of rattan furniture came in the 1930s and 1940s when it was in fashion for a wide range of furniture including tables, chairs, beds and desks. 2021 has once again seen an increase in popularity of natural materials for furniture and rattan fits perfectly into this trend. Nowadays, it’s used largely for garden, summerhouse and conservatory furniture.
Can rattan withstand the British weather?
Although natural rattan is not weatherproof, a lot of synthetic rattan furniture is. The quality of the materials, the frame and the weave will be a huge factor in whether your furniture can cope with the unpredictable UK weather. Trent Furniture’s range of synthetic rattan furniture is both UV and water resistant, so you can use it both indoors and out. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your new tables and chairs stay in perfect condition:
- Clean with warm water and a splash of washing up liquid every few weeks and dry with a cloth.
- Cover your furniture or stow away in winter or other harsh conditions.
- Let it breathe - when the sun is out, remove your covers to prevent mould from building up.
Pictured: our water-resistant black rattan chair
Why we love rattan
Rattan furniture is lightweight, affordable and stylish. It can be treated with many stains and paints, meaning it’s available in all sorts of colours so you can easily find something to suit your needs, whether you are looking to furnish your conservatory or your garden. With our range of synthetic rattan and wicker furniture, we’re certain you’ll be thrilled with your purchase.
If you any questions about our rattan furniture just click below to contact us or call 0116 2989 335 and our team will be happy to help.