Annie Schlechter / Interior Design: Summer Thornton
Rattan decor has a unique ability to transport us to warmer climates and create a relaxed atmosphere without leaving home. Referred to as the ultimate staycation decoration, rattan instantly brings a sense of ease and evokes visions of leisurely summer days, according to interior designer Summer Thornton. Here’s a look at how rattan gained popularity and how designers are incorporating this natural material into homes today.
The Origins of Rattan
Rattan is crafted from a climbing palm vine native to tropical regions in Asia, Australia, and Africa. Initially, it was a luxury reserved for affluent homeowners who could afford this exotic import until the late 19th century when the Wakefield Rattan Company (later Heywood-Wakefield) began mass-producing rattan furniture. By the 1950s, rattan had become immensely popular, adorning homes nationwide and favored by renowned designers like Tony Duquette and Billy Baldwin. However, the trend shifted in the 1970s when it became associated with the bohemian counterculture and fell out of mainstream favor, along with macramé and abundant houseplants.
The Revival of Rattan in 2025
Though interest in rattan has fluctuated over the years, the material has made a comeback in recent times. Maison & Objet, a prominent home decor event akin to Paris Fashion Week, highlighted the resurgence of rattan this year. Numerous brands displayed rattan as a must-have indoor decor, featuring upholstered armchairs, ottomans, side tables, bar carts, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories. Designers are now integrating rattan into various rooms beyond outdoor spaces, infusing a tropical flair throughout the home.
This renewed enthusiasm for rattan may have been inspired by the success of the French Atelier Vime and their iconic ‘Medici’ pedestal and vase, as well as the revered British brand Soane, whose designer Lulu Lytle penned a book on rattan’s elegance and charm. The love for rattan is evident, with designers incorporating it into every corner of the house, from living rooms to bedrooms.
Decorating with Rattan
To effectively decorate with rattan today, it’s essential to pair it with classic interior pieces, such as traditional upholstered sofas or modern dining tables. Designer Ariel Okin expertly layered rattan in her Westchester, NY family room, enhancing the room’s relaxed vibe and durability, making it ideal for homes with children. By incorporating outdoor fabrics, you can elevate childproofing while adding warmth and texture to space.
Incorporating different textures and materials can further enhance the appeal of rattan furniture, creating a harmonious blend of natural elements in your home decor.
Different textures can be combined to create cohesive decor styles, such as the use of a banquette in a coastal kitchen designed by Marina Hanisch. Pairing it with bentwood chairs instead of woven wicker-back chairs achieves a balanced and modern look. A contemporary metal pendant light overhead adds a touch of contrast. According to Hanisch, the right amount of rattan can introduce an organic contrast and effortless ease to a design, avoiding an outdated feel. Rattan’s handcrafted quality adds a curated and layered feel to a space rather than a polished one.
Rattan is distinct from bamboo, as it is not hollow like bamboo but it shares a similar appearance and eco-friendly nature. Even small accents of rattan, like swapping fabric lampshades for woven rattan ones in a Chicago living room by Summer Thornton, can bring a casual touch to a formal space. Thornton suggests keeping rattan in its natural color for a timeless and elevated look.
To incorporate tropical elements without overwhelming a space with rattan, Amanda Reynal recommends balancing its texture with vibrant colors and clean-lined furniture. In a resort-style living room designed for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, Reynal combines rattan pieces with aqua blues, Kelly Greens, and grasscloth wallcovering for a coastal ambiance. Utilizing materials like raffia, caning, and jute alongside rattan creates a neutral foundation with a layered effect.
