Even if you don’t pay too close attention to interior design trends, there will be no doubt that rattan will have come up on your radar.
The fabric has stood the test of time over the last few years, becoming one of the most sought after furniture styles for both in and out of your home. It is the latter that we are diving into today to elevate your conservatory, patio or garden spaces. Refresh and bring your exterior to life with an organic, natural or synthetic version of this hugely coveted construction.
For those uninitiated with the material, rattan – a thin type of cane - originates from the jungles of Africa, Malaysia and the Philippines and is woven to create an intertwined design where the technique (known as wicker) dates back to Ancient Egypt. This process makes the resulting furniture or baskets strong, hard-wearing and durable. It can then be treated with stains or paints to suit the aesthetic of your space. Rattan makes for a sustainable option as much like bamboo, it’s also fast growing and needs to be cleared regularly in order to release the pressure for other plants.
How do you care for rattan furniture?
There are two kinds of rattan, natural cane or synthetic that require different care protocols. The latter is generally created with plastic or more specifically polyethylene that stands the test of time, is UV resistant and weatherproof. Natural rattan is not waterproof so is best stored indoors when not in use to ensure that it stays tip top year after year.
You can easily clean both types with water and a sponge but it’s best to also opt for a proper furniture cover. This may not be included with your purchase but is worth splashing out – it will save you in the long run. You could also use tarpaulin and bungee cords.
Why is rattan so popular?
The appeal for lost-lasting pieces that will withstand whatever the British summer and winter will throw at it certainly adds to the popularity, but rattan is also enduring in the aesthetics department.
The timeless design will make a stylish backdrop to your summer soirees – whether you’re hosting a BBQ with the whole family or soaking up the rays with a cocktail in hand.
From dining furniture sets, to lanterns, there is such a huge range of rattan furniture on the market that it can be easily incorporated to your outdoor oasis.
Sho the best rattan furniture below.
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BISTRO SETS
Moda Furnishings Vase stacking set
This innovative design will be a game-changer for smaller gardens. With room for two, the bistro set stacks into each other in a vase shape (hence the name) for easy storage when the weather turns. It includes foam cushions with machine washable covers.
Buy now £895.00, Moda Furnishings
Wingback Cane Style Rattan Bistro Set
Create a cosy al fresco dining experience with these 70s-inspired cane chairs. There are two in the set and they come complete with a table too that has a glass top. The hard-wearing construction comes from the PE rattan material and the black steel legs that brings a contemporary takes on the retro feel. Chic.
Buy now £349.99, Von Haus
Henley - Reclining Bistro Set with Side Table
The beauty of this bistro set is its versatility. There’s a higher table for al fresco meals putting your BBQ delight within easy reach. It’s topped with glass to make cleaning easy. The chairs recline and there’s foot rests too for unmatched lounging. Perfection.
Buy now £1545.00, Moda Furnishings
Habitat 2 Seater Bamboo Garden Bistro Set - Natural
Looking for a space-saving bistro set for a compact balcony or small-but-perfectly-formed patio? Call off the search. This stylish rattan set from Habitat is a durable and dashing duo of chairs and a matching side table for outdoor natters and nibbles. Add a rug underneath and some rustic lanterns for an ambient outdoor hideaway.
Buy now £289.00, Argos
DINING SETS
Windsor 18 - Sofa Set with Rising Table and Footstools
Get the whole family together with this expansive dining collection. Comfort is placed at the forefront so there are cosy cushions set on the three-seat sofa, the armchairs and the included footstools.
It can seat eight people for formal occasions or you can lower the adjustable table for lounging. There’s a hidden drinks cooler as well as a rotating Lazy Susan to enhance the party feel. The parasol pictured is also included and there’s a seven year guarantee. The durable construction is UV-resistant and waterproof.
Buy now £3470.00, Moda Furnishings
Classic Rattan 6 Seater Garden Sofa Set with Square Rising Table and Parasol
Kit out your garden in style with the dining set of your dreams from Primrose Living. This light hued rattan set is easily adaptable to suit any of your warm weather plans. There’s a sofa, footstool, armchairs, a table and an XL parasol all included in the price, making it a great buy if you want to get all your garden furniture for one cost.
The seating is fitted with deep filled cushions and the deep and high-backed chairs will ensure you stay cosy as day parties turn to night. The furniture is made from premium PE rattan to maintain the quality and enhance its ability to brave the elements being UV, weather and mould resistant. The table can be adjusted height-wise and is topped with glass for easy clean.
Buy now £2299.99, Amazon
Monaco 9-Seater Rattan Effect Corner Sofa Dining Set - Grey
Seating nine, this set will encourage you to dine in style throughout the summer. Comfy, hassle-free seating is achieved through the corner L-shaped sofa, table and three stools complete with thick seat pads and back cushions. The construction is a durable rattan-effect that is also weather resistant, while the aluminium frame keeps it lightweight yet resilient. You may notice the tempered glass tabletop but this set takes it to the next level with the addition of a Lazy Susan as standard.
Buy now £999.99, Robert Dyas
Gr8 Garden Foldable 6ft Heavy Duty Black Rattan Effect Design Folding Dining Table
This is one of those space-saving solutions that will be very welcome to those with a petite outdoor pied-à-terre. The table folds into a thin square design for easy storage but easily constructs so you’re always prepared for impromptu guests. It is made from a faux rattan material that is lightweight yet sturdy and weather resistant.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Didcot Round Garden Sofa Dining Set in Grey Weave and Grey Fabric
This contemporary solution gives ample seating to suit your summer soirees but when the season is over, the modular construction can be easily tucked under the table to store away during the winter. There are four benches, each of which can seat two comfortably and include cushions in a timeless grey hue. The top is adjustable and is topped with glass and a Lazy Susan centrepiece.
Buy now £2299.00, Barker & Stonehouse
Salsa 4-Seater Round Garden Dining Table & Chairs Set, Natural
Serving up some serious good looks (as well as your food), this so-chic natural rattan round table and chair set is divine. Offering a modern bohemian aesthetic, it’s sleek yet warm, organic yet industrial and, let’s face it, a little bit mouthwatering. Add statement plants and palms for a cool California-style finish. Also comes in black.
Buy now £549.00, John Lewis
SOFA SETS
Ledbury 7F - U Shaped Sofa with Gas Firepit and Bench
Take your warm weather relaxation to new heights with this lounge set that features an impressive 10 seats including a U-shaped sofa. While the attractive brown hue (it’s also available in two tones of grey and a natural hue) is enough to draw us in, the wow-factor comes with this gas fire pit that sits at the centre of the coffee table. Ambiance at its best.
Buy now £4810.00, Moda Furnishings
Natuna 4-seater mixed material garden sofa set
Giving rattan a modern feel, this lounge set has been finished with dark metal legs that transforms the natural appearance of the material, giving it faintly industrial leanings. Yet it still retains all the boho feel with its sleek lines and relaxed, low slung back.
Buy now £399.00, ManoMano
Florence 4 Piece Conversation Set
This set will transform your outdoor space into a relaxing retreat with its two-seat sofa, two chairs and the table. There’s a supportive high back and full seat cushions that you’ll sink right into.
Buy now £399.99, The Range
Argos Home Lexy 4 Seater Rattan Garden Sofa Set
Surrounded by plants and flowers, this set will fit right in to help you create a jungle vibe in your backyard. The natural material will fit seamlessly among your greenery, while you can unwind in the cosy comfort of the two eggs chairs. There’s also a sofa and a table in the co-ordinating design.
Buy now £900.00, Argos
Madrid Cane Effect Sofa and Coffee Table Set
Help your cosy corner of the world spark joy with this sofa and coffee table set. You don’t need to have an expansive plot of land, you can make the most of what you got with this sunshine in furniture form. The pieces have a rounded design and a light hued natural look, juxtaposed with modern black legs.
Buy now £293.99, Very
GoodHome Apolima Rattan effect Bench
For an injection of rattan into your current outdoor furniture, B&Q is offering this chic sofa with that classic cane look. The sophisticated design is curvaceous and cute with a weave design. It fits two people.
Buy now £148.00, B&Q
CHAIRS
Rattan Petal Chair
Fill your garden with beautiful blooms including this hugely attractive petal shaped piece. You can actually place it indoors or out and adorn with a variety of decorative pillows and throws to embellish any corner of your exterior or interior space.
Buy now £119.99, Von Haus
Majorca Snuggle Seat and Side Table Set
Cosy seat for one? This pod chair is made for diving deep into a good book with wine cooling in an ice bucket on the well-placed side table. The circular design gives a modern feel, while also acting as a space-saving solution for smaller spaces. Measures 48 x 40 x 48cm.
Buy now £399.99, Very
Outsunny Sun Loungers with Cushion
For the sun worshippers, no garden set is complete without your very own loungers so you can soak up every last drop of the summer rays. This premium set from Outsunny will be the spot for you to relax reading a book, listening to music or sipping on Pimm’s.
Buy now £299.99, Amazon
Set of 2 Rio Rattan Sun Loungers
Going loco down in… the middle of your own garden! But it could be Acapulco with this exotic sunlounger that conjures up images of blue-skied, palm-clad, vibrant destinations full of life and culture. You’ll feel like you’re in your very own version of Club Tropicana.
Buy now £389.00, Dunelm
Sulu Lounger
You could be lounging in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, in a boutique hotel in Tulum or poolside in Ibiza with the boho feel of this rattan sunbed. The lightweight aluminium frame is embellished with cane detailing made from polywood and made all the more comfortable with the plush cushion.
Buy now £399.00, Dunelm
EGG CHAIRS
Cane Hanging Chair
While away the hours unwinding in the summer sun on this inviting hanging chair. From the cosy cushions to the soothing swaying motion, it will encourage you to enter a deep state of relaxation. Measures 100 x 195 x 100cm.
Buy now £233.99, Very
Double Hanging Egg Chair in Grey
It may be the Instagram effect but we can’t seem to get enough of the egg chair. It’s a style that has endured many a summer but it’s more than just about aesthetic. While they are fun and playful, the style also offers a place to unwind in the utmost comfort. W132 x D118 x H198cm.
Buy now £699.00, Rattan Direct
Garden Store Direct Eleanor Folding Double Hanging Egg Chair
A hanging chair made for two (or just to really stretch out on), this design elongates the egg shape that’s so popular right now. It comes with plush head and seating cushions and is calibrated to be the perfect mount and dismount height. Set it on your patio, grass or decking and watch the neighbours turn green with envy. 196cm x 145cm x 196cm.
Buy now £95449.00, Amazon
DAY BEDS
Classic Rattan Modular Daybed Sofa Set with Retractable Canopy
Not your typical day bed, this is a modular furniture piece that can be the relaxing lounger that it appears but can also be deconstructed to allow for a wider social circle. The middle becomes a table, while the foot rests become stools. Incase the weather turns or you need a respite from the sun’s rays, there’s a retractable canopy.
Buy now £1499.99, Primrose Living
Venice Rattan Garden Day Bed in Black and Vanilla
If you’re sticking to a monochrome design scheme, this is the day bed for you. It too has a retractable canopy as well as a glass coffee table that is stored away under the sofa when sunbathing. When 1pm hits, the footrest become an additional seating bench so you can dine away.
Buy now £899.00, Rattan Direct
Very San Remo Sunbed with Canopy
The ultimate in luxury lounging, this versatile piece can be turned from a comfy sofa to a sumptuous, sprawling day bed. Two separate footstool can be added to extend the lounging possibilities and creates a round day bed perfect for stretching out solo or sharing with your partner or kids (if you’re feeling really generous). There’s also an in-built sun canopy to protect you from the rays. We’ve fallen head over heels - straight into the middle of this posh piece of rattan garden furniture.
Buy now £749.99, Very
ACCESSORIES
HEMOTON Rattan Flower Pots
Match your rattan furniture to your greenery with the help of this large planter. It has a rustic weave design.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
San Marino Solar Poly Rattan Lantern Large
Lighting is crucial is setting the ambiance to your outdoor space and there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate rattan too. This woven design houses an LED candle in the interior so no fear of fires here.
Buy now £25.00, Dunelm
Kendel Garden Ice Bucket Side Table in Brown Weave
Don’t be fooled. This isn’t just your typical sideboard. The lid reveals a stainless steel ice bucket to ensure that hot beverages stay out of your summer plans.
Buy now £159.00, Barker & Stonehouse
