Rattan Revival: How to Nail the Natural, Textured Look

Dress it up or dress it down! Here’s how to integrate rattan into your home.

No longer just for outdoor furniture, rattan has emerged as a must-have for interiors in 2021. Natural and sustainable, this ‘70s favourite is being coaxed into all manner of interesting forms to suit contemporary homes, from curvaceous bedheads to sculptural lampshades. Rattan is perfect for bringing lush, natural texture to a space and it works beautifully with a range of interior styles, including beachy Hamptons, modern country and Scandinavian.

Can’t resist rattan’s laid-back, retro charm? Here are some easy ways to integrate it into the main rooms of your home.

A touch of boho in the living room

Lightweight and slender, rattan is an ideal choice for smaller living areas as it won’t overwhelm the space. Soften a living room with lots of square lines by using a curvy rattan coffee table, or add a funky little side table – perfect for popping a drink – in the natural material. Alternatively, if you’re looking to invest in bigger furniture pieces, consider a rattan sofa or armchair, both of which are guaranteed to add a casual, coastal feel to the space.  

Not sure what to do with that dull corner of the room? Give it a lift by adding in a rattan stool or side table, with a sculptural rattan hanging light above it. A vase of preserved blooms in earthy tones is perfect for completing the look.

And remember – light brown isn’t your only option when it comes to rattan furniture. If your room scheme consists of white upholstery and pastel artworks, you might want to consider white-painted rattan furniture to create a clean and seamless aesthetic. Discover the Californian glamour look here.

...Or step it up with luxe rattan

Consider black rattan or natural rattan with accents of black to create a chic and contemporary feel in a grown-up living area. 

It’s important to factor in the weave of the piece too; you’ll find that furniture with tightly woven rattan detailing sets a more sophisticated tone than loose, open-weave styles – plus it’s more timeless.

Keeping the palette tight will help you create a curated and modern feel. Pair black and natural rattan armchairs with a timber and black sideboard, black-framed artwork, and black and white decor pieces. Finish off the look with plush carpet in a light tone underfoot. 

Texture in the kitchen

Rattan sits beautifully alongside blonde timber – together, they create a warm and welcoming feel that’s ideal for an open-plan kitchen and meals area (rattan is robust too, making it a great choice for family homes).

Just one or two touches is all that you’ll need; for example, consider adding a couple of rattan bar stools to your kitchen island or densely woven rattan dining chairs around your table. Or install a trio of curvy rattan pendant lights above your island. Keep the rest of the scheme simple with warm-grey floor tiles and pale benchtops to allow the textured, natural material to sing.

Another popular option is to specify rattan inlays to the doors of your kitchen cabinetry. While it’s more of a commitment than freestanding pieces such as chairs and tables, it’s sure to add a unique charm to the room.

A warm entrance

Decorating with rattan is a clever way to boost visual interest in a neutral space without adding bold colour. If you love the idea of natural tones in your entrance but worry it lacks impact, layer up the texture instead. Combine tactile linen wallpaper in a neutral shade with a simple, black steel-framed console table, and an earthy rattan mirror above it to create a softly spoken – and thoroughly contemporary – focal point. 

Get an insight into the latest decorating trends for 2021 and beyond from the comfort of your couch. Take a virtual tour of a Carlisle home today.