Properties of rattan furniture – advantages and disadvantages

Krines Home Blog 25.10.21

The natural material rattan is enjoying immense popularity — and for good reason. This woven material brings warmth to your home, is sustainable, and at the same time both lightweight and durable. You can use rattan furniture both indoors and outdoors to enjoy relaxing moments with your loved ones. Like any piece of furniture made from natural materials, rattan has its own specific advantages and disadvantages. Find out what they are in this blog post!

First things first – what exactly is rattan?

The material used for rattan furniture comes from the rattan palm, also known as the rotang palm. This slender, climbing plant grows mainly in Southeast Asia. Although there are over 600 species of the palm, only about 30 types are used for furniture production. The vines of the rotang palm can reach heights of up to 200 meters during their lifetime, using surrounding trees for support, while having a diameter of only about five centimeters. The term rattan refers to the fully woody outer shoot of the vine or its outer skin, while cane describes the core of the stems.

After the rattan is harvested by hand, it is sorted according to the evenness of the stems and cleaned. It is then split, shortened as needed, or alternatively rolled and dried for later processing.

Because rattan is a renewable raw material, it is considered particularly sustainable. Due to its natural character and the fact that rattan furniture is handmade, small irregularities, variations in material thickness and color intensity, or minor cracks may occur. However, this is precisely what gives these pieces their charm — each item of rattan furniture is a true one-of-a-kind piece!

The Versatile Properties of Rattan

Rattan is truly a multi-talented material. It impresses first and foremost with its lightness, while at the same time being remarkably strong. The strands can therefore be used as structural frames for furniture. When exposed to moisture and hot steam, they become pliable and can be shaped — making it possible to bend and weave them into beautifully curved pieces of rattan furniture.

Rattan can be dried, which slightly darkens its color. However, if it is treated with oil beforehand, its light tone is preserved. It can also be dyed in black, white, or even more vibrant colors. If you plan to use rattan furniture outdoors, it’s important to note that this natural material is not resistant to weather or fungus.

The Advantages of Rattan Furniture

The unique properties of rattan come with a number of benefits. Furniture made from natural rattan is sustainable because the material grows back quickly. At the same time, it is very strong and durable, yet remains lightweight. Compared to wooden or metal furniture, rattan pieces can be easily moved, rearranged, or transported without much effort. Thanks to its natural flexibility, rattan provides comfortable seating and can be easily combined with other materials or styles. It is particularly well-suited for brightening smaller or darker rooms, but can also be stained or painted if desired. Another advantage is that rattan furniture hardly warps and never needs to be painted. Should one of the woven connections ever break, it can be easily repaired by a specialist — so there’s no need to replace the entire piece.

Do Rattan Furniture Have Any Disadvantages?

In general, the advantages of rattan furniture clearly outweigh the disadvantages — however, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it. Since rattan is not weather-resistant, it is sensitive to moisture. When exposed to water for long periods, rattan can gradually darken or turn gray and may even start to decay. It can also become brittle over time. Therefore, natural rattan furniture should never be left out in the rain or snow.

Beautify Your Home with Rattan Furniture!

When you choose rattan furniture, you are selecting pieces with premium qualities. In addition to their color, stability, lightness, and beautiful woven patterns, these items impress with their comfort. Each unique piece is handmade and integrates harmoniously into your living spaces.

Are you interested in enhancing your home with rattan furniture? Then take a look at the Krines Home online shop! We offer high-quality rattan furniture for your living room, including comfortable rattan armchairs and rattan sofas. With our handwoven storage trunks, you can also neatly store smaller items such as dishes or napkins. Our conservatory furniture will likewise transform your home into a true oasis of well-being. Here you’ll find the perfect rattan furniture for your living spaces! If you have any questions about our collection, feel free to contact us at any time — we’re happy to assist you!

Bed box with lid

Make the most of the space under your bed with our large rattan bed storage box. The under-bed drawer has a large hinged lid so that the interior is protected from dirt and dust. Of course you can also use the bed storage box in the living room un...

€99.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

Bench Klassiko Rattan bench - Two-seater

Our Klassiko rattan bench is, as the name already suggests, an absolute classic among rattan furniture. The proven design, in combination with the high-quality workmanship, creates a wonderful and, above all, cozy seating piece. The two-seater ben...

€489.00

Available, delivery time: 2-5 days

Details

Birmingham high-back armchair made of rattan reading chair | 2-piece set

Whether as a reading chair or a cozy armchair: With the high-back Birmingham armchair you make the ideal choice. The high backrest of the chair provides you with comfortable support for your back and impresses with its comfortable cushions. The ar...

€899.00

Available, delivery time: 2-5 days

Details

Boho-style rattan dining room armchair with armrests.

The rattan Boho chair is characterized by its soft curves and brings natural elegance into your four walls. The open weave in Bohemian style looks chic and provides a light living feeling. The chair is handcrafted from natural rattan and impresses...

Variants from €199.00

€219.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

Braided laundry basket Koobo rattan gray

Laundry basket made of gray Koobo rattan with a rounded front. With the large opening, the basket is easy to fill and can also be used as a storage chest. The beautiful appliqué made of faux leather is a great detail and makes the basket a special...

€79.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

Braided laundry basket Vienna from rattan

With our square Wien laundry basket you get a true all-rounder. Place the woven laundry basket in the bathroom to store your laundry in it and at the same time use it as a seat. In living and sleeping areas, the basket becomes a stylish storage ch...

€145.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

Bryan dining chair with armrests Loom armchair including seat cushion

Our elegant dining chair Bryan is made from high-quality Lloyd-Loom fabric, which is attached to a solid rattan frame. The Vintage White color of the Loom chair Bryan pairs wonderfully with country-style furniture or can also be used as a contrast...

€299.00

Available, delivery time: 2-5 days

Details

Cantilever rocking chair made of rattan.

Comfortable rattan cantilever chair with an elegant silhouette. The rattan cantilever chair is solidly constructed and supports up to 100 kg. With its great design, the cantilever chair is not only intended as a dining chair, but can also be wonde...

Variants from €149.00

€159.00

Available in 90 days, delivery time 1-3 days

Details

Children's armchair Swing made of rattan - woven kindergarten chair

Braided children's chair made of natural rattan with a curved shape. The Swing children's chair is woven with 5 mm thick Peddigrohr, which not only makes it extremely robust and durable, but also provides a great look. The chair offers a great sea...

€89.00

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Details

Comfort Rattan Seating Group Finca 5-Piece Conservatory Furniture High-Back

Cozy rattan seating group for the sunroom consisting of four armchairs and a matching table, with an inset glass top. The rattan armchairs offer great seating comfort with their tall backrests and wide armrests, letting you enjoy your time. The Fi...