Rattan furniture holds an enduring appeal for homes and conservatories, celebrated for its natural beauty, sustainability, and artisanal quality. If you're considering enhancing your living space with this versatile material, here are ten facts that will deepen your appreciation of rattan furniture, from its eco-friendly nature to its rich history.
1. Not All Rattan Furniture Is Created Equal
While rattan furniture is universally praised, its quality depends on craftsmanship and the materials used. Authentic natural rattan furniture crafted by skilled artisans offers unmatched durability and charm. Pieces made with high-quality materials feature tighter weaves, smooth finishes, and sturdy frames.
Whether you’re selecting natural cane furniture or natural rattan furniture for your space, investing in well-crafted designs ensures you enjoy their timeless beauty for years.
2. Natural Rattan Can’t Get Wet
Although rattan is durable, exposure to moisture can significantly harm natural wicker furniture crafted from rattan. Damp conditions may soften the fibres, leading to deterioration and mould growth. Moist environments encourage the spread of mildew, which can damage both the material and its aesthetic.
Similarly, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration or brittleness, leaving your furniture looking uneven or fragile. To maintain your rattan's longevity, place it in areas with stable humidity and shield it from harsh sunlight.
3. It’s Incredibly Eco-Friendly
Few materials rival rattan's sustainability. Growing over 2 cm daily and up to 6 meters annually, rattan is a rapidly renewable resource that can be harvested in just two years. By contrast, hardwood trees take decades to mature.
Rattan cultivation supports rainforest preservation by providing income for local farmers and incentivizing the protection of forest ecosystems. Moreover, its ability to thrive in challenging environments, such as flood-prone areas, reinforces its reputation as an eco-friendly option. When you choose natural cane furniture or natural rattan furniture, you're making an environmentally responsible choice.
4. It’s Not Just for Conservatories
Though traditionally associated with conservatory furniture, rattan furniture is ideal for all indoor spaces. Its lightweight design and natural finish make it suitable for any room, from bedrooms to living spaces.
Blending seamlessly into rustic or modern aesthetics, natural wicker furniture adds warmth and elegance wherever it's placed. Its versatility is unmatched, making it an excellent option for those looking to enhance their interiors with texture and timeless charm.
5. Wicker Furniture Has Been Around for Over 5000 Years
The art of weaving furniture in the wicker style dates back to ancient civilizations. The term “wicker” derives from Scandinavian roots, meaning "to bend." Its journey spans centuries, with evidence of wicker furniture made from rattan and grasses found in Ancient Egypt and Sumerian civilizations.
By the Roman era, wicker furnishings were celebrated across Europe. Even after crossing the Atlantic on the Mayflower, wicker pieces like baby carriages were symbols of luxury. Today, while modern techniques have streamlined the manufacturing process, each piece remains a testament to age-old craftsmanship.
6. It’s Easy to Maintain
Unlike many other materials, natural rattan furniture is remarkably easy to care for. Regular dusting with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment helps preserve its condition, and occasional cleaning with soapy water restores its freshness.
Avoid exposing rattan to excessive moisture or direct sunlight to prevent warping or discoloration. With minimal care, your natural cane furniture will remain as beautiful as the day you bought it.
7. Rattan Is Handcrafted to Perfection
Every piece of natural wicker furniture or natural cane furniture is meticulously handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring a unique product each time. The artistry and attention to detail that go into crafting rattan furniture elevate it from a mere functional item to a statement piece.
Handwoven designs offer an unmatched level of character and beauty, perfect for customers seeking authenticity in their furniture choices.
8. Natural Rattan Is Good for Your Health
Natural materials like rattan contribute to a healthier home environment. Unlike synthetic materials, rattan emits no harmful pollutants, making it a safer choice for families with children, pets, or elderly members.
The natural aesthetic of rattan furniture also creates a sense of tranquillity and well-being, fostering a relaxing and energizing atmosphere. Combining eco-friendliness with a calming presence, rattan embodies the concept of mindful living.
9. A Versatile Choice for Modern Living
Rattan's lightweight build and timeless design make it especially suited for modern interiors. Whether you're decorating a compact apartment or a spacious conservatory, rattan furniture adapts effortlessly.
For added comfort and style, consider pairing your rattan pieces with custom cushions. At Desser & Co, we offer over 50 fabric options for our hand-sewn cushions made in the UK, allowing you to personalize your furniture to complement your décor perfectly.
10. Wicker Is Actually Rattan!
Many people mistakenly believe that “wicker” is a material. In reality, it’s a weaving technique often used with natural materials like rattan. This technique brings out rattan's best qualities, creating intricate, durable, and beautiful designs that have captivated us for centuries.
The intertwining of rattan and wicker showcases the ingenuity of artisans who transform a renewable material into timeless pieces of indoor furniture.
Experience the Timeless Beauty of Rattan Furniture with Desser & Co
As pioneers in natural rattan furniture, we at Desser & Co are proud to combine over 100 years of craftsmanship with sustainable practices. From eco-friendly materials to UK-made custom cushions, every piece reflects our dedication to quality, comfort, and care for the environment.
Elevate your home with the enduring elegance of rattan furniture, whether for a cosy living room, a stylish dining space, or your beloved conservatory. Browse our extensive collection of natural cane furniture and discover why Desser continues to be a trusted name in fine furnishings.
Ready to transform your space? Explore our collection today!
