A tropical-themed living room set featuring rattan furniture with floral-patterned cushions, matching a coffee table and an ottoman. Bright, airy, and perfect for creating a relaxing space
Blog

Discover the Different Types of Rattan for Furniture

Rattan is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing material used in furniture making. Here are the main types of rattan commonly used for furniture.

Bamboo poles arranged on a concrete floor, showing different sizes and shades of natural wood used for furniture or crafts

                       Different Types of Rattan for Furniture

1. Natural Rattan is one of the most Common Types 

Natural rattan is favored for its attractive look, strength, and flexibility, making it a timeless choice in furniture across cultures. Its versatile uses have made it popular in various designs.rattan type furniture.

1.1. Familiar indoor furniture designs, commonly found in living spaces

Natural rattan is an exceptional material known for its versatility, strength, and beautiful aesthetic. ATC Furniture offers a range of in-house furniture models made from different types of rattan, each designed to enhance your indoor living space with a touch of nature.

Dining Chairs: made from natural rattan are not only stylish but also extremely comfortable. The woven rattan seat and back provide a unique texture and breathable comfort, perfect for dining areas where design meets function.

A tropical-themed living room set featuring natural rattan furniture, including a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table, with floral cushions and a matching ottoman. Ideal for cozy interiors

A lovely indoor furniture set made of natural rattan

Armchairs and Lounge Chairs: crafted from natural rattan often feature intricate, handcrafted woven designs, adding a decorative yet practical element to any living space. Their lightweight structure allows easy mobility, while the natural appeal of rattan brings warmth and organic beauty to interiors.

Coffee Tables: with a natural rattan weave and wooden frame bring a rustic, elegant touch to any room. Often topped with glass, these tables provide functionality while maintaining the distinct look of handcrafted rattan. The organic texture and natural hues of rattan coffee tables make them an attractive focal point in living areas.

Side Tables: in natural rattan add both decorative and functional appeal to smaller spaces. These compact tables are ideal for holding everyday items or decorative accents of types of rattan while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room with their unique woven designs.

Bed Frames: made of natural rattan are durable and beautifully designed. Rattan bed frames bring a natural, organic element to bedrooms, creating a calming and earthy atmosphere that enhances sleep spaces with timeless beauty and strength.

1.2. Outdoor Furniture that use Natural Rattan

While natural rattan is a more common type of wicker for indoor furniture, it can also be utilized in outdoor settings with proper treatment.

Patio Sets: made from treated natural rattan offer an elegant and rustic look, but due to rattan’s natural sensitivity to moisture and harsh weather conditions, these sets require special care or are best suited for covered outdoor spaces.

A tropical-themed living room set featuring rattan furniture with floral-patterned cushions, matching a coffee table and an ottoman. Bright, airy, and perfect for creating a relaxing space

Beautifully designed patio set showcases the timeless elegance of natural rattan furniture

Nonetheless, treated rattan furniture provides a natural, earthy feel to patios and gardens, enhancing outdoor settings with a rustic charm.

Sun Loungers: Though not widely used in fully exposed outdoor environments, rattan loungers treated for outdoor use provide comfort and aesthetic appeal, particularly in partially sheltered areas like pergolas or covered decks. 

The flexible nature of rattan allows the loungers to recline comfortably, making them ideal for sunbathing and relaxation.

2. Wicker rattan offers a touch of natural elegance to any environment

Wicker rattan is similar to natural rattan but focuses more on the weaving process of furniture and decorative accessories. This technique only increases the beauty of rattan material and gives it a special appearance for types of rattan furniture.

A woven rattan stool with a natural, rustic texture, adding an earthy touch to the wooden floor and furniture in the room. Perfect for bohemian or tropical-inspired interiors

A unique waving style of wicker furniture

2.1. Wicker Rattan: Aesthetic and Design

Wicker rattan is known for its artistic and practical qualities, making it a popular choice for furniture.

  • Artistic Design
    The intricate weaving of wicker rattan creates complex, high-end furniture, adding a decorative element far beyond plain wicker work. This detailed craftsmanship elevates the sophistication of any space.
  • Visual Texture
    The woven texture adds depth and beauty, enhancing both the visual and tactile appeal. This combination of aesthetics and practicality makes wicker rattan furniture stand out.
  • Color Variations
    Wicker rattan naturally enhances rattan’s organic hues, from light honey tones to rich browns. These natural colors create a warm, cozy atmosphere, ideal for home decor to many types of wicker
  • Organic Feel
    Handwoven from natural fibers, wicker rattan has an authentic, organic quality that adds a wholesome and artisanal touch to its overall appearance.

2.2. Design Styles for your dream Patio Furniture

Wicker rattan suits various design styles, a types of rattan offering versatility for any space.

  • Traditional
    Featuring elaborate patterns and glossy finishes, traditional wicker type furniture exudes a formal, classic look, perfect for timeless interior designs in different types of wicker
  • Bohemian
    With large, relaxed forms, bohemian wicker pairs well with bold fabrics and accessories, creating a laid-back, artistic vibe that’s perfect for casual spaces.

A beautifully crafted natural rattan chair with intricate circular designs on the backrest, showcasing traditional wicker weaving techniques ideal for indoor or outdoor use

This wicker rattan chair embodies the essence of Bohemian design, with its intricate hand woven details and artistic patterns

  • Modern
    In modern settings, wicker rattan’s clean lines and simple designs bring warmth and natural elements to contemporary spaces, blending seamlessly with minimalist décor.

3. Reed Rattan which is a specific type of natural rattan material

Reed rattan, similar to traditional rattan but sourced from different parts of the rattan palm, offers unique advantages in furniture design, enhancing both appearance and usability.

Two woven rattan baskets with handles placed on a black and white tiled floor. One basket contains a bouquet of delicate flowers, adding a natural touch to the decor

Basket made of reed rattan, aesthetic color blend with eye-catching texture

3.1. A plenty of Applications

  • Chairs: Stylish and comfortable, perfect for indoor or covered areas to some wicker type furniture.
  • Sofas and Lounge Chairs: Combine comfort with elegant woven frames and soft cushions.
  • Coffee Tables: Feature woven reed bottoms with glass or wooden tops, adding elegance to living spaces.
  • Side Tables: Slim and intricately woven, serving both functional and decorative purposes.
  • Baskets and Trunks: Offer elegant storage with a fine, natural texture.

3.2. Design Styles for the variety of Choosing

  • Classic: Traditional models with unique weaving and a high gloss finish suit for types of rattan
  • Modern: Smooth, sharp weaves for a contemporary look.
  • Bohemian: Laid-back, detailed designs that blend well with eclectic decor.

4. Synthetic Rattan a man-made material designed

PE rattan mimics natural rattan’s look but is stronger, more flexible, and available in various colors. Its durability makes it perfect for both outdoor and indoor furniture.

Outdoor wicker hanging chair with comfortable cushion, placed on green artificial grass in a garden setting. Decorated with a red ATC Furniture pillow and yellow throw blanket

A double swing chair made of PE rattan that enhanced its load-bearing ability.

4.1. Authentic Look and Durability

Synthetic rattan closely mimics the look and texture of real rattan, offering a beautiful, aristocratic appearance. Its durability and weather resistance make it perfect for outdoor furniture, withstanding harsh conditions like direct sunlight and moisture.

4.2. Longevity and Easy Maintenance

PE rattan doesn’t fade, crack, or peel, ensuring long-lasting furniture with minimal upkeep. Cleaning is simple, usually requiring just a wipe with a damp cloth or mild detergent.

4.3. Furniture Applications

  • Chairs and Loungers: Ideal for stylish and comfortable patio and lounge seating.
  • Dining Tables: Perfect for outdoor dining, especially when paired with matching chairs.
  • Coffee Tables: Commonly used in outdoor seating areas.
  • Baskets and Boxes: Great for decorative storage.
  • Room Dividers: Adds a noble touch to interior spaces.

Synthetic rattan is both beautiful and practical, making it a versatile choice for furniture in areas with challenging weather.