Whether your style leans more boho, farmhouse, or mid-century modern, there's a good chance you've come across rattan furniture and decor. Its warm neutral tone and natural texture make rattan a versatile addition to your home. Not totally sure what rattan is? Our guide covers all you need to know about rattan, including what rattan is made of, the difference between rattan and wicker, and the benefits of decorating with rattan.

What Is Rattan & What Is Rattan Made Of?

Rattan is a material that is made from a flowering plant that belongs to the palm family. This plant mostly grows in Southeast Asia, although it can be found in Africa as well. Rattan is a durable, lightweight, and waterproof material, which makes it great to use for outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs, sofas, and dining chairs. Rattan is also a great option if you're looking for furniture that works in spaces with indoor/outdoor climates like sunrooms and gazebos.

But just because rattan material does well outdoors doesn't mean it can't also be used indoors. From accent chairs to to beds, rattan has recently become a popular pick in interior home decor. It adds a natural touch to a room while being neutral enough to fit various styles like bohemian, farmhouse, mid-century modern, and traditional. Bohemian decor uses rattan the most, since this style prioritizes a very natural aesthetic that rattan fits right into. Farmhouse decor features rattan prominently in statement pieces like accent chairs and light fixtures. Traditional and mid-century modern decor break up rattan by mixing it with other materials like wood and fabric.

What Is the Difference Between Rattan & Wicker?

When browsing for rattan furniture, you might wonder about the difference between rattan and wicker. The difference between the two is that rattan refers to a type of material, whereas wicker is a style of weaving rattan to make a type of beautiful and intricate pattern. People often confuse rattan with wicker because they don't realize that rattan is the plant and wicker is the style of weave. Rattan is woven in a wicker style to create patio furniture, chairs, and baskets.

Top Benefits of Rattan Furniture & Decor

Beyond its beautiful natural texture and style versatility, rattan furniture has many benefits.

Durable: Rattan is extremely durable because it is a vine-like plant. When coupled with a weaving technique like wicker, rattan becomes even stronger. This material and technique combination helps evenly distribute weight on furniture, reducing pressure on your furniture and helping it last longer. Opt for rattan for furniture that gets a lot of wear, such as lounge chairs and sofas.

Weather-Resistant: Rattan is weather-resistant because it is a natural material. Because it originates in hot and steamy jungles, rattan naturally resists humidity and high temperatures. Therefore, it's a great material for tropical vacation homes or summer patio furniture.

Lightweight: Due to its vine-like structure, rattan is pliable and light. This helps when it's being weaved together with a wicker technique, and when it comes to moving rattan furniture pieces around your home. It is lightweight and easier to maneuver than dense plastics, wood, and metal. Therefore, rattan material is a good option for those who live alone and may not have help moving furniture around when cleaning or reorganizing. Rattan is also beneficial for those who love to change their space around every so often, since it won't be a hassle to do so.

Now that you understand more about this material, check out some of the best rattan furniture for your home.