Not unlike our previous blog post “Beloved Macramé” we believed that some design and décor trends belonged in the 1970’s, however history keeps repeating itself and has shown us more than once that true style doesn’t die. Trends always come back guided with love from the past met with a fresh perspective from the new and eager generations.
Thank you to these fresh new minds and the awareness of conscious living and its practices, people are now understanding the importance of sustainability, eco-friendly and organic solutions to your home and everyday life. Rattan is just that. The perfect solution to honor these principles and also a far more available and affordable option than you may think.
There was a time when Rattan furniture was regarded as outdoor furniture. Although it does make the perfect aesthetic outdoor furniture we have now introduced the stunning rattan furniture indoors in all of its varied forms. Let’s get into it.
Get Ready For The Biology
Rattan Palms don’t grow like their cousins, the traditional palm trees we are accustomed to seeing adorning every street, and road in the UAE. These particular palms are known as climbing vines. The entire palm can be used making it completely consumable, recyclable and eco-friendly. The vines inner strands are used to weave wicker furniture and products and the outer bark is used to create cane furniture and products.
Why Choose Rattan?
Apart from its obvious natural beauty, Rattan holds a plethora of benefits as to why you should use in your home and garden. As mentioned it is entirely consumable, there isn’t a part of the palm that isn’t recycled or used. It is ethically sourced, responsibly harvested with reducing the carbon footprint at every stage of its development. So, you can rest assured knowing that you are doing your part for the environment and the planet.
- Completely natural product, eco-friendly, sustainable and highly durable you can enjoy these beauties for generations to come.
- Considered to be “Natures’ Artwork” thank you to it being handcrafted and nurtured by nature. It’s gorgeous golden hue is reminiscent to island vibes which has its appeals to those looking to evoke a relaxing and peaceful space.
- Rattan is lightweight, it can be moved around easily As it’s a natural fiber it offers an element of warmth to a home, creating a warm and welcoming space.
Styling your Rattan
Rattan is hugely popular because it can be woven to form any furniture or product item such as the popular; Lounge chairs, armchairs, sofas, side tables, coffee tables, lamps, storage baskets, rugs, mirror frames, bedframes and headboards, heck! Even down to apparel items, shoes, bags, hats… really, the options are limitless. But let us focus on the furniture side of things.
Incorporating rattan into your interior design will have a maximum effect with minimal effort. People are naturally drawn to things, people that have the right energy and as rattan is a nature fiber you instantly introduce that into your space…
Pairing rattan with other styles and materials is easier than you think. Whether your home is traditional, modern- contemporary, bohemian, shabby-chic or eclectic. There is a rattan piece that will tie everything together and elevate and blend the entire aesthetic seamlessly.
For example. For the ultimate bohemian look, pair your rattan piece with any other natural material such as wood, bamboo or even stone, add some beautiful plants and flowers, long freestanding mirror with some comfortable plump cushions and throws and there you have a perfect- Bo- ho haven. Alternatively, if you have a more modern/contemporary interior the mix of metal with rattan opens the space up for a more eclectic feel. Match with our iron and metal coffee table, leather sofa and rattan piece to evoke an edgy- eclectic feel.
Storage solutions
Rattan baskets make for the perfect solution to your extra storage needs problems. They can be stored anywhere and become either are a fully functional piece like a laundry basket, a hideaway for your children’s toys or become part of your interior and help tie a particular aesthetic together; such as a place to store, blankets, throws, magazines, linens. Some smaller baskets can actually be used to keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.
Thank you to their lightweight, breathable nature they can be stored anywhere even under beds (size depending) and inside of cupboards. As a styling tip we can also like to use a decorative basket on-top of our console tables, ideal to store and organize your car or house keys for that easy grab in the morning.
Upcycling
Don’t be afraid to upholster and upcycle your rattan Furniture, simply because you may be redecorating doesn’t mean your rattan furniture is redundant, just like wood it can be painted, sprayed or even stained. Make the decision to use either of these suggestions and match your new interior design with a fresh and updated look or why not go bold, curate your own statement piece, a contrasting element to your new interior design. It’s like you have a brand-new piece of furniture all over again.
Maintenance
As durable as rattan is, you still have to learn to care for it and make sure you are maintaining it properly, of course, only by doing this you can guarantee its longevity.We all know how harsh the sun can be, how unbearable the humidity can be and when, on the occasion that it rains, it absolutely pours down!! Best to keep this in mind and prepare for all eventualities if you decide to adorn your garden space with rattan furniture.Here are some helpful tips to do this
Indoor use
- If you need to clean, use a cool, damp soft cloth with a mild detergent and let air dry before sitting
- Do not use harsh chemicals or hot water as this will weaken the fibers causing permenant distortion and damage
- Apply boiled linseed to any cracked or frayed areas to help moisturize and replenish the fiber, let it rest and dry fully.
Outdoor use
All of our Home and Soul Rattan furniture comes already pre-treated to withstand our climate however, we would suggest to always keep covered when not in use in your garden.
Home and Soul are proud to live and trade within the principles of conscious and eco-friendly living. We are very proud to provide our dear customers, near and far with the highest quality Rattan and Cane Furniture and decorative products in the region, that will elevate your home and garden space that you to enjoy and your family for many years to come.
See you soon! x