Use Wicker and Rattan for a Tropical Flavor All Year Round

Think you know the difference between wicker and rattan? Well, the truth is, they often are one and the same. Rattan is a plant material harvested from palm fronds to create a grassy, classic design essential. Wicker is a woven material made from natural or natural-looking fibers (often made of rattan, but not always) that you may associate with Miami’s South Beach or Grandma’s cottage. Either way, these two material choices can give you sophisticated tropical style all year round.

First, so we’re clear, here’s an example that truly highlights the difference between the two. All the seats in this room are rattan (or at least styled to look like it). However, only the tan wing chairs in the front and the coordinating side chairs against the wall are wicker, with the material woven into a tactile pattern. The punchy red Chinese Chippendale dining chairs are a more structural form of rattan.

In short: Rattan is a truly organic plant material perfect for those who want a classic, natural, handmade feel, and wicker is any nature-inspired woven material — it can be rattan or not.


Rattan and faux-rattan furniture can lend an exotic, tropical flair. This makes sense, as rattan plants originate in the tropical rain forests of Asia and Africa. Bright, saturated colors are a perfect accent for this style. Think of wildflowers and exotic birds for your hue inspiration.

Here the loose weave of the wicker reveals the thick structural base typical of rattan furniture. The visual separation of the core and the surface weave communicates the classic handmade look.

See more on tropical style


Rattan is not limited to use outdoors. Inside it reads as high end but approachable, making it a great choice for a casual-luxury air. Notice how the wicker weave here is tighter, but the solid frame is still very present.


Do you notice the framing here? In this case the wicker weave was applied to a classic bentwood-style chair frame for a similar contrast of thin weave and thick frame. This indoor-outdoor look works even if you don’t have a vast, luxury-size estate, as in this little dining nook (view of rolling hills not required).


Woven rattan, being plant based, works especially well with wood. The two materials relate but have different textures. These dining chairs are made of pole rattan frames with woven small-core rattan.


Rattan (and similar materials, like banana leaf and cane) still adds a sense of high-end appeal even in a small accessory, like a serving tray …


… or a basket (a great option for stashing magazines, toys, remotes or blankets).


I introduced a little natural impact into my own Miami condo with this CB2 cane bed, showing you can get luxurious resort style without a big investment.

Notice how many of these rooms have bright white walls. Giving natural weaves a clean white background is a key component for creating a South Beach vibe.


Speaking of weaving, let me reiterate: Wicker refers to the basket-like weave of a material, not the fiber. Therefore, “real wicker” can be made of a synthetic material, and frequently is.

Notice how the woven texture (sometimes pressed into solid plastic rather than truly woven) is visible from a distance, because it is larger scale than a fabric weave.


This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “Resin wicker,” as the synthetic version is often called, can be a more durable choice for surviving the outdoor elements, like the sectional seating seen here. I tend to recommend using a synthetic version outdoors …


… and keeping the natural-fiber ones indoors, away from rain, which over time can cause them to rot and wear out.

Here woven chairs and storage ottomans in different natural tones mix with vibrant, rich navy shades to create a nautical feel inspired by cottage life — another great use for wicker indoors.


Ultimately, the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space. Take this example and try wicker chairs with rugged rattan tables. Or look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.

More: How to Shop for Furniture

Tell us: How do you use rattan and wicker in your own home? Share your pictures in the Comments section below.

URL: Use Wicker and Rattan for a Tropical Flavor All Year Round http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24785.html