Decorating With Rattan

Rattan is one of those gorgeous materials that is adaptable to a range of interior styles such as the Hamptons look, plus it’s an affordable way to restyle your home for the season. Inviting rattan into your home can be as subtle as updating your kitchen stools, changing lighting or refreshing decor items such as baskets; it won’t break the budget but will create an impactful statement.

Here are three decorating tips when styling with rattan:

1. Don’t go overboard with “matchy-matchy” rattan: As this is a big seasonal trend try to not go over the top when curating rattan in your home as small updates like dining chairs or rattan lighting can be more impactful on their own. Rattan works best when styled with pre-loved furniture in natural timbers such as oak and recycled timbers. This season we are seeing a shift from the natural blonde rattan finishes to more of the darker tones like chocolate brown which has a strong colonial influence.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496477" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496477" width="1500" height="2000" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1500 2000"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="rattan bedhead"/>

   Rattan in darker tones has a strong colonial look.

   These darker tones look great when paired with leafy prints and earthy tones like olive, mustard and sandstone. Rattan certainly isn’t limited to furniture and can be a fun way to introduce indoor planters, bar carts and decorative bowls which will create a gorgeous bohemian feel within your home.

2. Choose two-tone rattan finishes for a contemporary look: This season we are completely lusting over the two-tone rattan trend that is visible in a lot of home decor pieces. The contrast of the black with the natural rattan creates a more contemporary look and feel than the coastal style we have traditionally seen in the past.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496475" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496475" width="976" height="1301" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 976 1301"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="two tone rattan"/>

   Contrasting black with natural rattan creates a contemporary look.

   This colour combination looks great in occasional chairs, bedheads and dining chairs. Another style we are seeing is rattan paired with powder-coated steel which makes it more adaptable in ultra-modern homes.

3. Style with linen and other natural fibres: Thanks to its natural Hamptons feel, rattan complements other natural fibres like jute and sisal rugs. Take inspiration from Byron Bay-style homes and pair oversized jute rugs with rattan coffee tables for an on-trend update.
   <img class="styles__StyledImage-sc-17n6uwl-1 hlcJVa size-full wp-post-496246 wp-image-496473" loading="eager" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-496473" width="1818" height="1364" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, (max-width: 939px) 60vw, (max-width: 1112px) 70vw, 800px" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1818 1364"%3E%3C/svg%3E" srcset="" alt="rattan and sisal rug"/>

   Rattan complements other natural fibres like sisal and jute, as is seen in this living room.

   If you crave something a bit more bold in your home, then Persian rugs pair really nicely with rattan. Linen bedding and rattan bedheads are also a match made in heaven and can create such a dreamy feel in your bedroom.

In conclusion, incorporating rattan into your home decor can be a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. By following these three decorating tips, you can create a beautiful and unique space that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose to go for a classic Hamptons look or a more contemporary feel, rattan is a versatile material that can be adapted to suit any interior style. All images courtesy of Temple & Webster.
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This article was originally published on 18 Jul 2019 at 9:00am but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.