Though the 70s were particularly fond of their rattan room dividers and grand peacock wicker chairs that seem to feature in almost every album cover from the decade, rattan has been around and used for hundreds of years. Perhaps the earliest example were the woven items found buried in ancient Egyptian tombs. As trade routes opened up around the world, the natural material has become increasingly recognised for its strength, versatility and sustainable nature.
It’s no secret that we’re advocates of genuine sustainability and with rattan regenerating in 5-7 years compared to hardwoods that take 50-100 years, we have a deep appreciation for this natural resource – especially when used in beautiful design.
Take a look at our favourite uses of rattan in design over the years.
An elegant, spacious wood and wicker cabinet with a simple metal frame. The cabinet’s unique design and choice of classic materials light up the home—its combination of French rattan and oak exuding a lovely sense of warmth.
The classic references are further highlighted by the rounded corners, which invest the Be My Guest cabinet with a touch of softness. Together with the simple black metal frame the organic design makes for a light appearance on the outside while the delicate, solid glass shelf lends a sense of airiness to the inside of this spacious cabinet.
Commissioned by his cousin Le Corbusier to design a chair for the government offices of Chandigarh, Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret’s teak and rattan chairs have gone on to become one of the most sought after mid-century modern design pieces in the world. We love the dynamic ‘V’ shaped legs and warmth of these natural materials.
Beautifully simple, yet revolutionary at its introduction in 1928, Marcel Breuer’s Cesca Chair marries natural and industrial materials in his innovative design. The warm rattan seat and back is enveloped by a continuous curved steel frame that has made it one of the most significant chairs of the twentieth century.
Today, rattan furniture is still just as practical and aesthetically pleasing for its lightweight, neutral, and organic texture. Warm Nordic features a range of furniture that features this beautiful natural material designed by Danish designer Charlotte Honcke. Her inclusion of French rattan and oak exudes a lovely sense of warmth that brightens any contemporary interior.
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