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THE HISTORY OF RATTAN
Firstly, let’s look at the history of rattan and what it is.
Rattan is a thin, durable, and flexible vine that can grow up to 600 feet long. Its name is likely derived from the Malay word "rotan," which means "the stem of a palm tree." People have used rattan for centuries to make furniture and baskets. Its use was first discovered in Egypt, where people wove numerous wicker baskets. Although rattan furniture has its roots in Africa, it became more popular in Asia due to its trade roots. Even though it was once found in pharaohs' tombs, it quickly became the preferred seat for expat families spending time abroad. During the colonial era, rattan furniture solidified its position in the world of interior design. Rattan furniture became even more popular in the West after the Sultan of Brunei gifted Queen Victoria a rattan settee.
Rattan is a type of vine that has a natural flexibility. This suppleness gives furniture artisans the ability to create intricate designs while still maintaining its durability, which is why it is such a popular choice. With over 600 species of rattan available worldwide, artisans can select the most suitable rattan to achieve unique textures, hues and characters.
Rattan is sourced from climbing palms and undergoes a rigorous process to transform it into the pliable material used in weaving. Harvesting rattan sustainably, treating it, and preparing it for weaving involves careful attention and resources, which can add to the overall cost.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RATTAN?
Apart from being a natural material here are some of the features we love most about rattan.
TIMELESS APPEAL
Rattan has a timeless, classic look that seamlessly blends with various design styles. Whether used in traditional, modern, bohemian, or coastal-themed interiors, rattan effortlessly complements different aesthetics. It also has a sense of tradition and craftsmanship that is important and that we can embrace.
NATURAL CHARM
Rattan is a natural material and with that comes an organic and warm appearance, automatically encouraging a visual and tactile connection with the outdoors.
The woven fibres create textured surfaces that infuse indoor spaces with nature-inspired aesthetics. Beyond the visual appeal, rattan symbolises a bridge between the man-made and the natural, inviting a sense of tranquillity. This integration goes beyond style, offering a conscious choice to bring the calming influence of nature indoors. The inclusion of rattan furniture provides not just an aesthetic but a sensory link, creating spaces that resonate with comfort and a profound connection to the natural world. Put simply – it’s a beautiful way to bring the outdoors inside!
DURABILITY
Rattan is a material that boasts impressive durability and strength. It can endure a significant amount of wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for furniture that experiences frequent use. Its robust nature guarantees that items crafted from rattan can withstand the test of time.
VERSATILITY
Rattan displays remarkable adaptability, easily woven into intricate patterns and shapes, enabling the crafting of a diverse range of furniture and decor items. This encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from chairs and tables to lighting fixtures and accessories.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Rattan furniture is often lighter than traditional timber furniture, making it easy to move and rearrange within a space. This practical aspect adds to its appeal, especially in homes where flexibility and adaptability are valued. You can easily move a chair from room to room depending on where extra seating is required.
SUSTAINABLE
Natural rattan is a renewable resource that is an eco-friendly option for furniture production. Rattan palms grow quickly and can be replenished easily, making it a sustainable option compared to some other materials used in furniture manufacturing. Unlike other types of wood that can take up to 20 or 30 years to grow, rattan can be fully grown and harvested in just a couple of years. This fast growth rate, compared to hardwood, requires less land and water to produce, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.
ADAPTABILITY
Rattan showcases exceptional adaptability, effortlessly woven into elaborate patterns and forms, enabling the crafting of a wide range of furniture and decor pieces. Rattan can be used in various categories, including chairs, tables, lighting fixtures, and other accessories. When selecting pieces of furniture for your living room or dining room, rattan pieces can add a touch of style and sophistication to any space. A dining table takes on a new look when it’s surrounded by rattan dining chairs instead of traditional dining chairs.
LOW MAINTENANCE
With a little care, your rattan furniture can provide you with years of enjoyment. Dusting regularly with a soft cloth will usually be enough, but occasionally vacuum using the brush attachment. Keep your rattan furniture dry, but if it does get saturated, dry it outdoors as soon as possible but do not use it until it is dry, so you give the fibres a chance to return to their original shape.
In summary, rattan's enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless aesthetic, natural appeal, durability, versatility, lightweight nature, eco-friendliness, adaptability and affordability. These qualities ensure that rattan remains a staple in the world of design and continues to be appreciated across various style preferences and trends. Invest in some pieces now and enjoy your furniture for a lifetime.
It’s easy to understand why it is a favourite with interior designers all around the world – it’s elegant but at the same time, unpretentious, so can easily fit into all homes.
We can’t see rattan furniture ever going to go out of style!
Crafted from Rattan
