Rattan might be one of the most versatile materials to work with – and these 10 rattan decorating ideas prove it

I've always thought of rattan as a spring and summertime material. Perhaps that's because of rattan's earthy, natural appearance, or maybe that's due to its frequent use in beach houses and backyards. But have it be known – rattan decorating ideas are beneficial for any room, in any home, and in any climate.

You see, rattan is an interior design trend with such potential outside of the confines of tropical destination resorts and beach town cottages. It's a material with inherent versatility – it can be used in both casual and formal settings, and it can easily enhance any corner of your home with its textural appeal and laid-back charm. Not only that, but it also introduces feelings of coziness and warmth. That might be why it's such a common feature of the coastal decor trend, but trust me, rattan decorating ideas are universal.

If you're eager to discover the versatility of rattan, keep reading. I've spoken to designers who frequently use the material to get the inside scoop on the best rattan decorating ideas – ideas that can benefit your home, regardless of its interior design style.

1. Incorporate rattan accents with storage

One of the easiest ways to incorporate rattan into your home is by means of storage – like the rattan basket that interior designer Jennifer Hunter used as an entryway idea in the home above.

'I love incorporating a rattan basket into an entryway to neatly conceal shoes or outgoing packages,' Jennifer says. 'This basket not only keeps things organized but also adds a touch of natural warmth to the space.'

Rattan baskets are a storage idea that provides a stylish space for miscellaneous belongings around the house. Aside from an entryway, rattan baskets can be used in a living room for spare blankets, in a bedroom for laundry, and even on pantry shelves for organization (if you choose a basket that's small enough). Wherever they are used, rattan baskets can add natural warmth, as Jennifer mentioned, and a touch of texture.

2. Add a touch of texture with rattan light fixtures

I'm a firm believer that rattan details – regardless of size – can always benefit a room. The natural texture, inherent laid-back feel, and neutral color of rattan furniture and decor can act as an anchoring detail.

Take the rattan wall sconces in the kitchen above as an example. Despite being small in size, the rattan shades on these sconces add an additional layer of interest that creates balance in the space.

'In the kitchen, we had many cool-toned, hard surfaces: blue polished marble backsplash, gray marble-inspired quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances – so we added a pair of sconces with woven rattan shades on either side of the range hood to add interest and warmth,' the room's designer, Peggy Haddad tells me.

'The natural rattan introduces an organic texture and a honeyed hue that balances out the hard finishes while also complementing the warm brass strapping on the hood.' Despite being a small detail, these rattan sconces make a tasteful impact in the kitchen's overall design.

3. Use rattan details to add warmth

Although there are lots of ways to add warmth to a room, decorating with rattan is guaranteed to make a space feel more comfortable, warm, and inviting (hence why it can work in fall as well as summer).

Above, designer Phoebe Hollond of Studio Hollond incorporated rattan in many different ways to develop a friendly and inviting aesthetic in this dining room. 'In this project in Sussex, we included rattan pieces into a hardwearing family kitchen to add a warm dimension,' Phoebe explains. 'The rattan pedestals and urns that some people fill full of flowers, we actually electrified these so that at nighttime they become these incredible glowing statues and are such fun.'

From their tactile texture and their grounding color, the rattan details in this space make the room feel like a warm and welcoming environment that's both soft and visually appealing. And that's just the rattan effect. As Phoebe says, 'Rattan is an incredibly versatile material, not only can you form many pieces out of it, but it creates such a soft look.'

4. Create a soft focal point with rattan furniture

A rattan cabinet makes for a stylish decor feature – especially in a dining room. It can serve as a chic spot to store extra glassware, plates, or even seasonal table linens.

But because of rattan's natural appeal, it's a material that can be used to ground a space with quiet elegance while simultaneously enhancing a room's design. Take the dining room above, designed by Jennifer Hunter, as an example. The rattan cabinet acts as a grounding feature that balances the room's otherwise bright and lively design.

Rattan can also alter the ambience of a room. As Jennifer tells me, rattan furniture can create a cozy and casual atmosphere indoors. The cabinet above is a prime example. Aside from its grounding qualities, the rattan cabinet in this room alters the atmosphere – making it a space that's both warm and inviting.

5. Hang a rattan ceiling light

Here's a clever rattan decorating idea – hang a rattan ceiling light in your bedroom. Not only will it add a unique textural detail to your ceiling, but the subtle slits in the rattan shade will allow the light to cast an elegant glow onto the room below. It can also make a traditional bedroom feel transitional, softer, and more inviting.

Designers Alan and Jess Weeth of Weeth Home finished this bedroom with a charming rattan pendant. It's a detail that truly makes the space come together. 'With portions of the house dating back to the late 1700s, the bones lean more traditional and formal,' the design duo explains. 'The rattan chandelier helps bring a casual hit of warmth that helps balance the millwork, fireplace, etc.'

Alan and Jess understand the dynamic impact that rattan details can make on interiors. As the creators of the 'Eastcoastal' design trend, they rely on woven decor and materials like rattan to add warmth and coziness to rooms – just like the pendant in this bedroom.

6. Don't forget about cane furniture

Cane is a type of rattan – it refers to the outer part of the rattan plant and can also be used to make furniture and decor. It has the same textural qualities and laid-back charm of rattan, however, the weave itself is more intricate.

Peggy Haddad designed this entryway to feel warm and inviting – and the cane bench helps make that happen. 'This entryway exudes Southern charm and hospitality thanks to a wood bench with cane webbing, layered with collected pillows,' she explains.

'The woven cane detailing adds timeless texture, the kind you might find on a breezy Southern porch or in a European antique, while its open weave keeps the piece from feeling heavy or formal. Cane and rattan pair beautifully with blue; as you can see here, the bench’s warmth contrasts the crisp walls and balances the blue matted artwork and pillow.'

People often worry that caning is too delicate to be used for furniture such as chairs and benches. Despite being a lightweight and intricate material, cane is durable, and with proper care and use, it can last for years to come.

7. Let rattan help soften a space

Because of its natural texture and color, rattan has inherently casual qualities. Incorporating any sort of rattan decor into the design scheme of a room can help the room feel less rigid and stiff. Its woven design will soften a room, add warmth, and create a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere.

That's just what the rattan details in the living room above achieve, designed by Peggy Haddad. 'In the living room, adding character and texture through the round rattan side table (and don’t miss the pair of scalloped rattan lamps peeking in from the entry) was key,' Peggy explains. 'With a primarily blue palette and tailored upholstery, the natural rattan accents instantly bring warmth and balance. Their curved shapes add a casual elegance that keeps the decor from feeling too stiff.'

The utilization of rattan decor can help establish balance in interior design. According to Peggy, 'that layering of clean-lined furniture with breezy, natural elements, and the balanced mix of warm and cool, is what gives the room its depth and character.'

8. Embrace rattan's retro appeal

Rattan was a widely popular material in the 60s and 70s because of its natural color and organic texture. It became practically synonymous with the Bohemian interior style. With a collective desire and appreciation for interior design details of the past, retro rattan furniture is making a strong comeback in modern interiors.

'Rattan furniture has come back into fashion, though some argue it never went out,' Phoebe Hollond tells me. 'Long gone are the days when it is only expected in the garden, now when it is used inside a home, it brings the outdoors in!'

Rattan details in the home, like the bar stools in this kitchen designed by Phoebe and her team at Studio Hollond, can enhance the natural appeal of a space, and add a slight bit of retro charm.

9. Bring rattan into the bedroom with a headboard

One of the best qualities of rattan is that it doesn't need to be the focal point of a room. Not only that, but it won't forcefully become the focal point, either. Rattan details can softly complement a room and add a textural layer to its design.

Take the room above as an example. In this bedroom designed by Studio DB, a beautiful floral mural graces the wall and matches the rice paper pendant. Bright yellow curtains enhance the height of the room and add vibrancy to the space. Neatly tucked against the wall, the rattan headboard acts as a textural feature that grounds the space in a subtle, quiet manner. It's a detail that – although not the star of the show – influences the overall relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of the space.

10. Don't forget about your porch

Rattan is a natural material, so it's almost guaranteed to look good outside. Aside from its proven durability and low maintenance, outdoor rattan decor is a very common outdoor decorating trend, and it tends to pair well with lots of other outdoor decor details.

In the image above, Jennifer Hunter used several rattan planters to decorate the porch of her client's home in a way that feels effortless. She also paired the rattan planters with other porch pots to create visual harmony. 'I love mixing terracotta and rattan on a porch as the combination brings in natural elements while adding an unexpected layer of texture,' Jennifer tells me.

Outdoor planters are a rattan decorating idea that are easy to implement and can ensure a porch that looks stylish and welcoming.

What is rattan?

'Rattan isn’t just another material picked from the tropics – it’s a game-changer for home decor enthusiasts and designers alike,' interior designer Carla Royder explains. 'Hailing from the lush forests of Africa, Asia, and Australia, rattan is a vine-like palm. Lightweight but tough as nails. Its flexibility means designers can twist it into daring shapes and bold designs, so no matter your vibe – traditional, modern, or something in between – rattan always fits right in, adding organic warmth and a natural, tactile punch to any setting.'

The word 'rattan' is often used interchangeably with terms like 'wicker' and 'cane', and while these terms are similar, it's important to understand what they actually mean and how they are different from each other.

'Rattan stands apart as the raw material – a rugged, fibrous plant that’s anything but fragile, reminiscent of bamboo but with a distinct flexibility and strength,' Carla continues. 'Wicker, contrary to common misconception, isn’t a material at all but a weaving technique, one that artfully employs rattan, bamboo, willow, or even synthetic fibers to striking effect. As for cane, it’s the curated outer portion of the rattan vine, stripped and transformed into a fine, less porous weave – most recognizable in the elegant mesh gracing classic chair backs and cabinet doors.'

What aesthetic does rattan decor create?

As evident in the examples above, rattan decorating ideas can be incorporated into rooms in homes with all sorts of different interior styles. That said, you can always depend on rattan decor to help you create a warm, laid-back, and inviting aesthetic – indoors or out.

'Rattan has this ability to strike a balance between relaxed and refined,' Peggy Haddad explains. 'Its woven texture and warm tones bring an organic softness that immediately makes a room feel more inviting. That tactile quality adds depth without overwhelming a design, which is why you see it used everywhere from coastal cottages to more traditional, European-inspired homes.'

Why is rattan decor so popular?

We see rattan decor everywhere – not only in homes, but in restaurants, shops, and even offices. Why is it such a popular material? According to Peggy, it's because of rattan's versatility. 'You can layer it into almost any style, and it instantly lends warmth, texture, and a touch of natural charm that makes a space feel lived-in and welcoming,' Peggy explains.

Carla thinks similarly. 'Rattan is also a clever foil for stark, modern lines, taking the edge off minimalism so spaces feel welcoming, not cold,' she tells me. 'The real kicker? Rattan is so versatile that every home and every aesthetic deserves at least one piece – be it a showstopping chair or an accent that sneaks in a little soul.'

Rattan is a proven versatile material that can be used in many different ways. However, regardless of how it's used, rattan is bound to fill your home with warmth, character, and textural appeal. Rattan is a timeless decorating idea that is bound make your home feel more inviting.