Rattan
Rattan: Unique, durable and ecological beauty
As the growth cycle of rattan is significantly shorter than that of wood, rattan is a very durable material to work with. It’s considered as being ecological and sustainable for a number of reasons:
no pesticides or fertilizers are needed for cultivating rattan
rattan is CO2 neutral thanks to its rapid growth, and it’s recyclable
rattan grows best under some sort of tree cover and as a result rattan planting indirectly protects tree cover and forests.
Handcrafted and low-maintenance
Rattan is a very flexible material with distinct characteristics, thus allowing to create beautiful, unique and solely handcrafted designs with it. It’s therefore no wonder that rattan is one of the favourite materials at Vincent Sheppard to work with.
Handcrafted rattan furniture from Vincent Sheppard exemplifies the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering a diverse range of products from dining chairs, plant stands and lamp shades to coffee tables and lounge chairs. Each piece is meticulously crafted to highlight the natural beauty and durability of rattan, creating furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
As a bonus, rattan is easy to maintain: clean it every now and then with a moist towel and some natural soap, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come!
Tips for maintaining rattan furniture
Regular dusting: Use a soft cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust.
Clean spills and stains: Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water, make sure the cloth is not overly wet. Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew.
Deep cleaning: Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and warm soapy water to clean the weave and crevices. Ensure the furniture is completely dry afterwards.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach or abrasive scrubbing pads to clean the rattan.
Rattan products you might like
Frequently asked questions
Rattan
Keep your rattan furniture looking its best and discover more about the material.
No, rattan chairs are not the same as reed chairs or regular woven chairs.
Rattan is a solid wood-like material derived from the rattan palm, a tropical climbing plant. Rattan stems are steamed and bent into the desired shape under high temperatures. Once cooled, the material is incredibly strong and lasts for decades.
Reed is a hollow water plant that is very fragile and is typically used for fine decorative weaving. The term "reed chairs" is often incorrectly used to refer to rattan chairs.
Woven chairs can be made from various materials. This refers to the technique, not the material itself. Chairs can be woven using rattan, Lloyd Loom, paper cord, or synthetic materials.
Dust your rattan furniture regularly with a soft cloth and you can enjoy it for years! Below you will find several maintenance tips for rattan:
Regular dusting: Use a soft cloth or duster to gently remove dust.
Cleaning stains: Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water, making sure the cloth is not too wet. Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold and mildew.
Deep cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush and warm soapy water to clean the weave and crevices. Ensure the furniture is completely dry afterward.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach or abrasive scouring pads to clean the rattan.
No, natural rattan chairs or lamps are sensitive to moisture and should not be left outside. Rattan absorbs water and will mold, turn black, and eventually break if you leave the rattan furniture in the garden. Intense sunlight can also cause rattan to dry out and start splintering.
Chairs or lamps with a rattan look made of plastic can perfectly be left outside. Synthetic wicker is made for the outdoors and has the following advantages:
UV-resistant and will therefore not discolor
Waterproof and frost-resistant
Can be left outside all year round
Looking for furniture with a rattan look that can stay outdoors? Discover the Roy collection or Tika collection.
Rattan furniture and lighting
Add warmth and tactility to your interior with Vincent Sheppard's rattan collection.