There’s no garden furniture like rattan. It is stylish, tough, and affordable. You get comfortable seats and a place to enjoy time with friends that are built to last. But do you know the story behind it? Rattan furniture history goes way back.
It’s interesting to see how this material has stayed popular for centuries. Here’s what you need to know.
Botanical History of Rattan
Rattan isn’t a tree; it’s a vine that grows and climbs up trees to reach sunlight in the forest. The length of the vine can vary depending on its environment.
There are over 600 species of rattan in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Indonesia has the largest variety and is the top supplier of rattan in the world. For centuries, people have used it to make wicker—and today, synthetic, rattan furniture. But this material has more uses than that.
The vine produces a fruit with red resin, which people use to make paint, varnish, and incense. It also finds use in musical instruments like the violin and in traditional medicine.
Where Does Rattan Come From (Furniture)
Rattan furniture has roots that go back to ancient Egypt. Archaeologists found furniture made of reeds and marsh grass along the Nile around 3000 BC. The material that became modern rattan was likely inspired by these early pieces. After Egypt came under Roman control, woven rattan-style furniture became popular in Rome.
The Romans spread their methods across their empire, which brought rattan techniques to Britain. At the height of the British Empire, rattan wicker furniture became popular in Britain and was widely used by the Victorians.
Meanwhile, China was developing its own use of rattan at the same time. Craftsmen there wove rattan into baskets, mats, and furniture for homes. It became a traditional feature in Chinese interiors.
Rattan Furniture Origin in the Victorian Era
Rattan furniture became popular in Britain during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837 to 1901). Victorians used rattan for garden chairs, tables, and patio sets. Unlike stiff wooden or metal chairs, rattan was lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. This made it perfect for relaxing, and the trend spread to America in the 1840s. By the 1850s, rattan furniture was popular on both sides of the Atlantic.
Companies like Wakefield came up with new ways to make rattan furniture and new styles to try. Over time, more designers added their ideas. Synthetic rattan furniture, which resembles natural rattan but is more durable and weather-resistant, emerged later in the 20th century.
Modern Rattan Garden Furniture
If you have a rattan garden set today, you can tell it’s still in high demand. Rattan never really goes out of style and fits into any modern home. We’re also seeing more eco-friendly rattan options becoming available, from wicker to artificial ones.
For instance, rattan dining sets as well as rattan sofa sets are often made with synthetic PE. They give the classic rattan look but with a modern, durable twist. And there’s a wide range of options to choose from!
Whether you choose synthetic or traditional rattan, this furniture is here to stay. To learn more about the different types, see our next guide: Rattan and Wicker: What Is The Difference
