In recent years, interior design has seen a strong return to natural materials that bring the outdoors in, encouraging a sustainable approach to furnishing homes.
Rattan, one of the most versatile and eco-friendly materials, has risen as a favorite choice for designers and homeowners alike. Lightweight, sturdy, and boasting a timeless aesthetic, rattan’s natural allure goes beyond beauty.
It has a rich history, a unique sustainability profile, and a low carbon footprint, that aligns perfectly with today’s eco-conscious trends.
Here, we explore the history of rattan furniture, its sustainable benefits, and how vintage rattan pieces present the ultimate eco-friendly solution.
The Historical Appeal of Rattan Furniture
The use of rattan in furniture dates back many centuries, and across many civilizations and regions of the globe.
Rattan was first discovered buried with the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, before the Romans adopted it and spread the style across their empire.
After gaining popularity in northern Europe in the 17th century, rattan then found favor in Victorian Britain, after colonists brought it back from South East Asia, specifically Indonesia and the Philippines, where the material naturally grows.
It became fashionable for its lightweight feel, resilience in humid climates, and its aesthetic suitability for outdoor and indoor spaces – and that continues to this day.
A vine-like plant from the palm family, rattan is flexible, durable, and highly workable, making it the ideal sustainable choice in a world that is currently striving towards net zero.
Rattan furniture designer and collector Harvey Schwartz, a world-renowned historian of rattan furniture, and the owner of the Los Angeles vintage store, Tropical Sun Rattan, says it’s the perfect example of eco-friendly furniture, as it propagates so easily.
“Rattan is solid. It’s a vine that grows along the jungle and then crawls up anything it can,” he says.
Rattan experienced another renaissance in the 1930s when legendary furniture designer Paul T. Frankl revolutionized the perception of rattan in the United States.
Thanks to his eye for pieces that were practical as well as stylish, rattan became more of a movement, gaining popularity, particularly amongst the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era.
Frankl’s designs embodied modernism, with sleek curves and simple lines that stood apart from the more traditional, ornate furniture styles of the time.
Schwartz, who is currently curating an exclusive sale of Frankl’s sustainable pieces, says: “Paul T. Frankl’s work is a testament to the enduring appeal of rattan furniture. His ability to transform a humble material into elegant, modern pieces has left an indelible mark on design history.”
Sustainability and Rattan: A Perfect Match
The demand for eco-friendly interiors has amplified rattan’s appeal as a sustainable material, and there are many reasons why it has become an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Rattan grows much faster than traditional hardwood trees, with vines reaching full maturity within five to seven years. This quick regeneration makes rattan a more sustainable option compared to slow-growing woods like teak or oak.
It is typically harvested by hand, and the process does not require machinery or intensive energy use.
“It sometimes grows to 200 feet long, and it’s cut into 12-foot sections,” says Schwartz. “They dry it out very quickly by putting it in the sun. Workers then boil it until it becomes like spaghetti so they can bend it into shapes like chairs and couches and table legs.”
Rattan vines do not harm the surrounding ecosystem, as they grow vertically and can easily coexist within forests, often even aiding in forest conservation by providing an economic incentive to preserve the natural landscapes.
It has a low environmental impact and is fully biodegradable, meaning that it decomposes naturally over time without leaving harmful residues, unlike synthetic materials such as plastic or metal. All of this makes it a preferred material for reducing environmental waste.
An Eco-friendly Design Aesthetic
While newly made rattan furniture is sustainable, scouring consignment and vintage stores for preloved rattan pieces is an even more eco-friendly choice.
Vintage rattan offers all the natural beauty and durability of new pieces without additional environmental costs associated with manufacturing and transportation.
When purchasing vintage rattan, you’re also engaging in a sustainable practice by reusing and repurposing.
This circular approach to furniture shopping is both stylish and responsible, as it reduces waste and conserves materials, contributing to a lower carbon footprint while enriching spaces with unique, storied charm.
Schwartz, who is also known as ‘The Rattan Man’, thanks to his long history with the furniture and the fact that he has the biggest collection of rattan in the world at his warehouse, says that its appeal lies in its simplicity and beauty.
The collector, whose pieces have graced the cover of Architectural Digest, says: “Rattan is associated with happiness; it’s associated with relaxation and coolness.”
Extending the Life of your Rattan Furniture
To ensure the longevity of your rattan furniture, tender loving care is essential.
Rattan can be susceptible to moisture, so it’s best to keep it in dry areas or use it indoors. If using rattan furniture outdoors, which many people do, it should be stored under some kind of shelter and protected during rainy seasons.
The furniture also benefits from regular dusting with a soft cloth or brush. For deeper cleaning, a gentle soap and water solution applied with a damp cloth works well but be sure to dry the furniture thoroughly afterward. Never use anything too abrasive.
Like most colorful pieces, rattan can fade if it is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. To avoid this, it should be placed away from windows where sunlight is strong to preserve its natural color and flexibility.
With its blend of beauty, durability, and sustainability, rattan is more than just a furniture material—it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a commitment to the environment.
Whether you’re sourcing vintage pieces with stories to tell or opting for new, responsibly crafted rattan furniture, this material offers an ideal path toward a greener, more natural home.
To view Harvey Schwartz’s curated collection of Paul T. Frankl furniture, visit Harvey’s Private Collection or to find a piece of vintage rattan to cherish in your own home explore Tropical Sun Rattan by Harvey’s on Beverly.
