Question 1

What is the difference between poly rattan and rattan?

Accepted Answer

The difference between poly rattan and rattan is the material. Rattan is a natural material derived from one of a number of vine-like plants, while poly rattan is a man-made polymer designed to resemble rattan. Because it is synthetic, poly rattan is more resistant to the effects of sun exposure and weather. Explore a wide variety of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Are rattan and bamboo the same?

Accepted Answer

No, bamboo and rattan are not the same. Bamboo is inflexible so it cannot be curved to make different shapes. Alternatively, rattan is flexible and a type of climbing palm. It looks similar to bamboo but it’s more versatile and not as durable. Shop a collection of bamboo furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What are the types of rattan?

Accepted Answer

The types of rattan are cane, reed, synthetic, Himalayan and Manau. Cane comes from the layer of rattan just below the skin of the vine, while reed is the inner woody part. Himalayan rattan is a softer material commonly used to produce musical instruments. Found in China, Africa and Southeast Asia, Manau rattan is highly durable and thicker than other varieties. Synthetic rattan is a man-made material produced out of polyethylene and other polymers. Shop a variety of rattan furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why is rattan so popular?

Accepted Answer

Rattan is so popular for a number of reasons. For one thing, many people like its natural appearance and appreciate how rattan furniture adds organic texture to a space. In addition, rattan furniture is durable but lightweight, making it easy to move when cleaning or redecorating. Some people also prefer it as a more sustainable alternative to wood, as the plants that produce rattan grow quicker than trees. Explore a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is rattan material?

Accepted Answer

Rattan is one of the materials used to make wicker furniture and other furnishings. It comes from a plant that grows in hot, tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. The quick-growing plant has a bamboo-like inner material that gets removed and fashioned into cane. Stalks of rattan (whose name derives from the Malay “rota”) are dense, steamable and bendable, which is why it lends itself to curvaceous designs and infinite creative uses in a way bamboo does not. Pieces of rattan furniture were welcomed indoors in the mid-20th century, and over time the medium has been put to use by giants of modernism such as Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, Jean-Michel Frank and Donald Deskey. Shop a wide variety of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Is real rattan expensive?

Accepted Answer

Whether real rattan is expensive is a matter of opinion. However, rattan poles do tend to cost more than bamboo and many of the other materials used to make wicker and cane furniture. Keep in mind that other factors also influence the cost of furniture, including whether it is mass-produced or handmade and how many pieces are available compared to the demand for them. Explore a range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the best rattan furniture?

Accepted Answer

The best rattan furniture may vary upon your individual needs. There are numerous types of rattan furniture, and the material is famous for its durability and endurance. On 1stDibs, you can shop a diverse range of vintage and antique rattan furniture from top brands around the world.

Question 8

Are rattan chairs worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many furniture lovers believe that rattan chairs are worth it. Not only is rattan a visually appealing choice of material for furniture making, but it is also a lightweight, durable material that resists damage due to UV, moisture and fluctuations in temperature. Rattan chairs in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Art Deco styles are especially popular today. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in rattan chairs is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find rattan chairs and other seating on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Can I refinish rattan chairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can usually refinish rattan chairs. First, you will need to strip away the old finish. Then, you can apply a new finish to the chair. The type of finish you should use depends on whether you will display your chair indoors or outdoors. You'll find a range of rattan chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What style is rattan furniture?

Accepted Answer

The style of rattan furniture varies from piece to piece. Furnishings made of rattan grew in popularity during the mid-century, but older pieces may show off characteristics of the Victorian period. In modern homes, rattan pieces often complement coastal, organic, bohemian and modern tropical interior design styles. Shop a selection of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is rattan better than wicker?

Accepted Answer

No, rattan isn't better than wicker — they're not interchangeable terms. The use of rattan stretches from prehistory to IKEA. To clarify, rattan is not bamboo, which is a rigid, hollow reed. Stalks of rattan are dense, steamable and bendable, which is why it lends itself to curvaceous designs and infinite creative uses in a way bamboo does not. Nor is rattan synonymous with wicker, which is a broader term for woven items — often made of rattan fibers but also of willow, other pliable reeds or even synthetic materials. Wicker and rattan tend to get a bit of a bad rap, but they can actually mingle with a wide range of styles — when done the right way.

Find vintage rattan chairs, dressers, stools and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Is rattan a wicker or bamboo?

Accepted Answer

Wicker is the finished woven product that can be made of either rattan or bamboo. Bamboo is an incredibly solid grass that is difficult to bend while rattan is a vine that’s much easier to manipulate. Shop a collection of wicker furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is rattan patio furniture?

Accepted Answer

Rattan patio furniture is the term for chairs, tables and other furnishings manufactured out of a certain material and intended for display outdoors. Specifically, the pieces feature woven rattan, a type of vine that hardens as it dries. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique and vintage patio furniture.

Question 14

How can you tell if rattan is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if rattan is vintage, examine the furnishing in search of a maker's marking. Vintage is the term for any rattan furniture made between 20 and 99 years ago. Older pieces are antique, and more recently crafted ones are contemporary. By researching the maker and the pieces they produced using trusted online resources, you may be able to roughly determine the year of production. Characteristics of your furniture can aid in the dating process, too. Often, vintage pieces have hardwood rather than metal frames, and the rattan will be natural rather than resin. Should you require any assistance, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a range of rattan furniture.

Question 15

Can you varnish rattan furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can varnish rattan furniture. Doing so can actually help to seal the natural material and may help extend the life of your piece. Prior to varnishing, experts recommend that you carefully sand the surfaces of your furniture. Because this is a delicate process, you may wish to enlist the help of professional furniture restorers to ensure the best results. Shop a large selection of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How do I renew a rattan chair?

Accepted Answer

To renew a rattan chair, start by stripping away its old finish. Apply a conditioner approved for use on rattan, and then refinish as desired. Shop a variety of antique and vintage rattan chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What era is rattan furniture from?

Accepted Answer

What era rattan furniture is from varies. Furniture produced out of woven rattan was popular during the Victorian era as well as the 1970s. However, the ancient Chinese, Romans and Egyptians also produced furniture out of rattan. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage rattan furniture.

Question 18

What is better: rattan or wicker?

Accepted Answer

There is no clear-cut answer to the question of what's better when it comes to rattan or wicker. In terms of strength, rattan generally comes out on top. However, the craftsmanship will also impact how long a rattan or wicker piece will last. Some people prefer rattan because it has a more natural appearance, but others prize the more uniform look of woven wicker. Also, rattan furniture tends to be pricier than wicker. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of rattan and wicker furniture.

Question 19

What is rattan furniture made out of?

Accepted Answer

What rattan furniture is made of varies. Natural rattan furniture is crafted from the versatile fibers of a tropical palm native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Approximately 600 species of trees provide suitable raw materials for producing rattan furniture. Human-made or synthetic rattan is usually made of weather-resistant resin. Explore a selection of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is rattan furniture dated?

Accepted Answer

No. Rattan furniture has always been in style, and it has become more popular than ever in recent years. Rattan furniture is warm, organic, and goes with almost any decor, including Bohemian, retro, Scandinavian modern, colonial, Hamptons, and country decor styles. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Lamp With Rattan

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair Of Brass and Rattan Wrapped Lamps

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Large Brass Wall Lamp with Rattan Shade by Paavo Tynell, Finland 1950s

Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps

Pair of Maple and Iron Table Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair patinated brass and rattan bedside lamps, travertine base, 1960s

Vintage 1950s French Table Lamps

Pair of French Fifties Plaster Table Lamps

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Paavo Tynell Attributed Torchiere Floor Lamp

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Rattan Pole Lamp with Split Rattan Lamp Shade

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Rattan Pole Lamp with Split Rattan Lamp Shade, pair

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Restored Rattan Pole Lamps with Rare Split Rattan Lamp Shade, Pair

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

French Rattan Lamp with Linen Shade

Vintage 1960s French Table Lamps

Louis Sognot Rattan Lamp with Loop Base

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Raymor Chrome Lamp with Stacked Rattan Shade

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Petite French Rattan Lamp with Orb Shade

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Petite French Rattan Lamp with Orb Shade

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Petite French Rattan Lamp with Orb Shade

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

Petite French Rattan Lamp with Orb Shade

Vintage 1980s Indonesian Table Lamps

20th Century Blue Demijon with Rattan Table Lamp

Mid-20th Century French Floor Lamps

Vintage Rattan Floor Lamp

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Swedish Floor Lamp in Metal with Rattan, 1950s

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

1970s Italian Rattan Lamps with Original Shade, Two

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

French Rattan Table Lamp

Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps

French Rattan Table Lamp

Vintage 1970s American Bohemian Floor Lamps

Vintage Boho Chic Rattan Floor Lamp with Pleated Shade

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Vintage White Rattan Floor Lamp with Metal Legs, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Table Lamps

Restored Vintage Wrapped Rattan Pole Lamp with Mahogany Base

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Table Lamps

Rattan Pair Finial Shaped Lamps With Shades, China, Contemporary

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Rattan Table Lamps with Original Lampshades Midentury

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Rattan Woven Table Lamps with Brass Detail

Vintage 1960s American Table Lamps

Pair Of Rattan Table Lamps

Vintage 1980s French Modern Table Lamps

French Vintage Rattan Table Lamp

Vintage 1950s French Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Vintage Rattan Lamps

Vintage 1950s Table Lamps

Pair of Restored Paul Frankl Rattan Table Lamp with Original Wicker Lamp Shades

Vintage 1950s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Restored Midcentury Rattan Table Lamp with Copper Planter, circa 1950

Vintage 1960s French Floor Lamps

20th century French Vintage Rattan Floor lamp with a Table, 1960s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Restored Wrapped Rattan Pole Lamp with Black Lacquer Demi Base

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Pair, Tall Decorative Rattan Floor Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps

Albrizzi Pair Of Lamps In Rattan

Vintage 1950s Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Rattan Table Lamps

Vintage 1970s American Floor Lamps

Pair of Rattan and Brass Floor Lamps

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps