The Practical Guide to Choosing, Caring For, and Styling a Rattan Chair

You have seen them everywhere — in boutique hotel lobbies, sun-drenched conservatories, and the pages of every interiors magazine. Rattan chairs are having a genuine renaissance.

But once you decide you want one, a new set of questions appears. Which type of rattan chair is right for your home? How do you tell quality from junk? And once you own one, how do you keep it looking beautiful for years?

This practical guide answers all of those questions. Consider it the hands-on companion to our deeper exploration of rattan chair history and design. While The Woven Wonder covers where rattan chairs came from and who designed the iconic pieces, this guide focuses on what you actually need to know before you buy and after you bring one home.

Let us get started.

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Part One: Choosing the Right Rattan Chair

Not all rattan chairs are created equal. The difference between a chair that lasts twenty years and one that lasts twenty weeks comes down to a few key details.

Natural vs. Synthetic Rattan

This is the most important decision you will make.

Our recommendation: For indoor or covered outdoor use, always choose natural rattan. It ages beautifully, can be repaired, and will outlast synthetic alternatives by decades.

What to Look for in a Quality Natural Rattan Chair

Before you buy, run through this checklist:

1. The Weave

• Look for tight, even weaving with no gaps

• Check the underside and back — quality pieces are neatly finished everywhere, not just where you can see

• Run your fingers along the weave. Nothing should feel loose or sharp

2. The Frame

• Thicker rattan poles (8-12mm) indicate heavier-duty construction

• Joints should be smooth with no cracks or glue visible

• The chair should not wobble or flex when you sit in it

3. The Finish

• Quality rattan is sanded smooth with no splinters

• A wax or lacquer finish protects the rattan from moisture

• Colour should be even unless deliberately distressed

4. The Maker

• Handwoven chairs from Indonesia or the Philippines are generally best

• Machine-made rattan furniture often has uneven gaps and weaker joints

• Ask about sourcing if you are buying from a retailer

Which Style Suits Your Home?

Here is a quick decision guide based on how you plan to use the chair.

Size and Proportion Tips

Rattan chairs can look larger than they are because of the visual weight of the weave.

• For a small room: Choose bistro chairs or chairs with slim legs. Avoid peacock chairs and large lounge designs.

• For a large room: A peacock chair or hanging egg chair creates a wonderful focal point. Do not be shy — go big.

• At a dining table: Allow 60-70cm of table edge per chair. Make sure the arm height (if any) fits under your table.

• In a bedroom: A single rattan lounge chair in a corner adds instant warmth and character.

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Part Two: Caring for Your Rattan Chair

Natural rattan is durable, but it is not indestructible. Follow these care guidelines and your chair will outlive you.

The Golden Rules of Rattan Care

There are four things that damage natural rattan:

1. Water — Soaking leads to swelling, then cracking, then mould

2. Heat — Direct radiator heat dries out the fibres

3. Sun — Prolonged UV exposure fades and weakens

4. Neglect — Dust buildup abrades the surface over time

Avoid those four things, and your rattan chair will thrive.

Daily and Weekly Care

What to do:

• Dust your rattan chair weekly with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum

• For crevices, use a soft paintbrush or a can of compressed air

• Wipe down with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth once a month

What not to do:

• Do not use feather dusters — they just move dust into the weave

• Do not soak the chair or use a pressure washer

• Do not use furniture polish or spray cleaners

Deep Cleaning (Every 3-6 Months)

If your rattan chair has accumulated grime:

1. Vacuum thoroughly with a brush attachment

2. Mix a small amount of mild soap (like castile soap or washing-up liquid) with warm water

3. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out until barely damp

4. Wipe each section of the chair

5. Immediately dry with a clean, dry cloth

6. Allow the chair to air dry completely for 24 hours before using

Annual Maintenance: Oiling Your Rattan

Rattan naturally contains oils that keep it flexible. Over time, especially in centrally heated homes, these oils dry out. Dry rattan becomes brittle and can crack.

You should oil your rattan chair once a year if:

• It lives in a heated home

• It looks dry or lighter in colour than when you bought it

• You live in a dry climate

How to oil rattan:

Important: Do not use cooking oils (they go rancid) or tung oil (takes too long to dry). Boiled linseed oil is widely available and works perfectly.

Repairing Minor Damage

Loose strands:

• Tuck the loose end back into the weave using a blunt knife or tweezers

• If it will not stay, a tiny dot of wood glue can hold it

Small cracks:

• Clean the area and apply a small amount of wood filler matched to your chair’s colour

• Lightly sand once dry

• Apply oil over the repaired area

Major damage:

• Professional rattan repair is available through antique furniture restorers

• Some local weaving workshops will also take on rattan repairs

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Part Three: Styling Rattan Chairs in Your Home

A rattan chair is more than just a place to sit. It brings texture, warmth, and personality to any room.

Living Room Styling

As a solo accent chair:
Place one rattan chair in a corner with a small side table and a floor lamp. Add a cushion in a contrasting colour or texture. This creates an instant reading nook.

In a pair:
Two rattan chairs facing each other with a small table between them creates a conversation area. Works beautifully in front of a fireplace or under a window.

Mixed with upholstery:
Do not be afraid to pair rattan with a fabric sofa. The natural texture of rattan contrasts beautifully with linen, velvet, or wool.

Dining Room Styling

• Rattan dining chairs work with almost any table material — wood, glass, marble, or painted finishes

• Use cushions for comfort and to protect the weave

• Mix and match: rattan at the ends of the table, upholstered chairs along the sides

• For a relaxed look, do not use a tablecloth — let the table surface show

Bedroom Styling

• A single rattan lounge chair in the corner of a bedroom adds warmth without taking up much visual space

• A peacock chair can replace a traditional bedside chair for serious style points

• Rattan works beautifully with linen bedding, wool throws, and natural rugs

Outdoor and Conservatory Styling

• In a conservatory or sunroom, natural rattan is perfect — just keep it away from direct rain

• On a covered porch, rattan creates a relaxed, resort feel

• Pair with potted plants (real or very good fakes) — the green against rattan is stunning

• Use outdoor-rated cushions in weather-resistant fabrics

What Colours Work Best with Rattan?

Rattan’s natural golden-brown colour is surprisingly versatile.

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Part Four: Frequently Asked Questions

Are rattan chairs comfortable for long periods?

Yes, with the right design. Lounge and bucket chairs are comfortable for hours without cushions. Dining chairs benefit from a 2-5cm thick cushion for meals longer than 30 minutes.

Can I leave my rattan chair outside?

Natural rattan should not be left in rain. A covered porch, veranda, or conservatory is fine. For full outdoor exposure, choose synthetic rattan or a design with a removable rattan seat.

How much weight can a rattan chair hold?

A well-made natural rattan chair typically holds 250-300 pounds (113-136 kg). The solid core of rattan is surprisingly strong. Always check the manufacturer’s rating if available.

Do rattan chairs scratch floors?

Rattan itself will not scratch. However, some rattan chairs have exposed wooden feet or metal legs. Add felt pads to the bottom of any legs to protect hardwood floors.

My rattan chair has gone white and powdery. What is this?

That is “rattan bloom” — natural waxes rising to the surface. It is not mould or damage. Wipe it away with a slightly damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. Oiling the chair will prevent it from returning quickly.

Can rattan chairs be painted?

Yes, but it is permanent. If you want to change the colour, use spray paint designed for wicker and rattan. Lightly sand first, apply thin coats, and seal with a clear coat. We recommend enjoying the natural colour — it is part of the material’s beauty.

Are rattan chairs sustainable?

Yes. Rattan is one of the most sustainable furniture materials available. It grows quickly (5-7 years to maturity), harvesting does not kill host trees, and it is completely biodegradable at end of life. The only catch is that cheap synthetic rattan is not sustainable at all.

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Conclusion: A Chair for Life

A quality natural rattan chair is not a fast-fashion furniture purchase. It is an heirloom piece that will serve you for decades, age gracefully, and never go out of style.

Choose carefully. Look for tight weaves, solid frames, and hand-finished details. Keep it dry and dust it weekly. Oil it once a year. And enjoy the warmth, texture, and character that only natural materials can bring to a home.

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For a Deeper Dive into Rattan History and Design

This guide focused on the practical side of rattan chairs — how to choose them, care for them, and style them in your home.

If you would like to explore the fascinating history of rattan furniture, learn about iconic designer pieces like Franco Albini’s Margherita chair and Nanna Ditzel’s hanging egg chair, and understand why rattan has been beloved for centuries, read our companion article:

👉 The Woven Wonder: An Informative Guide to the Rattan Chair