Recently, I started noticing rattan furniture pop up on my Pinterest feed. At first, I didn’t acknowledge it because I felt they weren’t pretty or classy enough. However, I mistakenly opened one, and it was a sight to behold. This was how my interest in anything rattan started.

Rattan is a vintage and classy style that you can use to complement most contemporary décor. One fact about this furniture type is that they aren’t becoming outdated anytime soon.

This article gives adequate information about rattan, the best shelves you can pick from, and tips on how to purchase one that suits your needs.

Buying Guide Rattan Shelf

It’s not just about the design and color; it’s also important to take into account a few more considerations to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Types

There are natural and synthetic rattan types. Although they may look and feel similar, they differ in many ways. This is an important aspect to research before proceeding to get yourself rattan furniture.

Purpose

Where do you want to place the rattan furniture, indoor or outdoor? This is another factor to take into consideration when selecting your rattan furniture.

Durability

The material you choose determines how long your rattan furniture lasts. Natural rattan has a shorter lifespan compared to synthetic ones. It is left to you to choose the best rattan type that suits your need. It also includes secondary materials like metal, wood, etc.

Solid/Composite Wood

Made from a combination of solid and composite wood in espresso.  Use this shelf in any room for organizing. Create a new look when combine with storage baskets.

What to Look for When Buying a Rattan Shelf

Aesthetics
This is one aspect that shouldn’t be downplayed. The appearance is enough to make or break a space, so you need to consider the compatibility with your other décor before going for it. This includes the color and shape.

Storage Space
Why are you buying rattan furniture? Where do you plan to keep on it? The answers to these questions will help you determine the size to pick. The rattan furniture you pick should be large enough to accommodate your accessories and not make it look choked up at the same time. Balancing the ratio is important for the style you want to portray.

Weight
When you select lightweight rattan furniture, it gives you the flexibility to move them around whenever you want.

How Long Does Rattan Last?

The durability of rattan solely depends on how you look after it. There is natural and synthetic rattan, and these two types of rattan have their unique specifications. The method applied to the care of a natural rattan should not be the same for synthetic rattan.

PE rattan can last up to ten to twenty years, while natural rattan has a much shorter lifespan. Rattan, especially the natural one, needs adequate maintenance to last long and continue to function properly.

Can Rattan Furniture Stay Outside?

The answer to whether rattan furniture can stay outside is not a simple yes or no. If your rattan furniture is a natural one, then it has no place outside the house.

However, the same is not the case for synthetic rattan. Synthetic rattan can withstand any weather, making it a suitable candidate for indoor and outdoor décor. In addition, this rattan type is waterproof, resistant to UV rays, and has a high-quality HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), so you don’t have to worry about fading, frost damage, or moss growth that comes with all sorts of weather conditions. Therefore, it is safe to allow your rattan furniture to remain outside as long as it is the synthetic type.

What Material is Rattan Furniture?

The natural rattan furniture is made with rattan vines (fibers of a plant related to palm trees) woven together. The synthetic rattan is also known as the PE rattan, is made with polyethylene. The synthetic rattan looks and feels the same as the natural rattan, but the former is more flexible than the latter. Also, synthetic rattan can function indoors and outdoors without wear or tear.

Regardless of whatever type of rattan is used, rattan furniture boasts durable and strong features. Although some factors can nullify these strengths, like using cheap synthetic rattan and not caring enough for your natural rattan, rattan furniture shines best when quality materials are used (whether natural or artificial).

Natural rattan shelves for an earthy and cozy look in your room.

How to Clean and Decorate Rattan Shelf

Both natural and synthetic rattans are quite easy to maintain. All you need to do to keep it clean is by wiping it with mild soapy water. While there is no special way to wipe down the synthetic rattan, things are not the same for natural rattans.

Natural rattans are susceptible to mold if wet and fade when put in the sun. The best way to go about this is by putting a furniture cover over it. A furniture cover gives you little to clean, prevents potential stains, and protects your rattan from dust, water, and other wear and tear.

The choice of how to decorate it is totally yours. You can decide to decorate with collectibles or other accessories like cushions or pillows. Whatever you decide on, ensure that you take time to clean them regularly.

Can Rattan Furniture be Recycled?

Yes, rattan furniture can be recycled. The PE rattan (synthetic rattan) is recyclable because it is a thermoplastic resin. It can be melted down and changed into a different shape. On the other hand, natural rattan is considered as eco-friendly. Since it’s a natural material, it will biodegrade.