Smart rattan garden furniture pieces to weave into your collection

Investing in the best rattan garden furniture is sure to help you on your way to making the most of your outdoor space. There’s no doubt in our minds that a rattan sofa set or dining set carefully placed in a sunny spot, or around a fire pit, will make long days spent alfresco all the more pleasurable.

You needn’t go big with your pick of outdoor furniture though, as the material looks equally brilliant as a bistro set or sun lounger, especially when acting as a more natural contrast to a brightly coloured garden parasol or boldly patterned outdoor cushions. It looks quite charming in small spaces, such as balconies or patios, where another material might dominate the space too much.

As Soane Britain's Lulu Lytle puts it, "rattan is evocative of warmth, relaxation, and laid-back elegance; it is associated with exotic travel and the glamorous lifestyles of Diana Vreeland’s “beautiful people,” imbuing it with great romance." Why would you not want to bring some of that to your garden?

From rattan day beds to corner sofas, we’ve rounded up the best rattan garden furniture sets to buy now.

What is the difference between poly rattan and rattan?

If, like Lulu Lytle, you are a die hard rattan fan, you will probably be concerned with the distinction between rattan and wicker. In her book, dedicated to all things rattan, Lytle notes, "while rattan is a natural fiber, wicker is the product of the craft of weaving, not only with rattan but also with willow, reed, rush, raffia, and a host of other fibrous materials." 

This more scientific distinction between wicker and rattan may not be of concern to you in your purchase of rattan garden furniture. However, what may interest you is the difference between rattan and poly rattan, or rattan effect. Natural rattan is beautiful but easily damaged if left outside in poor weather conditions. Polyrattan or synthetic rattan is now seen as a brilliant weatherproof alternative that is more hardy than its natural counterpart. It can be left outside year round without too much trouble or maintenance.

The latter is a man made material, created from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PVC to replicate the look of rattan. It acts similarly to plastic, with a waxy finish that prevents it from looking cheap. Of course, that does mean its eco credentials are reduced, so it is up to you decide which material is better for your needs.

Is rattan furniture durable?

Polyrattan is one of the most durable materials you can use for your outdoor furniture as it’s weather-resistant and hard-wearing. The absolute best rattan furniture will be woven properly, in the traditional rattan weave, instead of fixed to an aluminium frame or metal frame which can rust and damage the integrity of the rattan.

Does rattan furniture fade in the sun?

Neither real nor poly rattan furniture will fade in the sun. However, in damp conditions it will fade and potentially rot. Poly rattan is usually coated in a UV resistant material to prevent any sun damage.

The best rattan garden furniture to buy now