What is rattan?
Rattan is a climbing or trailing member of the palm family. Different kinds of rattan grow in various locations but all types of rattan have a few things in common. Most rattans possess long, slender stems and when the skin is peeled away, it presents a flexible yet sturdy material that can be moulded into shapes. In turn, this can be used to create furniture.
There are over 600 different species of rattan and due to its strong and durable quality, rattan garden furniture is a very popular choice.
How is rattan different from wicker?
As we’ve established, rattan is a natural material. Wicker, however, is not a material but in actual fact, a technique used to make products out of materials such as rattan, willow or bamboo. These materials are made wet, then woven to create wicker furniture. In turn, rattan-effect wicker furniture is a hugely popular choice for garden furniture as it's easy to maintain, robust, and of course, very chic.
The best rattan furniture for your garden
Here’s the lowdown on the best rattan garden furniture, whether you're looking for a sunbed, dining table and chairs or even an outdoor bistro set. It's worth noting, most of these furniture pieces swap real rattan for 'rattan-effect' plastic, which helps them survive outdoors all year round.
Don't miss our round up of the best garden furniture.
Rattan Wicker Bottle Shape Bistro Patio Set
Whether it's a morning coffee or an alfresco lunch, this bottle-shaped bistro set is the perfect addition to your garden. The set is made from all-weather synthetic rattan wicker and is ideal for patios as well as balconies due to its compact size.
An added bonus for this set is that the furniture can be stored outdoors all year round thanks to the UV-resistant material coupled with aluminium frames.
The bistro chairs can also be stacked, with the table sitting neatly on top of the two interlocking seats, making it one of the best rattan garden furniture sets for small storage spaces. Better still, no assembly is required as it comes ready-built. All you need to do is unwrap and enjoy!
4 Seasons Outdoor Valentine 2-Seater Sunbed
This outdoor two-seater is perfect for cosying up on. The generous proportions and seven sumptuous, large cushions make this sunbed one of the best rattan garden furniture pieces for any lounge set-up. The comfortable design allows you to simply lean back and enjoy hours of relaxation and the large size allows two people to enjoy this comfortable sunbed at the same time.
The synthetic wicker material is easy to clean, durable and resistant to UV rays. Lastly, the cushions are weatherproof, so if you do happen to leave them outside, they won’t be harmed.
Abreo 4-Seater Garden Sofa Armchair Set
This stylish four-seater armchair set is perfect for hosting friends and family and is suitable for all domestic areas inside or out. This set is lightweight but also nicely sturdy, with the spacious coffee table allowing plenty of room for drinks and refreshments.
The cushions are fitted to the shape of the chairs for added comfort, allowing you to relax in your surroundings with total ease. The coffee table also comes with a tempered glass top, which is particularly useful when it comes to cleaning and it can be simply wiped down with a cloth.
Argenta Rattan Effect Day Sofa
A delightful outdoor set-up, you'll be lost in your own peaceful world on this sofa. The oyster-style design is not only stylish but also highly practical as it allows you to have the option of some much-needed shelter on a sunny day. Featuring a large canopy and plush cushions, the beautiful rattan-effect base along with blush tones oozes elegance.
Discover more of the best garden day beds in our guide.
Livingstone 5-Seater Brown Rattan Sofa Set & Footstool
- Buy now from EnviroBuild (£2499.99)
Made with tranquillity in mind, this sustainable rattan garden furniture by Galleon is guaranteed to be a beautiful addition to your outdoor space. Galleon makes some of the best rattan garden furniture around; it's all crafted from high-quality recycled PE plastic using a natural weave with varied thickness, texture and tone.
All of the cushion covers have the added bonus of being machine washable and made exclusively of the highest quality waterproof materials.
Malta 6-Seater Steel Corner Dining Set
Transform your garden into an elegant sanctuary with this stylish dining set. This rattan table and sofa allows you to comfortably seat six people and is made from steel and rattan-effect materials. It has a beautiful cord finish and a smoked glass table top.
The set includes a three-seater and two-seater sofa, configured into a corner unit, as well as an additional two smart stools.
Katie Blake Seville Bistro Set
The beautiful Seville Bistro Set fuses together style and practicality and would make a beautiful addition to any garden patio. It comes equipped with two comfortable armchairs and a round table.
This outdoor furniture set offers plenty of space for two to enjoy an al fresco lunch, any time of year. Finished in a versatile neutral shade, the woven rattan design adds to the luxurious feel of this particular piece of furniture.
Wentworth Corner Set with fire pit
Revel in warm evenings spent hosting your family and friends with the Wentworth fire pit dining set. The table is operated with a simple dial on the side panel of the table, the gas tank (not included) is hidden out of sight away in the base of the table, which can be pulled out.
The fire pit table features a glass surround for safety away from the flame, along with firestones which are included when purchasing.
4 Seasons Outdoor Kingston 3-Seater Sofa and chair
A simple and chic three-seater low lounging sofa from the Kingston range offers you total versatility and comfort as you can mix components to suit your space and needs. Made from synthetic wicker with a thick weave, the furniture is durable and resistant to UV rays making it very easy to maintain.
Find more of the best outdoor sofas in our guide.
Can rattan furniture be left outside?
The best rattan garden furniture can survive being outside all year round. This is because the material is UV- and weather-resistant. Not only does this mean that it's a durable option but it will also require a lot less cleaning compared with other materials.
Any soft furnishings on your rattan furniture will perhaps not be as durable as the rattan furniture itself, so it would be worth moving them inside for the cooler and damper months. If you’re unlikely to be using your rattan furniture during winter, it is advisable to use a furniture cover to make sure it's kept in excellent condition for many years to come.