The 6 Best Rattan Accent Chairs for a Chic, Laid-Back Vibe at Home
Some may call it just a fad, but there’s a reason rattan has woven its way into stylish homes for centuries: Few materials add as much warmth, texture, and visual intrigue while remaining totally versatile as it does. Once primarily left on porches and in subtropical climates (hello, Miami!), rattan has cemented itself indoors across many design styles — everything from lighting to cabinetry to coffee tables, and, of course, chic accent chairs. It’s been a few years since Apartment Therapy editors have waxed poetic about rattan seating, but it has more staying power than ever. Its woven construction and inherent texture add a collected, heirloom-like quality to a room otherwise dominated by hard, straight lines. Designers love that it isn’t as stuffy as other accent materials, too.
The best thing about rattan? How easily it adapts to any space. Rattan can blend into a range of aesthetics, making it a great get for anyone who wants new energy without a full room makeover. A streamlined accent chair with a rather functional silhouette can feel right at home in a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired living room, while a more ornate and sculptural piece can pop in a maximalist, eclectic sitting room.
6 Stylish Rattan Accent Chairs Our Editors Love
If you’re ready to hop on the rattan trend, a chair is a simple but effective way to get started. These six rattan accent chairs are chic options you’ll love for years to come.
Why Is Rattan So Trendy Right Now?
Rattan’s influence on interior design trends has been strong for years — but it’s particularly poignant right now as more and more design pros lean into a love of biophilic interior design. This material has a natural texture, warmth, and earthy quality that helps bring the magic of the outdoors in, all without weighing a room down. Plus, designers routinely praise rattan’s ability to shapeshift across design styles that can be very different, from bohemian and coastal to traditional and contemporary.
In fact, interior designers have described rattan as an “aesthetic chameleon,” noting that it can add tactile and visual texture without overpowering a space. That flexibility makes it an easy way to bring warmth and personality into an existing room without committing to an entirely new design direction (aka blowing tons of dough on a total makeover!).
How to Mix Rattan Into Any Space Successfully
When it comes to choosing a style of rattan chair, you have so many options. The chairs with more organic silhouettes make perfect statement pieces, adding a sculptural effect to your space. Choose one of the more angular chairs for a contemporary feel — or a cantilever style for a classic mid-century modern vibe. It’s true that rattan is often seen in boho or coastal spaces, but it really can be incorporated into any style you choose. Pair rattan pieces with warm neutral colors, like brown, burgundy, and beige, for a cozy textured look. Or, incorporate some lighter natural fabrics, like linen, for a more coastal-inspired aesthetic.
If you’re thinking about incorporating a rattan accent chair, help it blend into your space by adding smaller rattan accent pieces, like a lamp, a tray, even a tissue box cover. Rattan is a classic material, one that’s been around for centuries, and isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
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