Studio McGee – Woven Pendants
Rattan and bamboo have been classic materials for decades and in recent years they’ve returned strongly to the forefront of home design. Some people are newly obsessed; others, like me, have always appreciated the warmth and texture they bring.
Whether you think of them as a trend or a timeless choice, woven rattan and bamboo pieces are versatile staples. Even a single accent—an occasional chair, a light fixture or a storage basket—can add depth and personality to a room.
Technically, rattan is a flexible, vine-like material that’s easily woven into shapes, while bamboo is a stiffer, hollow grass with a distinct look. Each offers a different finish and feeling, but both deliver a natural, relaxed vibe.
Rattan Bed Source
I’ve collected rattan and bamboo pieces for years. They bring character and texture to spaces in a way few other materials do. My family has always had rattan around the house, so it feels familiar and comfortable to me.
In past homes I’ve used woven rattan chairs in the dining room, a flea-market bamboo shelving unit in my office, painted bamboo chairs, and even incorporated real bamboo into a custom stove cabinet. I also own a vintage bamboo dresser, an outdoor settee and a brass mirror with a bamboo look. My most recent piece is a rattan daybed.
Serena and Lily / Rattan Chair Source
IKEA
Although some may picture rattan and bamboo as tied to particular styles—tropical, coastal, British Colonial—they’re surprisingly adaptable. Depending on the design and placement, these pieces can read mid-century modern, bohemian, farmhouse, cottage, or contemporary. The key is balance: a few well-chosen woven items feel curated rather than kitschy.
The Inspired Room
I tend to imagine rattan pieces with a breezy, coastal or colonial sensibility, but they can be styled in many ways. Pair rattan with slipcovered sofas, antiques, bold modern pieces, or rustic wood to create a layered, collected look. Indoors or outdoors, woven materials introduce warmth and texture that enhance any room.
The Inspired Room / Rattan Day Bed
That flexibility is their strength: rattan and bamboo don’t have to define a single aesthetic. They’re accent pieces that complement the style you already love.
Don’t feel you need to discard these items when trends shift. In moderation, they remain a timeless choice that can be refreshed with paint, new cushions or different placement.
Photography by Simon Watson for T magazine
To experiment with the look, start small: an accent chair, a set of woven dining chairs, a basket pendant light, a bamboo mirror, or a shelving unit. You can mix several pieces throughout your home or keep to a single accent. Painting bamboo is an easy way to change its impact—go bold with color or keep it soft and neutral.
The Inspired Room
Below is a selection of images and inspiration showcasing different rattan and bamboo pieces you can use to add texture and warmth to your home.
Australia House and Garden – Styling by Janet James – Photo by Chris Warnes – Rattan headboard
Dining Room Design by Caitlin Creer
Serena and Lily / Rattan Bed
Serena and Lily / Rattan Bar Cart
SF Girl By Bay
Williams-Sonoma Home / Rattan Arm Chair
Emily Henderson
Lonny / Jenny Wolf Interiors
Serena and Lily / Hanging Rattan Chair
Williams-Sonoma Home
Sources (contains affiliates): A curated list of rattan and bamboo pieces—mirrors, chairs, stools, daybeds and more—provides options for different budgets and styles.
Do you have any rattan or bamboo pieces?