Outdoor Rattan Furniture Buying Guide

Name: Garden Furniture
Brand: Garden Centre Shopping
Rating: 4.9 (148 reviews)

March 14, 2023
Andrew Porwol, Matt

grey reclining rattan bistro set blue cushions

One of the easiest and best ways to update an old tired looking patio or garden is by replacing your worn-out outdoor furniture with something elegant and new. The following buying guide should help you decide what kind of outdoor furniture to purchase.

Why Rattan Furniture?

Aside from the obvious fact that rattan furniture looks absolutely great, there are many additional benefits to owning this type of outdoor furniture. Because it is weather resistant, rattan furniture is durable and extremely low maintenance. In addition, it is extremely easy to store and very light to move around. For centuries people have been choosing rattan furniture to add elegance and style to their outdoor spaces.

What is Rattan Garden Furniture?

Rattan is a strong plant similar to palm leaves or bamboo. It can be woven using natural or synthetic strips to create the durable wicker furniture known as rattan. People have used this weaving technique for centuries to create furniture that does not hold water. This woven design makes rattan wicker the perfect outdoor furniture.

Before you Start

It is important to think about a few things before you run out and purchase your new garden furniture. The first thing to consider is the size of your garden. If you want your new furniture to fit the space perfectly you will have to take some measurements.

How to measure your garden – Use a standard measuring tape to measure your garden. If you have a fairly large space you may want to divide it up into squares first, measure the sides of each of your squares and then add up the dimensions.

How to measure furniture – The best way to measure any furniture for the reason of placement is to envision a cube around the entire piece and simply measure the cube.

How to measure rattan furniture – Just like any other furniture, imagine a cube around your furniture. Luckily rattan furniture is light and easily moved or tipped on its side which will make the process much easier.

You may want to consider the environment in which you would like to place your new furniture. You will want to choose pieces that will be compatible and well-matched with the rest of your surroundings.

Take a look at the warranty on the products. You can expect a piece of furniture that has a long-term warranty to be durable, and if for some reason you need to replace it you will have the peace of mind that you can.
Don’t forget to think about how much you can afford to spend. If it fits into your budget you may want to get something you really want, as you will get much more satisfaction from beautiful and comfortable pieces of furniture in the long run.

What are you going to be doing in the garden?

The best type of furniture for you will be highly dependent on what you would actually like to use your outdoor space for.

Relaxing – Will your outdoor space be a place where you and your family and even your pets hang out and take it easy? If so, you may want to consider purchasing pieces for their comfort rather than elegance or style. Remember, kids and pets may be jumping and playing on it! Our range of rocking rattan arm chairs are perfect for this, and if you get a footstool to go with it then you’re winning!

Entertaining – If you are seeking to create beauty, style and elegance in your space you may be looking for something different altogether. Think about how your pieces will harmonize with the overall look of your space. Your guests will undoubtedly be impressed!

Maybe you want a companion set to share your rattan chair with a loved one?

If you want an easier time of it, then a ready-assembled set is a great option.

Garden/Indoor Styles Complimenting Rattan

The best Rattan furniture can be used both indoors and outside. Although rattan furniture is perfect for the outdoors due to its woven design, many interior designers like the elegant look of it for inside spaces as well.

Rattan wicker furniture has been around for literally thousands of years and has been found in many of England’s most prestigious homes throughout the years. Rattan remains a popular material for furniture today. Modern rattan wicker furniture comes in so many beautiful colours and designs it may be difficult to decide which ones to purchase.

What colours is rattan furniture available in?

Rattan wicker furniture can be woven from either synthetic or natural strips. Both types can be found in a huge array of colours. Synthetic rattan can be created in any colour and similar to any wood, natural rattan can be painted in any shade that paint comes in!

The most popular colours this year include shades of browns and greys. These natural earth tones match well with most decors, and look great with bold coloured cushions. It is common to see grey and brown patio chairs and sun loungers on decks and patios everywhere, but of course many people still prefer the classic and elegant black furniture.

We have different sized to compliment your situation, including 2 seaters, 4 seaters, 6 seaters, and large 8 seater rattan sets.

Matching Furniture Sets With Your Space

It will be necessary to consider the elements of the space in which you will be putting your new furniture. Considerations such as how much shade or sun is available in your space will be beneficial in helping you determine which kind of furniture is right for you.

Shaded Areas

We all yearn for those hot summer days, but you can’t comfortably bake in the hot sun for hours. To really enjoy the sun you will need a bit of shade, and rattan furniture offers a few different choices for finding shade.

Place your unique Rattan Day Bed under a roof or awning, grab a book and a drink and you will be able to relax there all day long.
When it is time to enjoy a meal out on the patio it is always great to have a dining set with a parasol. Adding a parasol can make the difference between an enjoyable, cool dining experience and an uncomfortable, hot bite to eat before running back inside to the comfort of the indoors .
Another hot ticket item right now are garden seating pods. These come in several different forms; such as a dining -type pod that can fit several people around a table or a single chair swinging pod. These pods all come enclosed or semi-enclosed offering protection from the sun and wind.
Hanging egg chairs are perfect for a sociable yet comforable seating arrangemenet.

Summer Houses

If you have a summer house you will need some furniture to go with it. A summer house is the perfect space to fill with lovely indoor rattan furniture.

What is the best way to decorate a summer house?

Start with a Rattan Table and Chairs Set. This is a key piece of furniture, so that you and your guests have a table to sit around when eating or playing a game.
A Rattan Sofa is another must-have piece. They are light enough to be moved by one person and comfortable enough to sleep on.
Rattan armchairs can be placed in any room -inside or outside. With the right cushions they are both comfortable and elegant.

We have a page dedicated to rattan conservatory sets here.

In Direct Sunlight

All winter we long to get outside and relax in the sun. Comfortable outdoor furniture will allow you spend your entire summer soaking up the rays. Our contemporary range is perfect for a larger garden.

When it is time to stretch out with a good book and a beverage Rattan Sun Loungers are exactly what you need.
For people that love to have guests Garden Sofas are a wonderful addition to your outdoor furniture. They can seat four people comfortably and they look stunning on a patio or deck.

If you have a square patio table or an otherwise difficult space to fill Rattan Corner Sofas are the perfect solution.
Our reclining rattan range makes it all that extra bit special, allowing you to adjust your chair to bask in the perfect light.

Smaller Gardens

Rattan furniture comes in all sizes and that includes small! If you have a tiny space it is easy to find small, comfortable outdoor furniture.

Space saving furniture – Cube sets and bistro sets are easy to find and if you are looking for space saving options they fit the bill nicely. Sometimes a curved sofa can work well in a round garden.
Garden storage ideas- If you have a small space you may have to store your furniture at times. Rattan furniture is light so it is easy to store in a small shed. Alternatively, look for stackable garden furniture or a Rattan Storage System.
Modular garden furniture lets you arrange each piece individually to fit your exact smaller space.

Patio Areas

Ensuring there is enough comfortable furniture on your patio is a must if you are going to enjoy the summer sun.

If you have a small patio consider a Balcony Set. They are perfect for smaller patios and you will find yourself out enjoying your patio a lot more.
Dining Sets are a must have item if you enjoy a good barbeque with friends or dining al fresco on those beautiful, warm summer evenings.
Coffee sets are perfect for enjoying breakfast al fresco on the patio.

Rattan Material and Durability

It is very important, when buying garden furniture, to consider how long it will last. The more durable and weather-resistant the material, the more value you will get for the money spent. A more expensive set can actually cost you less in the long run, as it can last much longer.

What is Rattan Furniture made of?

Outdoor rattan is usually made of synthetic rattan, a UV-resistant synthetic material like polyurethane. It looks and feels like natural rattan, but with less wear.

Is rattan furniture weatherproof?

It can be, depending on the quality and materials used in construction.

Natural rattan must be kept dry most of the time, washed regularly, and covered during inclement weather.

Synthetic rattan is much more weather-resistant, but should be covered in the winter months if you live in a cold climate.

How does Rattan Furniture survive being outside?

Rattan furniture lasts very well if it is maintained properly. Natural rattan must be kept dry and washed regularly and properly. Synthetic rattan is much more hardy and easier to clean. In either case, your furniture will last longer if stored inside during winter.

Other FAQ’s include: