Can Rattan Be Outside? Outdoor Rattan Furniture & How to Showcase It

Mone Jobbé-Duval Published on
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Key takeaways

  • Synthetic rattan : only synthetic rattan on an aluminum frame (Rilsan and Raucord) is built to stay outdoors year-round, as it resists UV and does not fade.
  • Natural rattan : sensitive to UV and humidity, it suits indoor or sheltered spaces and should be brought in during bad weather.
  • Weaving and caning : the frame is woven or caned from rattan strips and poles that are both flexible and sturdy, the mark of a durable natural material.
  • Care : simple dusting is enough; for deeper cleaning use a damp, lightly soapy sponge, never baking soda, which degrades the fibers.
  • Bistro heritage : from the 19th century, Parisian bistros adopted rattan furniture for its lightness, strength, and easy upkeep.
In this article

You want to know how to highlight it in your outdoor spaces? You've come to the right place. Our Maison Louis Drucker experts will explain everything.

Outdoor furniture: definition

Outdoor furniture is garden furniture designed to withstand the elements. This furniture can also be installed on your commercial or private terrace. To enhance your home, it's very important that the exterior is well-maintained and beautifully decorated. This will allow you to feel more fulfilled in your living environment, and also to make your guests feel at ease.

Rattan outdoor furniture: definition

Outdoor rattan furniture is furniture made from rattan fibers. The structure of this furniture is made, woven, or caned with rattan strips and poles. These strips are particularly flexible and robust, which helps to make them durable.

How to choose your outdoor rattan furniture?

The choice of outdoor rattan furniture will depend on several criteria. You should consider the architecture of your home, the dimensions of your garden, the style, the use, and the number of people to accommodate.

The architecture of your home

To avoid creating a mismatched effect, it's important to focus on furniture that matches the architecture of your home. This will make your garden more harmonious and inviting.

The dimensions of your garden

Depending on the size of your garden, you can choose more or less imposing furniture. Even for a small balcony, you will always find suitable rattan furniture at Maison Louis Drucker (stools, benches, folding chairs, etc.).

Conversely, if you have a larger space, you can use an XXL garden lounge set with garden chairs.

Style and use

One of the great qualities of rattan furniture is its high resistance to bad weather. To create convivial moments with family or friends, you can arrange your furniture outdoors according to your taste and the availability of your space.

Depending on the material you choose, your outdoor rattan lounge set can evoke a unique, welcoming, and pleasant atmosphere.

The number of people to accommodate

Depending on the number of people to accommodate, you can determine the size of the rattan furniture for your outdoor space. This criterion will allow you to define the number of seats and refine your choice.

Maintenance method

Your outdoor furniture will be constantly exposed to the elements. This is why rattan or woven resin furniture is highly appreciated. Indeed, their material is extremely resistant and can last for decades.

Where to install your outdoor rattan furniture?

There are many places where you can install your outdoor rattan furniture. Depending on the configuration of your house, rattan furniture is generally found in places such as:

  • The entrance of the house;
  • Artificial gardens;
  • The outdoor terrace;
  • The veranda;
  • Under a pergola;
  • By the pool.

As early as the 19th century, Parisian bistros were the first to understand the great qualities of outdoor rattan furniture. Lightweight, resistant, customizable, and very easy to clean, rattan furniture quickly became the signature of Parisian bistros.

What are the different types of rattan outdoor furniture?

All rattan furniture available at Maison Louis Drucker can be used for your outdoor spaces. Among the most popular furniture, you can find:

Furthermore, the maintenance of rattan furniture is extremely simple, as its fibers are very easy to dust.

How to clean your outdoor rattan furniture?

Rattan is an extremely solid material that resists seasonal changes very well. To maintain it, a simple dusting is sufficient. However, there are other methods, including:

  • Dusting: If you have a table vacuum cleaner, you can easily get rid of the dust on the surfaces of your furniture. Practical and quick, using this tool allows you to take care of your furniture without damaging it. Dusting can also be done with a microfiber cloth, which can clean corners that are difficult to reach with a simple fabric;
  • Deep cleaning: If your chair or garden lounge set needs a deeper clean, you can simply wash them with water and a damp sponge;
  • Baking soda cleaning: Although recommended, cleaning with baking soda is counterproductive because its agents degrade rattan.

If your outdoor rattan furniture has traces of mold, a slightly soapy water solution should suffice.

Can rattan be outside?

Yes — but it depends on the type of rattan. Natural rattan is best suited to indoor or well-sheltered spaces, while synthetic rattan (such as Rilsan® and Raucord® on an aluminum frame) is designed to live outdoors all year round. Below, we explain the difference and how to protect your furniture so it lasts.

Rattan and weather conditions: a delicate balance

When it comes to leaving rattan outside, it's crucial to consider the elements. Natural rattan is susceptible to damage from UV rays, moisture, and harsh weather. It's a delicate balance ensuring that the beauty and integrity of rattan are preserved when exposed to the elements.

Natural rattan vs synthetic rattan: knowing the difference

Synthetic rattan furniture is often confused with its natural counterpart. However, synthetic rattan is designed to be UV resistant and withstands the elements better. It won't fade and can brave harsh weather conditions, making it a suitable choice for your outdoor space.

Protection against the elements

Regardless of the type, it is crucial to protect your rattan outdoor furniture from extreme conditions. Bringing your rattan garden furniture indoors during adverse weather will enhance its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal. A little care goes a long way in preserving the charm of this intricate weave.

Choosing the right rattan for your outdoor space

When considering rattan for outdoor spaces, opt for synthetic rattan furniture. It's tailored to endure, and it replicates the look and feel of natural rattan, ensuring you don't compromise on style while catering to practicality.

Optimizing rattan furniture for outdoor use

If you decide to leave your rattan furniture outside, consider using protective covers or placing it in sheltered areas to shield it from severe weather. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying protective coatings, will also help maintain the allure of rattan. Choose covers that are waterproof and UV resistant, with a snug fit and good ventilation to prevent condensation, mold and mildew.

Your Maison Louis Drucker outdoor rattan furniture!

Enjoy a good time with Maison Louis Drucker furniture. From garden armchairs and garden chairs, to lighting and rattan tables, you'll find what you're looking for among our wide ranges. Our furniture is woven by professionals who master all caning techniques. They will create designs for you, from the simplest to the most intricate, in the colors of your choice.

As you can see, our furniture is customizable and adaptable to all environments (outdoor and indoor). Decorate your terrace with elegance and offer yourself and your guests a purely convivial living environment.

Mone Jobbé-Duval

Mone Jobbé-Duval

Editorial Advisor

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