Rattan Armchairs

Frame styles and seat depths available in rattan armchairs

Building a reading nook that actually gets used instead of becoming a place to dump laundry? Our rattan armchairs range from low, wide silhouettes suited to relaxed reading nooks through to higher-backed accent chairs that hold their own as a standalone bedroom piece.

The shape you pick should follow how you plan to sit in it, rather than just how it looks. A low, wide chair invites the kind of curled-up, hour-long read that a formal upright chair never quite manages, while a higher-backed accent chair works better as a standalone feature in a bedroom corner that doesn’t get sat in every day.

Seat height typically runs from 40cm to 48cm across the range, so it’s worth checking that against your own comfort if you plan to use the chair often, rather than just occasionally. If that empty corner’s been bothering you, start here.

Pair it with a rattan side table close enough to reach for a cup of tea or a book.

Rattan armchair clearance and seat height for your room

Measure the floor space available and leave at least 45cm of clearance around the chair, so it doesn’t crowd the walkway or the rest of the room’s layout. Rattan’s open weave makes a chair look lighter than it actually is. If you’re buying for an older family member or anyone with limited mobility, it’s worth checking the seat height against the height of their existing furniture, as a seat that’s noticeably lower than what they’re used to can make standing up harder than it needs to be. It’s a detail that’s easy to miss when shopping by look alone, but it makes a real difference to how much the chair gets used day to day. A slightly higher seat height with firm arm rests tends to suit that situation better than a low, deep lounge-style chair.

For outdoor reading spots, our wood sun lounges and deck chairs offer a similar relaxed shape, and a rattan bedside table keeps a lamp or book within reach if you’re placing the chair in a bedroom.

Caring for natural rattan armchairs over time

Natural rattan performs best when kept out of direct sunlight for extended periods, because prolonged UV exposure dries out the fibres and eventually causes cracking that no amount of oiling can reverse once it’s set in. A chair positioned near a large sun-facing window is at far more risk than one tucked into a shadier corner, so placement matters just as much as ongoing care.

Wipe the frame down with a lightly damp cloth every few weeks to keep dust from settling into the weave. Apply a thin coat of linseed oil once or twice a year to keep the cane supple. Skipping that oiling routine for a few years is usually what turns a good quality rattan chair prematurely stiff and prone to snapping at the joints.

If you’d like a non-rattan option for a different room, browse our armchairs range for other upholstered and timber styles.

Frequently asked questions

Are rattan armchairs suitable for outdoor use?

Natural rattan is best kept indoors or in a covered al fresco area, as prolonged rain and humidity weaken the fibres over time. Synthetic rattan (resin wicker) is UV-treated and weatherproof for exposed outdoor settings.

How much weight can a rattan armchair hold?

Most rattan armchairs in our range have a weight capacity between 100kg and 120kg, though this varies by model. Always check the individual product specifications before purchasing.

Do rattan chairs come with cushions included?

Some models include a seat cushion and some don’t; the product listing specifies what’s included. A standard 45cm x 45cm scatter cushion fits most rattan seat bases if none is listed.

How do I clean a rattan accent chair?

Use a soft brush to remove dust from the weave, then wipe the frame with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water. Let it dry fully in a ventilated area before sitting on it again.

Will a rattan armchair work in a boho or coastal interior?

Yes, rattan is one of the most versatile natural materials and suits both boho and coastal aesthetics. It also pairs well with linen, cotton and jute textiles.