Rattan Side Tables

Choosing a rattan side table for your living room or bedroom

A rattan side table for the living room works best when its surface height sits within about 5cm of the arm height of the chair or sofa it sits beside. This keeps everything within reach without stretching or bending forward.

Most rattan side tables in our range carry a load capacity of 10 to 20kg on the top surface, plenty for a lamp, a drink and a book. It’s still worth checking the individual rating if you plan to stack anything heavier.

In a bedroom, a rattan side table with a lower shelf earns its keep by holding a book or phone charger within arm’s reach from the mattress. You’ll notice the practical difference immediately.

Coordinate with our wood side tables if you’d rather mix materials across the room.

Indoor and outdoor placement for cane and rattan side tables

Natural cane side tables are best kept indoors. Direct rain and prolonged UV exposure break down the fibres and loosen the weave over time in a way that’s difficult to reverse. If you want the same look for an outdoor entertaining area, a synthetic resin rattan frame is the better choice. It’s UV-treated and holds up to rain without warping the way a natural fibre version would. The difference isn’t always obvious from a photo, so checking whether a listing specifies natural cane or synthetic resin before buying for an outdoor spot saves a disappointing first wet season. Assembly is simple either way: most rattan side tables attach legs to a pre-woven top and take under 20 minutes with a basic screwdriver or Allen key.

Browse our outdoor coffee and side tables if you need the same look built for the weather.

Caring for a rattan side table over years of use

A felt pad or cork coaster under anything that sits permanently on the surface, like a lamp or a vase with a rough base, prevents the kind of fine scratching that builds up unnoticed over months of daily use. A coat of natural beeswax or furniture wax once a year also protects the surface and stops the rattan fibres from drying out and becoming brittle. This matters particularly in air-conditioned rooms that run drier than average.

Rattan works across a wide range of interior styles from coastal to Japandi, and the texture of the weave adds warmth to rooms that otherwise lean heavily on white walls and light timber floors. Keeping the surface itself simple; a lamp, a small plant and one or two functional items, tends to look more considered than a fully styled tablescape.

Explore our rattan armchairs to build out a matching seating corner.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between rattan, wicker and cane?

Rattan is a natural vine material harvested from a palm plant. Wicker refers to the weaving technique rather than a material, so a wicker side table can be made from rattan, cane, bamboo or synthetic fibres. Cane is the outer bark of the rattan vine and is typically used for thinner, more tightly woven furniture panels.

How much weight can a rattan side table hold?

Most rattan side tables in our range have a load capacity of between 10 and 20kg for the top surface. If you plan to use yours as a bedside table with a heavy lamp and accessories, check the product specifications to confirm the weight rating before purchasing.

Are rattan side tables easy to assemble?

The majority of our rattan side tables require minimal assembly, typically attaching legs to a pre-woven top. Most can be assembled in under 20 minutes with a basic screwdriver or Allen key. Assembly instructions and required hardware are included in the box.

How do I protect a rattan side table from scratches?

Place a felt pad or cork coaster under any objects that sit permanently on the surface, such as lamps or vases with rough bases. Applying a coat of natural beeswax or furniture wax once a year also helps protect the surface and keeps the rattan fibres from drying out.

Can a wicker side table be used as a bedside table?

Yes, a wicker side table works well as a bedside table, particularly in bedrooms with a natural or coastal theme. Choose a model where the surface height is close to your mattress height, which for a standard Australian bed with a 25cm mattress is typically 55 to 65cm from floor to surface.