Similar to a sideboard, a buffet offers extra storage in the dining room and a spot to place extra dishes that may not fit on the table. With rattan furniture and detailing coming back into vogue lately, incorporating it into your buffet is the perfect way to rock this trend in a way that won't date. We find out what makes rattan so special and show you how to style your buffet so it really shines in your space.
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What is real rattan?

A naturally growing vine-like plant, rattan is a member of the palm family with over 600 different species that grow natively in tropical regions. While it's similar to bamboo, rattan is much more durable and doesn't have a hollow centre, meaning it can be bent to the desired shape. Rattan is used in two ways when making furniture and these use separate parts of the plant. The outer layer is peeled away into strips so it can be used for weaving, while the core is shaped to make structural elements. 

When was rattan furniture popular?

Rattan really came into fashion during the 19th century when families living in the British Empire that had been stationed in tropical locations brought their furnishings back to England with them. By the 20th century, set designers in Hollywood had hopped on the trend and were incorporating rattan into their outdoor scenes, creating romanticised Tiki styles. There was a resurgence again in the 80s when shows like The Golden Girls added rattan pieces to their indoor sets, showing how versatile this material really is, and it has featured consistently in various forms throughout homes since then. 

How to style with rattan

Being such a versatile material means that rattan can complement a variety of styles. The nature of woven rattan pieces allows light to flow freely around the weave, and especially in its natural colouring or painted white, it can make any room feel brighter. In a neutral room, rattan will be a more subdued feature and allow the overall design of the space to take centre stage. Pair your buffet with rattan pendant lights to create a soft ambience in living and dining spaces due to the warm glow they cast.

"Rattan's timeless appearance makes it a winner for a variety of interior styles, from boho and coastal to modern and sophisticated"

The first rule to styling your buffet is ensuring your decor can be easily moved if you need to use it as extra space for plates, bowls or food service. The beauty of rattan is that you can really style it with any piece that complements the theme of your space. Consider a vase to hold beautiful freshly cut or artificial flowers and a small stack of books on your interests that can serve as talking points. 

​For a coastal themed room, a small collection of shells or coral will create a striking vignette without being too overwhelming. You can also use a decorative bowl or tray and feature your favourite servingware or glassware artfully for a practical and visually interesting display.