When it comes to finding the right décor and furniture, one feature that’s increasingly important to consumers is sustainability. This is more than just a marketing gimmick or branding concept, with buyers looking more into the environmental impact of their purchases. There are a lot of materials touted for their supposedly sustainable nature, but rattan might be the best choice to add conscious and unique elements to any environment.
Why Rattan Is One of the Most Sustainable Materials
Related to and frequently confused with palm trees and bamboo, rattan offers several benefits as a renewable material compared to other varieties of plant-based products. Found mostly in Southeast Asian countries, it grows far faster than other materials, regenerating itself after a harvest in around 5 to 7 years. It also grows vertically, eliminating the need for large tracts of land to grow it on.
This also makes it more pliable in terms of shaping or designing it, especially compared to bamboo or other more brittle substances. As a natural material, rattan is biodegradable, so with how ubiquitous it’s become, those worried about wasteful plastic have a much better alternative to choose from. Thus, one method of promoting more environmentally conscious production is to switch to rattan for interior furniture.
The Best Benefits of Rattan Side Tables
Rattan is quite lightweight next to wood and especially metal pieces, so heavy hauls up endless flights of stairs or the risk of stubbing toes on hard metal will be things of the past with these tables. Living in a small apartment or something just as cramped? Rattan side tables are perfect for small spaces, whether it’s the bedroom, the living room, or the “foyer” of a tiny home, and despite the size, they can be used for just about anything. A great example of this is the Hannah Woven Raffia Side Table, which is great for holding a growing collection of coffee table books, pottery, or anything else that adds heart to a home.
Living in a concrete jungle and in desperate need of the real thing? There are also particularly “flowery” options such as the Betty Skirted Rattan Accent Table, and its appearance helps to accentuate how natural any environment becomes with rattan is added into the mix. One concern that some might have is how easy it is to clean them, especially given their construction. Thankfully, all it takes is routine dusting/vacuuming and a bit of soap and water to keep them clean. In the end, however, the ultimate decision maker for any piece of furniture comes down to the price.
- Easier to craft compared to other materials
- Offers a natural, exotic aesthetic
- Easy to style in any room
- Each piece offers exclusive, naturally divergent designs
Thankfully, consumers can rest assured that when they look for their new rattan side table, the material involved should make it much more affordable than similar products made from other materials. Most importantly, rattan harvesting provides livelihoods and development for several nations, so every dollar toward a natural rattan side table makes it much more than just a furniture purchase.
These dollars will also buy more than their money’s worth, with rattan touted for its durability and long-lasting nature. Timeless charm and natural beauty are just part of what makes rattan side tables such a great choice for interior décor, with their style, form and functionality ranking just as high as their social and environmental benefits.
