Rattan Armchairs
457
87
5
to
50
376
159
549
489
495
239
32
23
14
6
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
3
12
442
92
32
257
117
1
2
6
13
7
65
94
73
17
7
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
350
250
87
107
67
75
63
66
61
65
58
62
9,056
18,084
13,550
7,111
6,071
363
148
68
65
57
22
16
14
14
10
Material: Rattan
Set of Two High Back Curved Wicker Rattan Armchairs
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Note: if you are only interested in one of the two Armchairs please contact us.
Shipping Note:
If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, don't hesitate to...
Category
Late 20th Century German Country Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Wood
Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina mod. Margherita 1951
Located in Taranto, IT
Franco Albini's Margherita armchair for Bonacina is an elegant example of 20th-century Italian design, embodying the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and aesthetic innovat...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Pair of McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs and Ottomans
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-century modern pair of round back rattan armchairs with matching ottomans or footstools made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The chairs featur...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rattan, Oak
1950s Italian Franco Albini for Bonacina "Margherita" Rattan Arm Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Iconic pair of mid-century, rattan arm chairs by Franco Albini for Bonacina. Crafted from finely woven rattan, these chairs are a sculptural masterpiece that redefined seating with i...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Borek Sipek “Liba” lounge chair for Driade, Italy circa 1988
Located in Skokie, IL
Borek Sipek “Liba” lounge chair for Driade, Italy circa 1988
Dimensions: 22" h x 24" w x 34" d
Condition: Excellent vintage condition.
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Thonet armchairs, model 209, ca 2000
By Thonet
Located in Uppsala, SE
Pair of armchairs, model 209 (also called Wiener Stuhl), made by Thonet, one of which is marked. Legendary Swiss architect Le Corbusier was fascinated with this model and used it in ...
Category
1930s Austrian Bauhaus Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Bentwood
Pair Chinese Arm Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair Chinese Arm Chairs with woven seats. Pegged construction. Some wear from age and use
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Chair designed by Ligna in the style of Thonet, circa 1940.
By Ligna
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage Bentwood Armchair by Ligna – Czechoslovakian Design, Circa 1940 – A Classic Thonet-Inspired Piece
Elevate your space with this stunning bentwood armchair designed by Ligna in the iconic style of Thonet, circa 1940. Manufactured in Czechoslovakia, this chair is a striking example of timeless design and craftsmanship, blending form and function in perfect harmony. Featuring the signature curves of bentwood, a technique that revolutionized furniture design in the early 20th century, this chair is not only a piece of furniture but a work of art.
Originally designed in 1900, the Thonet-inspired design of this armchair was favored by many famous architects and designers, including Le Corbusier, who admired its elegant simplicity and ergonomic comfort. This particular example is marked with an attribution label, making it a valuable collector's piece with historical significance.
In good original condition, the chair shows minor wear consistent with age, adding to its vintage charm and authenticity. The rattan webbing has been entirely renewed, ensuring durability and a refreshed look while maintaining the chair's classic appeal. The warm, natural wood tones and elegant lines make this chair a versatile addition to any home, whether placed in a contemporary setting or as a stylish accent in a more traditional décor.
With its graceful silhouette and expert craftsmanship, this chair is more than just a seat—it’s a statement piece that will complement any room, from living rooms to studies, dining areas, or offices.
Materials:
Bentwood
Rattan (newly replaced webbing)
Dimensions:
D 58 cm x W 56 cm x H 78 cm
A must-have for design lovers, collectors, or anyone who appreciates classic mid-century furniture. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of design history with this exquisite Ligna chair...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Bentwood
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Barrel Back Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Classic mid-century modern rattan bamboo armchair made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire. The chair features a thick pole-rattan frame with a gracefully curve...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Luigi Caccia Dominioni Coppia di Poltrone e Tavolino Garden Set Design 1960
Located in Taranto, IT
Il set da giardino composto da due poltrone e un tavolino, disegnato da Luigi Caccia Dominioni negli anni ’60, è un perfetto esempio di eleganza e funz...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Set Rattan Patio Arm chairs 1960s Holland
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Bohemian style high back Rattan arm chairs . Handmade .
very good sitting comfort . Very light in weight .
Category
1960s Dutch Bohemian Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Cathedral Style Box Armchair
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous square box form rattan armchair made in the California coastal organic modern style by McGuire artisans. The rare chair features a pole rattan and oak frame having decorativ...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rattan, Oak
Set of Two Rare Chairs in Shearling and Birch, Arttu Brummer, Finland, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two chairs, design Arttu Brummer, Finland, 1940s. The chairs are from the University of Helsinki. Birch frame with rattan backrest. Shearling upholstery. Good vintage conditio...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wool, Rattan, Birch
French Art Deco Wood and Woven Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Art Deco wood and woven armchair from France, 1930s. Beautiful curved carved wood arms and legs. Original woven rattan seat and back. Original finish shows great age and pa...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Rattan
Vintage Tongue-in-Chic Handcrafted Wicker Peacock Chair "Emmanuelle"
Located in Dronten, NL
Spectacular handwoven vintage "Emmanuelle" peacock chair from the 1960s.
Please note the details and different techniques in this chair. Made out of wicker, rattan and reed.
The pe...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan
Pair Of McGuire Boho Rattan Target Back Armchairs With Ottoman
By John McGuire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of John Elinor McGuire lounge armchairs in honeyed brown bamboo and rattan, beautifully formed with square backs detailed by X splats with target motif concentric circles in g...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Rattan
Pair of "Safari" Armchairs in Rattan and Leather by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic pair of "Safari" armchairs in curved rattan and leather designed by Tito Agnoli and produced in Italy during the 1960s.
The armchairs are fully original, they feature a s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of Midcentury Italian Armchairs in Rattan and Wicker, Tito Agnoli, 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic pair of Mid-Century French Riviera style armchairs fully made in curved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker. These lovely armchairs were designed in Italy during the 1960s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Set of Two Rare Chairs in Shearling and Birch, Arttu Brummer, Finland, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two chairs, design Arttu Brummer, Finland, 1940s. The chairs are from the University of Helsinki. Birch frame with rattan backrest. Shearling upholstery. Good vintage conditio...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wool, Rattan, Birch
Mid-Century Curved Bamboo and Leather Armchair, White Fabric, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century organic armchair, fully made in bamboo, leather, and chestnut wood. This elegant armchair was made in Italy during the 1960s clearly in the style of Gabriella...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan, Chestnut
Gio Ponti for Bonacina Continuum BP 16 Lounge Chair, Italy 1963
Located in Naples, IT
Rare bamboo 'Continuum' lounge chair model BP16 designed by Gio Ponti, manufactured by Bonacina. The chair is completely made of bamboo and wicker and still has its original upholste...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of French Rattan and Cane Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of 1950's French rattan and cane chairs with cushions. Curved slatted rattan frames with wrapped rattan detail and unique circular cane detail on sides. New off-white ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Cotton, Linen, Cane
Mid Century Rattan Wicker Tub Chair, C.1960, Italy
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Rattan Wicker Tub Chair, C.1960, Italy
In good condition, with general signs of wear commensurate with age, please see photos.
If of interest, please request a specific...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Boho Chic Wicker, Rattan Peacock Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Step into the allure of bohemian charm with this Vintage Boho Chic Wicker Rattan Peacock Chair. In its majestic presence, this chair stands 59 inches tall with a generous 41-inch win...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan
Pair of sculptural large wicker armchairs in rattan 20th century
Located in Leicester, GB
A sculptural pair of 20th-century wicker armchairs in rattan. The vintage chairs have gorgeous large open armrests that are beautifully woven. The wicker armchairs are made with an a...
Category
20th Century British Bohemian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Rattan
Midcentury Italian Rattan Armchair in Calf Leather Attributed Tito Agnoli
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury Italian rattan armchair in calf leather attributed to Tito Agnoli for Bonacina
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rattan
Bunny Williams Home Kinley Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Kinley Armchair is comfortably upholstered with tie-on seat and back cushions.
Overall dimensions: 33" W x 30"D x 37"H
Seat height: 18.25" to top of cushion
Arm height: 22.25" a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Vivai del Sud Mid-Century Italian Bamboo and Rattan Armchair, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic Mid-Century armchair in bamboo and rattan. This stunnig armchair was produced by Vivai del Sud in Italy during the 1970s.
The structure is fully made in curved bamboo with perfect proportions. The beauty of this armchair is due to the armrest and the back of the chair which are a combination of curved bamboo canes...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Pair of "Tropicalist" Armchairs by Vivai del Sud, Italy, 1970s
Located in LE TOUQUET-PARIS-PLAGE, FR
Rare pair of oversized armchairs attributed to Vivai del Sud, dating from the 1970s. These exceptional pieces embody the Tropicalist style, blending Mediterranean and exotic influenc...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Rattan
Pair of Chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner, designed in 1949 and manufactured by Johannes Hansen in Denmark.
This pair has wear and tear to the frame and rattan (please see ...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Teak
Antique Bentwood Bamboo Woven Wicker Rattan Arm Chair Boho Boheimian
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique bamboo and woven wicker / rattan armchair featuring rounded bentwood back with geometric woven pattern.
Measures: 30".
Category
Early 20th Century Bohemian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan, Bentwood
Bunny Williams Home Laurel Wicker Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Rattan is durable, elegant, and strong. Good wickerwork always demonstrates these characteristics, and our Laurel Armchair also incorporates a variety of cheerful and charming elemen...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Pair of Armchairs Tito Agnoli Style, Italy 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing pair of armchairs in rattan and bamboo bent in the style of Tito Agnoli for Bonacina.
Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Bamboo / rattan has been polished by a professi...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Pair Leather Safari Armchairs and Rattan Bonacina Attributed Tito Agnoli
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Couple Leather armchairs and Rattan Bonacina Attributed Tito Agnoli, We replaced the dogs because they were very ruined and broken, so we preferred to ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Leather
Antique Pair of Chinese Brighton Pavillion Style Bamboo Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive 19th Century Chinese chairs handcrafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with a finish aged to perfection featuring rattan symbolic designs on the backs and sides, grasscloth sea...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Victorian Antique Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Grasscloth, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of McGuire Style Organic Modern Rattan Barrel Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of organic modern rattan bamboo barrel form armchairs made in the California coastal manner and style of McGuire. Produced by California artisans in Los Angeles the cha...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Set of Armchairs Designed by Thonet and Manufactured by Ligna in the 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Remarkable set of armchairs, designed by Thonet and expertly manufactured by Ligna in the 1950s. Combining Thonet's visionary design aesthetic with Ligna's craftsmanship, these armch...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Bentwood
Vittorio Bonacina, splendid egg-shaped seat in woven rush
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2757
Vittorio Bonacina
Splendid egg-shaped seat in woven rush and rattan.
Manifactured by Bonacina, Italy, ca. 1955.
96x77xh135
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Hans Wegner Vintage JH-501 Chair in Oak and Cane c1950s
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - Model JH-501: "The Chair", 1949
This early version of Hans Wegner's most iconic design was simply known as the 'The Chair' when it was first produced or fondly as '...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Sofa, Armchairs and Italian Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Iconic Italian set attributable produced in Italy during 1960s.
This midcentury set is made of a double seat sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table in rattan and bamboo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Set of Four Italian Rattan/Bamboo Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very stylish and rare. A great set of 4 that is very cozy. 39cm chilly seat height.
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Bamboo and Rattan Armchair by Maugrion for Roche Bobois - France - 1980s
By Roche Bobois
Located in Milano, IT
Bamboo and Rattan Armchair by Maugrion for Roche Bobois - Unique Piece of Vintage Design
Refined bamboo and rattan armchair, made by the renowned Maugrion brand "Le rotin prestige "...
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Set of 3 Matching Mid-Century Modern Rattan or Bamboo Bar Stools
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage set of rattan / bamboo barstools circa mid 1970's. These bar stools feature rattan framing with upholstered seats. Fabric is original so reco...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Lio Carminati for Home and Garden Round Rattan Armchair, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Gorgeous rattan armchair designed by Lio Carminati, a timeless piece with an elegant and natural design. Perfect for stylishly decorating both indoor and outdoor environments.
High-q...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Rattan
Pair of Vintage Rattan / Bamboo Armchairs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of rattan armchairs with pencil bamboo seat and back.
Category
20th Century Philippine Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of Vivai del Sud Mid-Century Armchairs in Bamboo and Rattan, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of fantastic Mid-Century armchairs fully made in bamboo, rattan and wicker. This incredible set was produced in Italy by Vivai del Sud during the 1970s.
These comfortable armch...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Hans J. Wegner Armchair "JH-501" in Oak & Rattan Cane, Danish Modern
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 this is one of the most iconic pieces of Danish modern furniture design. Pair of rare and early model "JH-501" made by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs; The Collection of Andre Leon Talley
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Large Wicker Armchairs w/ fitted upholstered seat cushion. Seat cushion is removable. From Andre Leon Talley's Collection.
A striking pair of large wicker armchairs, meticul...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wicker, Rattan
Set of Six Brighton Pavilion Style Bamboo Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing set of six bamboo rattan dining armchairs made in the Brighton Pavilion style. The chairs feature an intricate Chinese chippendale open fretwork design crafted from bamboo. The horseshoe shaped frame gracefully curves down to the arms and seat. Newly upholstered fitted loose seat cushions, webbing, and dust covers. The fabric has a laurel leaf style motif over a white ground. Beautifully crafted with a desirable aged patina on the bamboo finish. Rare to find a matching set of six. Provenance: From the estate of William Bernstein...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Pair of rattan club armchairs, 1970s.
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair club armchairs resting on a rattan square base. Italy, 1970s.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Pair of Ferguson Copeland Tortoise & Silver Leaf Upholstered Brighton Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Ferguson Copeland Tortoise and Silver Leaf Upholstered Brighton Armchairs.
Feature a Bent Rattan frame with leather strap joints, brown pain...
Category
Late 20th Century American American Classical Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Jenkins & Phipps Stick and Ball Wicker Portrait Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
Jenkins & Phipps stick and ball wicker photographers or portrait chair with asymmetrical scrolled right arm and fiddleheads, woven skirt, and woven bead...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Hardwood
Pair of McGuire Style Rattan Cane Barrel Back Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Pair of organic modern style rattan armchairs made in the manner of McGuire San Francisco. The chairs feature a barrel back form with a horseshoe shaped crest. The back has a double ...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Down
Set of Four McGuire Laced Rawhide Rattan Dining Armchairs
By McGuire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Genuine set of four rare McGuire Antalya directors style dining armchairs featuring lattice style laced rawhide woven leather seats and back. Model #MC...
Category
20th Century American Organic Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
Mid Century Boho Chic Faux Bamboo Rattan Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A quality Mid Century Boho Chic faux bamboo and Rattan armchair. Finely carved , the chair features curved arms resting on a rattan seat. The back of the chair is slightly curved pro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 80s McGuire Antalya Directors Style Dining or Occasional Chairs Rawhide
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Classic 1980s directors style McGuire dining or occasional armchairs with lattice style rawhide seats and backs. These rattan framed chairs with backrest and seat woven in ra...
Category
1980s Philippine British Colonial Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Hide, Rattan
Rattan Chair TÄRÖ by Thomas Sandell for Ikea
By Thomas Sandell, IKEA
Located in KUTNO, PL
The TÄRÖ armchair is made of rattan and pine wood.
Its construction is lightweight but sturdy, and the main material used is rattan, which gives it a warm, organic look.
The seat is...
Category
Early 2000s Mid-Century Modern Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Monumental Woven Armchairs in Rattan
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pair of Mid-Century monumental woven armchairs in rattan.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Armchairs
Materials
Rattan
Vintage Rattan Armchairs for Sale on 1stDibs
Shopping for vintage rattan armchairs for your living room? Lightweight, durable and versatile, rattan furniture is whatever one wants it to be: elegant or rustic, chic or workaday.
For rattan wingback chairs, recliners, bergère chairs and other rattan armchairs and seating, there is no shortage of popular search terms for interested parties — suggestions include Bielecky Brothers, New York–based makers of handcrafted rattan furniture since 1903; Milanese artist-designer Gabriella Crespi, who blended rattan with brass in sexy, sculptural pieces during the 1970s; and Peacock chairs, a catchall term for the numberless iterations of the beloved high-backed seat.
Few things inspire such extreme devotion as furnishings crafted from the versatile fibers of a tropical palm native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Indeed, antique and vintage rattan furniture has found legions of devotees over the years. The long-lasting natural medium, made popular in Great Britain and the United States during the Victorian era, is a master of disguise, able to mingle with a wide range of styles — when done the right way.
The use of rattan stretches from prehistory to IKEA. To clarify, rattan is not bamboo, which is a rigid, hollow reed. Stalks of rattan (whose name derives from the Malay rotan) are dense, steamable and bendable, which is why it lends itself to curvaceous designs and infinite creative uses in a way bamboo does not. Nor is rattan synonymous with wicker, which is a broader term for woven items — often made of rattan fibers but also of willow, other pliable reeds or even synthetic materials.
“Furniture made out of woven materials has occurred since the beginning of time and in every culture,” says interior designer and rattan aficionado Amanda Lindroth, noting that in earlier times, rattan furnishings were most often found in semi-outdoor settings like sunrooms and porches. Rattan pieces were welcomed indoors in the mid-20th century, and over time the medium has been put to use by giants of modernism such as Josef Hoffmann, Thonet, Jean-Michel Frank and Donald Deskey.
Find antique and vintage rattan armchairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.