A rattan is a vine-like palm plant, very similar to bamboo – without the hollow stems – of which there are over 600 varieties. Seventy percent of rattan comes from Indonesia and the remaining thirty percent can be found in the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Rattan grows very rapidly up to lengths of 600 feet, and it’s light-weight quality makes it more simple to harvest and transport than other tropical plants and trees. Although rattan plants are dependent on trees for growth, they are not parasitic and do no harm to the trees.

Because of the way rattan is grown, its short life cycle and method of harvesting, it is one of the most eco-friendly products used today for furniture making, which adds to its popularity. Over the years, increased creativity and improved design has made rattan furniture an even better option with a variety of styles and colors available.

After rattan is harvested, the different parts of a rattan plant are processed for furniture making. The outer skin of rattan is peeled and used for weaving and binding. The term “wicker” refers to the style that results from this weaving, and rattan is the most common material used for wicker patio furniture. The strong but somewhat flexible core of the rattan plant is commonly used for the frame of the furniture. When heated or steamed, the core can be bent or flexed into the desired shape but it will not break. Curved and bent rattan is viewed as higher quality because it is more difficult to achieve. Rattan also accepts paints and stains very well, making it easy to find in a variety of colors.

Rattan furniture became popular in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century when Cyrus Wakefield found large quantities of rattan on the shipping docks in Boston. He began a business of importing rattan into the U.S. and started to design his own furniture. In the early 1900′s, interest in wicker declined but experienced a resurgence starting in the 1960s and 1970s when demands for outdoor furniture increased. This popularity has continued to this day.

Since rattan is an all-natural plant that grows in rain forests, it is ideal for patio furniture. Rattan patio furniture, which includes sofas, chairs and tables, can be found in all different styles, colors and price ranges. Depending on the style it can have a casual island feel to it–or a slightly more formal look.

For those who are looking for outdoor patio furniture that not only has style and beauty, but versatility and durability, rattan patio furniture is the perfect choice. Quality rattan patio furniture that is well taken care of can last a lifetime.

1. Form: Form is emphasized over ornamentation in modern interiors. When ornamentation and embellishment are kept to a minimum, the form, material, shape and function of furnishings are brought to the fore. A bare wall emphasizes the form of the room, while an unadorned sofa or chair draws attention to the intrinsic beauty of its proportions. A bare surface, for its part, can elevate a table into a work of art. The form of the furnishings should relate to the form of the interior space, as well.

2. Space: In modern interior design, space itself is a crucial design element. A careful treatment of open floor plans will not only emphasize spaciousness, it will allow the eye to take in the space as a whole. Through spare window treatments, modern interiors extend the sense of space outwards and invite sunlight in. Using space as a design element allows designers to create vistas, both within rooms and extending beyond them into the outdoors.

3. Lines: Clean, sleek lines are hallmarks of modern interior design. Strong horizontal lines direct the eye outward, expanding the sense of space. Vertical lines add elegance to minimal design, drawing the eye upwards, making ceilings appear higher than they are, which makes rooms feel more spacious. Straight lines create energy and motion. To this end, modern furniture should be chosen based upon its sharp angles and straight edges.

4. Color: The color palette of modern interiors is typically neutral. A neutral palette allows the form, shape and line of the furnishings to take center stage. Neutral colors reflect basic natural elements, such as wood and stone, which effectively reinforce modernism’s emphasis on basic forms. Mood itself can be enhanced through a careful choice of color; steel blue and gray conveys a modern, sophisticated feeling, while Earth tones like mute red and medium brown add a warmer touch.

5. Light: Effective modern interiors manipulate light to enhance a spacious atmosphere, and to add both depth and drama. Reflective surfaces, such as glass, glass tiles, mirrors, chrome and high-gloss paint, are commonly used in modern interiors to add interest. Lighting is used not only for illuminating rooms, but to dramatically highlight statement art or decorative objects. Lighting fixtures reflect the overall aesthetic of modern design, with forms that emphasize their function.

6. Material: Modern interior design embraces a wide variety of materials, from time-honored materials like wood and stone, to industrial materials like steel, plastic and aluminum. While smooth, sleek surfaces dominate furnishings decorated in modern styles, natural textural elements are often included, such as brick walls left bare. Modern interiors may also feature textiles made with natural materials like linen, hemp or bamboo, and can even include animal skins or sheepskin furs.

7. Harmony: Modern interiors rarely convey a chaotic atmosphere, as the goal in modern interior design is most often to create a harmonious space. Furnishings are chosen not only for their individual style and form, but for how they relate to the overall feeling of the room; the intention is to create a space that is more than the sum of its parts. To attain that goal, furnishings must work in harmony with one another. A more rustic style twist on this formula, which works well amidst a broader modern decor scheme, is the use of rattan garden furniture in the yard and on the patio. Rattan’s intricate, interwoven design is the very definition of “harmonious,” serving as a Zen-like reminder that all things are connected.

8. Unity: Presenting a cohesive space in the modern style requires unifying elements. Colors, materials, forms, lines and textures can be tastefully repeated in varying degrees throughout the space to unify the whole. Unifying elements are the tools that modern interior designers use to help achieve aesthetic harmony and balance.

9. Balance: If the goal of the modern interior design is to present a cohesive whole, it is important to be wary of including an element that may command too much attention. Weight and importance must be carefully balanced when designing modern interiors. Modern interiors often feature low profiles, with seats and surfaces aligned along the same horizontal plane. This can add a comfortable feeling of weight to a room, but too much weight can drag the energy of a room downwards, making the room feel dull and lifeless.

10. Motion: The word “streamlined” is often used to describe modern interiors, and for good reason: effective modern interiors can convey a sense energy and motion. Strong, low horizontal lines quickly direct the eye across the space, adding a sense of excitement and movement. Dramatic vertical lines convey an exalted feeling, one of moving upwards into space.

Natural light is one of the best features of the room, so enhance it with light colored wall paint. It’s also a good idea to add plenty of electric lighting. Because of the lighting in the space, plants are able to thrive in these rooms. Take advantage of this by moving potted plants or flowers into the room. Once the sun goes down, these rooms can become very dark.

Depending on how you use your sunroom, there are a few different options when it comes to furniture. All of the furniture in the space should be lightweight. Bulky furniture feels cumbersome in such a bright, airy space. A great option for sunrooms is rattan furniture. It’s the traditional choice because it is lightweight, durable, and has a distinctly natural feeling that pairs well with the feeling of a sunroom. Most rattan furniture is also treated with a fade-resistant coating which is important for furniture placed in direct sunlight; especially good for rattan garden furniture. Tables, chairs, and even sofas are available in rattan.

Don’t forget to make the space feel warm and cozy with homey accents. Braided rugs, warm blankets and decorative throw pillows will make sure your sunroom is used even in the colder months.

This article was written by Erie Construction.