Rattan Lampshades for all Interiors

With origins dating back to ancient Egypt, rattan has long been a firm favourite in the realm of furniture making. Incredibly durable yet lightweight, it’s barely any wonder that the Victorians were quick to capitalise on it as far back as the late 1800s in the form of wicker parlour chairs, tables and prams. Since then, rattan has enjoyed steady popularity, becoming synonymous with the warm, carefree feel of the late 60s and 70s thanks to its broad use across many different forms of furniture. Today, it’s one of our materials of choice, allowing us and our suppliers to support authentic artisans throughout Indonesia and Malaysia who craft a wide range of our products by hand - lampshades being no exception.

Rattan lampshades are decorative lighting fixtures handmade from rattan, with an unparalleled ability to diffuse the light source in a soft and inviting manner. Creating instant ambience, rattan lampshades are intricately, expertly woven entirely by hand using a variety of techniques to achieve a specific look, pattern or design. Due to the exotic origins of rattan (almost all rattan is sourced from Indonesia), it naturally has a tropical, bohemian feel, but this can vary based on the exact design and finish of the lampshade. 

In recent years, rattan and other natural materials have experienced a resurgence in popularity as people seek more sustainable and environmentally friendly design options. Rattan lampshades fit well into this trend, as they are often crafted from renewable materials and can contribute to a more eco-conscious living space. Falling out of favour in the early eighties due to home interior experts looking towards more manufactured products, this recent revival of rattan is also an optimistic, uplifting indication that we returning to more natural, calming sources for our interior aesthetic. We no longer want to be reminded of our great technological advancements with high-tech homes devoid of the human touch, but rather to be reminded of natural beauty sourced compassionately from the world around us.

What is rattan?

Rattan is a type of material that is used in wicker weaves. Contrary to popular belief, wicker itself is not a material, but a method of weaving that often incorporates rattan. It is a naturally growing vine-like species that is native to tropical regions of Australia, Asia, and Africa. There are many different sub-species of rattan, including jawit rattan, which is a thicker kind of rattan favoured for its durability and so often used for thicker parts of furniture, such as chair or table legs. Our range of luxury rattan lampshades also incorporates other natural materials such as rope, bamboo, Manila hemp (abaca/banana fibre) and seagrass.

Which rattan lampshade should I choose for my interior?

As aesthetic experts and purveyors of luxury contemporary interior accessories, we are constantly sourcing stunning rattan pieces for homes of all schemes and styles. With rattan, the artisan composition and natural materials make our range of lampshades perfect for the following interior design trends:

Island Vibes

Each of our rattan lampshades is handmade in Asia, where the material itself is sourced from. This is just one of the many reasons they make a great accompaniment to exotic, earthen-inspired spaces modelled on Balinese villas or laidback Australian living. Our Jambu and Morocco pendant shades are perfect for this and would work well in a lush, leafy living space with vibrant-coloured fabrics, wide banana leaf plants and bursts of colourful wallpaper. Think authentic island living meets indulgent resort.

High-End Hygge

If you’re looking for complete quiet and calm which taps into Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness aesthetic, look no further than our Cairo Lampshade, which is available in both natural and black. This statement rattan lampshade cuts a sharp and alternative silhouette, which is instantly softened by the organic lines and shapes of the rattan itself. With Scandinavian Interior Design, minimal yet impactful pieces that play with light are key, and the Cairo effortlessly ticks all of those boxes.

Coastal Allure

The wild call of the coast has provided a source of escapism and inspiration for millennia. Throughout all seasons, we flock to boutique boltholes where we can feel the sun on our skin, sand beneath our feet and salt spray on our cheeks. It’s really no wonder that we often try to replicate a feel of this in our own homes, is it? Rattan perfectly encapsulates all-things coastal, thanks to its natural composition, sandy hue and similarity to the seagrass and reeds found in abundance in the dunes. Our rattan Cosmos Lampshade has a definite oceanic feel, and we’d love to see it styled alongside faux coral ornaments, large cowrie shells and repurposed driftwood furniture. Did someone say chic beach bungalow?

How to care for your rattan lampshade

When incorporating rattan lampshades into your decor, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of the space and how the lampshade will interact with other elements in the room. Additionally, proper care and maintenance, such as regular dusting and avoiding exposure to excessive moisture or direct sunlight, can help prolong the lifespan of rattan lampshades and keep them looking their best.

Shop our range of rattan lampshades