Summer is fast approaching and to me the piece of furniture most evocative of summer is the rattan chair.  Cindy and I, as we do on alternate Wednesdays, are sharing a few of our favorite styles – some from our affiliates and some we found as we search the web.  With so many cool styles available, it’s hard to narrow our choices down to 10, but we do our best.

As always, we haven’t necessarily used products from a vendor affiliate (one of the advertisers on our site) nor do we imply an endorsement of their products.  We try to advertise only reputable businesses, however, ones we are familiar with and feel comfortable showing as advertisers.   If you directly link from Your Decorating Hotline to one of our advertisers, we make a small commission on your purchase - and we certainly appreciate your online shopping as it helps support the cost of the site.   

Terrie’s Top 5 Rattan Chairs

Many people wonder what the difference is between rattan and wicker – the terms are often used interchangeably.  Rattan is actually a tropical vine and is considered one of the strongest woods because it’s grain is vertical rather than cylindrical like most hardwoods.  Straight rattan is steamed and bent into a shape which it will then keep forever.  Rattan is the material used – wicker is the process used to weave rattan into a chair or table.  Rattan sometimes forms only the framework (since it’s so strong) and the weaving may then be done with straw, bamboo, banana leaves, split rattan etc. 

The Kimberly chair (#HO265)  from Lamps Plus ($500)  is a great looking chair suitable for the bedroom, a home office or a casual living room. 

Doesn’t this rocker just make you want to while away a summer afternoon?  From Pier 1 for $170.

This classic from the 1960′s is the Kenmochi chair, suitable for indoor or outdoor use and available (on sale) for $1500 from Ymig.com.

The Hulto chair from Ikea is only $70 and would give a modern flair to a patio or indoor room.  I really like the organic shape.

A casual take on a traditional wing back chair, this lounger is from Pottery Barn for $599 (Seagrass Wingback chair). 

Cindy’s Top 5 Rattan Chairs

For a true summer chair it’s got to be a lounger for me.  Love this Ventura Stackable Chaise Lounge that is all-weather, UV-resistant wicker that’s 100% recyclable. Crate&Barrel for $789, includes the cushion.

The novelty had me at first glance! Wouldn’t it be fun to curl up in the colorful pillows of this Outback Urban Balance Hanging Chair and swing gently while cocooned with a good book? From Amazon.com for $1,499.99.

 On a hot summer day I’d love to sit on this Boston Havana Bicast Leather Rattan Bar Stool while sipping a pina colada, complete with paper umbrella!  From Lamps Plus, $299.91. 

 Settle in for a relaxing conversation in Padma’s Plantation Trinidad Arm Chair from CarolinaRustica.com for $1590.00 (green product and green manufacturer).

 For a modern twist, try this Olianna Swivel Chair from Target for $369.99.

Do You Rattan?

What’s your feeling about rattan/wicker?  Is it only for outdoors or do you think there’s a place for this casual look inside?  Which of these strikes a chord with you – or do you have another favorite?  As always, we love hearing from our readers, so feel free to chime in. 

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