Rattan is a favorite material for meditation chairs, and though the wicker look is generally more casual than other types of furniture, some rattan chairs come finished with leather cushions that give the furniture a more formal look.

Depending on the style of rattan chair that you buy, you may need to do some assembly.  This is especially true if the chair swivels or reclines.

One thing to note when considering buying a rattan chair:  you will probably need to also buy cushions if they do not come with them.  The material these chairs are made of can be very uncomfortable, and the angles and contours of the chair is often more for aesthetics than for comfort.  Many models come with a seat cushion, but for some chairs a thin cushion for the backrest may also be needed.

Another common problem with rattan furniture is keeping them clean.   They are known for being dust-catchers, since there are so many nooks and crannies for dust to hide in.  Again, using covers or cushions can help limit the surface area upon which dust can settle. To clean them, you will likely need to use a vacuum to remove as much of the dust as you can, then wipe with a damp cloth.

The benefits of rattan, aside from the warm style, include durability and weight.  For as lightweight as they are, a rattan chair is extremely durable, lasting two to three decades if well-maintained indoors.

It's true. So...why would you want to sit on something so painful? Of course, sitting in a rattan chair does not hurt as much as being whipped by a rattan cane, but the chairs can still be uncomfortable. They can pinch, tug at clothing, and feel quite lumpy.

Yet, rattan makes such beautiful chairs. What to do?

Cushions, of course!

Almost anywhere that rattan chairs are used in public places, such as restaurants, you will notice very thick cushions on the seats. In fact, many people add cushions to the backs as well.

Rattan Chair Cushions

When buying cushions for any type of wicker chair, the first thing to consider is thickness. Thin cushions will not be enough, or you will still feel the 'lumpiness' of the chair through the cushion. Also, examine what the cushion is made of, and if it has 'buttons' or not. Some cushions are designed to be thick, but actually are lumpy themselves.

The next thing is to determine whether or not you will want a cushion for the seat back. Some users even like to have the small cushions for the armrests, especially for chairs that will be used outside, as the dark colored wood can become quite hot in the sun against the skin.

Two last considerations for cushions that will be used outdoors: weight and water-resistance. Obviously if you are using cushions outdoor you want it to not absorb water. But many cushions designed specifically for rattan or wicker are made to be extra-heavy so that they do not blow away (and even hold down the light-weight chairs).

Rattan Rocking Chair

A wooden rocking chair looks great on a front porch or patio, be it of bentwood, rattan, seagrass or any other type of wicker or woven wood. But they can be equally great indoors as well. If you are looking for a casual but elegant style, rattan provides a very natural look.

Be aware of one key feature, however: the need for good cushions. Any rattan rocking chair you consider needs to have ample cushions to protect your posterior from pinches. With the chair moving as your weight shifts back and forth, the rattan can have small gaps that open and close. This can be especially painful for men in shorts, when they want to avoid having the hair on their legs getting pulled by the wicker. Make sure the cushion on your rattan rocking chair is thick enough to prevent pinching, and that it goes all the way to the front edge of the seat.

Because of the informal feel of wicker, the dining sets are usually only four or at most six chairs. You won't find a large table with many chairs made of rattan, since a large setting like that would be more formal than a wicker style.

Many times rattan dining chairs come in a set with a glass-top table. This is perfect because it shows off the beauty and intricacy of the woven table stand. You don't want to hide the detail of the chairs under a solid table.

Of course, with any rattan set you are going to want to make sure that you get good, thick cushions for the chairs. Be sure to get them for both the seat and the backrest. Most rattan is uncomfortable to sit on directly. The nice thing is that you can change out the cushions easily, which makes adjusting your decor very simple. (You can have chairs that match the season, or just your mood!)

Rattan Dining Chairs typically run a couple hundred dollars each, so look for a deal where they come with a table (which usually run about four to five hundred dollars) for a better discount.