Rattan is back with a vengeance. Care to add laidback resort charm to your home? Read on as we suss out the top stores for rattan furniture in Singapore.
Now that tropical interiors are making the rounds in home decor, it’s official. Rattan is cool again. Once commonly associated with your grandma (or only for outdoor furnishings), the natural material delivers laidback resort charm in spades. With everyone from Ikea to luxe furniture brands on board the rattan train, it’s back and bolder than ever. Read on to find out the best places to get rattan furniture in Singapore…
A brief history on rattan
Rattan has remarkably stood the test of time. And its history goes way back. The Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were buried with wicker furniture. Even the Roman empire was big on rattan furnishings. In Asia, raw rattan largely came from Indonesia and was shaped into furniture by craftsmen in China. Because of its proximity to both, Singapore was said to be Southeast Asia’s biggest exporter for rattan furniture. Eventually, the booming trade and colonists in Asia brought rattan to the US and Europe.
Rattan revival
Its popularity may have waned briefly, but just like the 70s, you’re seeing it everywhere again. Want to come home to a lush, tropical retreat? Fill your abode with pretty plants, leafy accents and natural materials like bamboo or rattan. With modern designs available, you’ll have no problem fitting rattan into your home regardless of your style.
For starters, add a couple of rattan chairs – from spiral-shaped shell ones to the majestic peacock chair. Alternatively, rattan lamps with an open weave can let light through. Or, fringe details will transport you to the Mediterranean. But little touches such as rattan mirrors and baskets make any space feel fresh and light, too. For a bigger change, a rattan bed frame with crisscrossed rattan patterns and dramatic curves creates a light canopy feel.
Where to buy rattan furniture in Singapore
1. Ong Shunmugam
Loved Ong Shunmugam’s tableware range? Wait till you see what’s in store. The local brand has launched chapter two of Suvarnabumi (its homeware line), and bless our heart – it’s looking regal AF. The 12-piece rattan furniture and basketry collection was conceptualised by founder Priscilla Ong herself during lockdown in London.
Made from sustainable Malaysian-harvested rattan species such as Rotan Manau, Rotan Mantang and Rotan Sega, the collection combines rattan with mediums that aren’t usually associated with the age-old material. Batik and synthetic rattan from Indonesia, jacquard from China and indigenous Iban weave patterns add a touch of sophistication to the already classic pieces.
Suvarnabumi Rattan collection, shop at #01-76, Atelier Ong Shunmugam, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, Singapore 278115
2. Elements Concept
If you’re thinking about sprucing up your home to suit our tropical weather, it’s best you start at Elements Concept. The furniture store perfectly melds the use of teak, rattan and bamboo with marble, metal and brass for a touch of contemporary style. We also love how every single piece is handcrafted by talented craftsmen and women – right in their own workshop or at home so that they can be closer to their families. Feast your eyes on rattan tables, cabinets (extra love for the rattan webbing!), lampshades and sofa sets.
Elements Concept, 420 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427641
3. Bungalow 55
Bungalow 55’s rattan collection is small but mighty. Get the hanging rattan chair if you’re ready for a new statement piece. Alternatively, start small with the rattan baskets or silver and rattan cheese knife set. Even the little things add character to your abode.
Bungalow 55, 8D Dempsey Rd, #03-04, Singapore 249672
4. Originals
Sourced from around the world, Originals’ clean and classic designs stand the test of time. As for rattan styles, there’s a fair mix of mirrors, floor lamp shades and dining chairs in natural, black and white colours. Plus, side tables and panels screens as well as teak and rattan sideboards, bed frames and cabinets.
Originals, Level 5, 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, Singapore 659592
5. Island Living
Fair warning: It’s going to take a lot to get off Island Living’s website – all thanks to its impressive range of furniture and homeware. The selection of rattan furniture leaves no wiggle room for the ordinary. Deck out your pad with statement gems that truly hero different weaving techniques of the rattan material. We’ve already fallen head over heels for the rattan two-door cabinet and hanging display rack (both pictured above).
Island Living, shop at #02-05, Henry Design Centre: No. 5, Eunos Avenue 8A, Singapore 409459
6. Hemma
Got an outdoor patio or balcony that’s screaming for a face lift? Look no further than Hemma’s collection of accent pieces. A quick browse through and you’ll find iconic statement hits like the throne-like peacock chair, hanging rattan swing, side tables and footstools.
Hemma, shop at #03-37, ShunLi Industrial Park, 61 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, Singapore 417943
7. Rattan Rattan
Boy, we were pleased to stumble upon this Carousell account. Rattan Rattan mixes traditional rattan craftsmanship with modern designs. The result? Unique crisscross and curved designs that are one of a kind. Plus, all items are made right here in Singapore so there’s no need to spend a bomb on shipping fees.
Rattan Rattan, shop online.
8. Rattan Capital Trading
This store works with artisans to create handcrafted products – so everyone gets a unique piece. There’s everything under the sun, from bookshelves, bed frames, chairs and drawers, to decorative baskets, stools, benches and storage boxes.
Rattan Capital Trading, multiple locations including Gambas Crescent and Woodlands.
And there you have it – the best stores for rattan furniture in Singapore!
