Rattan Garden Furniture vs Non-Rattan: Which Fits Your Outdoor Space Best?

Choosing garden furniture usually comes down to two big camps: rattan and everything else (metal, wood, plastic, rope). Each has its place – it just depends how you use your garden.

What Counts as Rattan Garden Furniture?

Most modern “rattan” sets are man‑made (PE) rattan woven over a metal frame. They’re designed to give you:

• A soft, sofa-style look
• Deep cushions and relaxed seating
• A natural, textured feel in neutral tones

You’ll see rattan used in:

• Corner sofa sets
• Lounge sets
• Dining sets
• Daybeds, loungers and bistro sets

If you’re creating an outdoor living room, our rattan corner and lounge sets are usually the starting point.

What Is Non-Rattan Garden Furniture?

Non‑rattan covers:

• Metal (aluminium, steel, iron)
• Wood (teak, acacia, eucalyptus, etc.)
• Plastic / resin
• Rope / textilene on frames

These tend to shine for:

• Dining sets
• Slimline balcony or bistro sets
• Very minimal or architectural looks

Explore our non‑rattan dining and bistro sets if you prefer a cleaner, more structured look.

Comfort: Lounging vs “Sit Up and Eat”

Rattan

• Usually comes with thick seat and back cushions
• Made for lounging, reading and evening drinks
• Ideal as your main relaxation zone

Non-Rattan

• Metal and wood chairs often need cushions for long comfort
• Great for upright dining and café-style setups
• Rope/textilene can be comfy but feels more “chair” than “sofa”

If you picture yourself feet up, long evenings outside, rattan is normally the easiest way to get there.

Look & Style: Soft vs Structured

Rattan

• Soft, woven texture
• Easy to style with throws, rugs and lanterns
• Works with modern, boho, coastal and classic gardens

Non-Rattan

• Metal – sleek, contemporary, great with paving and modern builds
• Wood – warm, timeless, ideal for classic or cottage gardens
• Plastic/resin – simple, practical, often more budget‑friendly

Many people mix both:

• Rattan set for lounging
• Metal or wood set for dining

Practicalities: Everyday Use & Care

Rattan (synthetic)

• Wipe with mild soapy water
• Store cushions dry, use covers in winter
• Good for regular, relaxed use through the season

Non-Rattan

• Aluminium: light, low maintenance, rust‑resistant
• Steel/iron: solid, may need rust‑care
• Wood: benefits from oiling or sealing if you want to keep the original tone
• Plastic/resin: easy‑clean, can fade over time

If you want a “set it up and enjoy it” lounge area, rattan is often the most straightforward choice. For formal dining or a very minimal look, non‑rattan comes into its own.

How to Decide What to Buy

Choose rattan if you want to:

• Create a sofa-style outdoor lounge
• Soften a patio or deck with texture
• Make your garden feel like an extra living room

Choose non‑rattan if you want to:

• Focus on dining and café-style seating
• Match very modern or very traditional architecture
• Add a slimmer, more structured look to your space

Most outdoor spaces work best with a blend – a comfortable rattan lounge set as the heart of the garden, supported by a metal or wood dining set or bistro set elsewhere.

Next Step

• Explore our Rattan Garden Furniture Collection for corner sofas, lounges and daybeds.
• Browse our Non-Rattan Garden Furniture for dining sets, bistro sets and alternative styles that complete your outdoor layout.