Rattan is better when it’s vintage. focus on 5 priority pieces to hunt for

Monoprix, Alinéa, Maisons du Monde… All major brands offer their rattan furniture and items. Undoubtedly, it is the topic of the moment. But rattan has already had many successes. From the end of the 19th century, rattan furniture was a hit. They are perfect in winter gardens. Light and beautiful, they also have a very fashionable “exotic” side. Then, fashion ends. To reappear in other forms in the 1960s and 70s. In 1972, Italian designer and interior architect Gabriella Crespi, leader of the chic hippies, designed rattan sofas, armchairs, poufs and table lamps for her wealthy clientele. We’re taking pictures of these exclusive pieces which, a sign of the times, have recently been re-released by Gubi. In the movie 1974 Emmanuel, a high-backed rattan armchair invades the screen. Immediately named Fauteuil Emmanuelle, it remains a furniture icon.

For several years now, we have felt that rattan is (re)growing in interiors. And there’s even a generous giveaway this spring. “Rattan has always been associated with naturalness, the desire to go back to basics. He is warm, reassuring. This really fits the needs of our time, explains Laurence Vauclair, an antiques dealer and specialist in rattan and bamboo furniture on rue de Beaune in Paris. Today in many stores you can find affordable and very well made furniture. Although they are attractive and of good quality, they remain industrial and have nothing to do with 19th century pieces, which were crafted with the utmost care and sophisticated techniques. There is the same difference between these mass-market products and this antique furniture as there is between vegetables bought at the supermarket and vegetables bought directly from a small grower. “This is a conclusion that weakens the desire to know this furniture better.

First precautions

When hunting for these pieces, it’s still best to take a few precautions and keep your eyes open. “We are looking at the condition of the legs and foundations. If they are damaged or cut, we do not buy. Often this is due to the fact that the furniture has taken on water and will therefore lose stability; damaged material will require significant investment to restore, Lawrence explains. We are also interested in benches and backs. If some fibers break, it means that everything has to be redone… It will be difficult and expensive. Finally, the rattan should not be gray, which is a sign that the fiber has “cooked” and is dead. Rattan is a natural fiber that is sensitive to its environment. It resists heat and cold, which is why it is so valued in winter gardens. Especially since the weak moisture that descends in the evening in these areas nourishes it. On the other hand, if the rattan has been exposed to rain, if it has been left under snow, and then dried in the sun, it will be significantly damaged. » With these few suggestions in mind, we can explore the aisles of the flea market and click through the doors of used and antique shops to find the 5 essential rattan pieces selected by Laurence Vauclair.

Lounge chair

“The rattan chaise longue is one of the stars of the mid-19th century. It’s synonymous with a new way of life – being able to relax outside. Until this period, we do not “stay” outside. At this point, the armchair was regularly moved from the winter living room to the garden, so it was designed to be moved. It is light, some parts are foldable, the armchairs are removable. It’s also designed to be convertible so it can recline or sit with notches to accommodate the backrest and footrests that fold down. You can find very nice armchairs with a budget of around 1000 euros. But there are also exceptional pieces made of natural rattan, fully embroidered with delicate basketry. I have one in the store. it is American and dates from 1860. Its rattan is also enameled so that it does not discolor from the moon rays passing through the glass roofs at night. It’s high fashion. These models were often accompanied by large coordinated baskets that held cushions. »

The street lamp

“In winter gardens, it was a central place, the height allowed to add lightness to the decor of the room. Catching the eye, it was the object of all attention, and its line was particularly elaborate. I fell in love with a charming 1900-1930s model, probably made in France or Italy, with a bowler hat style lampshade (€3,600). Its silhouette, unlike many rigid models, is soft, sensual with a base made of rings. If you are looking for a smaller rattan lamp, you should know that you cannot find table lamps that date from the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th century. These lamps are quite typical of the 1950s and 60s and can be found in all shapes and sizes starting at €300. »

Planting

“Like a floor lamp, a standing planter adorns an elevated conservatory. This is truly a remarkable piece. And then, he allowed (and still allows) to bring in nature, plants. I am lucky enough to have a pair of very elegant and light planters in the gallery (€3200 per pair). The legs are not impressive, their slightly curved base is very elegant. There is nothing heavy in their outline. it is the height, the very fine rattan work that makes these planters extraordinary. In general, planters are a rare and therefore expensive commodity. »

The bar

“The bar is a fairly typical piece of furniture from the 1960s and 70s. I like the user-friendly and practical side of it, as the back of it allows you to store all kinds of things. I recommend turning it into an office that is fun and ergonomic. it allows you to not always work sitting down. It can also serve as a separation in space. In short, it’s a very practical piece. I love this rattan and bamboo model (€2,200). It’s quite sober and chic, quite graphic with its vertical bars and a low horizontal edge that resembles the shape of the top. It’s a pretty impressive model, and you can find other more modest and less original models for around 800 euros. »

The armchair

“The Rattan Armchair is an exercise in style that has allowed for all kinds of creations, shapes with or without armrests. There are simple models and other more complex models, such as those produced by the house of Perret & Vibert in 1880 (under €1,800 for a smaller model). The fiber is processed in such a way that it creates embroidery. The back and base of the models I present in the gallery are decorated with lace-like flowers. The seat is made of small rounds with rattan woven around them. The whole is decorated with red and green borders. It’s really great work. Of course, armchairs from the 1950s, 60s, 70s are much simpler and sometimes available for under €150, but the quality is not quite the same. »

Galerie Vauclair, 24, rue de Beaune, 75007 Paris. www.galerie-vauclair.com