Rattan Storage Benches
Buy the best rattan storage benches selected and recommended by interior designers. By Tara Gosselin.
Most people are used to seeing rattan chairs or even something as exotic as a rattan headboard, but have you ever seen a rattan storage bench? Well in this extensive collection we have a catalog of rattan storage benches and many colors and sizes, but we think you will find interesting and possibly even well worth wild accessory for your home.
Rattan Storage Benches
Buying Guide
Tara Gosselin
Interior Design Expert
Tara is a San Antonio-based award-winning landscape architect, writer and educator, passionate about eco-friendly solutions and growing her own food. She knows all it takes to help you create a sustainable backyard retreat that combines blissful charm with a modern take on landscaping.
A rattan storage bench will be an exotic addition to your patio décor. This protean seater strikes the perfect balance between form and function. It gobbles clutter while adding an inviting and comfortable, all-weather seating space.
You can pick a casual dumpster for your Knick knacks, or a compartmentalized storage space with baskets and cubbies that allow you to stay organized. And there’s a style and design to fit into patios of all shapes and sizes.
If you’ve never shopped for rattan storage benches before, then here are some of the factors that you must consider before buying.
Rattan storage benches are available in a variety of styles:
- The entryway bench has a basic, backless and armless design that’s perfect for small, narrow spaces. Have an unused corner in the patio? This one will fit right in.
- If used in an entryway, there’s no better option to reduce shoe clutter. It also gives you a surface to sit on while wearing your boots.
- The living room styled bench, on the other hand, has a more elaborate design with slatted or an upholstered back. You can buy these with or without arms depending on the comfort you seek and the available space. Living room storage benches typically have separate compartments for organizing your stuff.
- The bedroom bench is identical to the entryway bench in its design. The notable difference is the lush padded upholstery. Also, these usually have a single storage compartment.
Natural rattan is considered to be a better choice for indoor use whereas synthetic rattan is better suited for outdoor use. Both materials are lightweight and weather resistant.
Having said that, these things are subjective and it all boils down to your personal preferences over anything else. If you don’t care a hoot about adding a synthetic product indoors, then do it by all means.
Does the bench have wooden or metal frames? If yes, then the frames should be treated and sealed to compete with the elements.
How many people will be using the bench at a time? Check the maximum permitted weight/load rating.
Traditionally, storage benches have always had flip-top storage compartments. Not only are these capacious, they are also easy to access. You can lift up a single lid or two halves to reveal a large compartment.
However, if you have a lush padded cushion, then the lids might be heavier than they look. Check for lids with a gas-piston hinge system. It makes it effortless to open even the heaviest flip-top lid.
An open cubby design is rare but not uncommon in rattan benches. These are better suited for indoor use and allow quick access to your frequently used stuff. These can also be used for displaying your décor, houseplants and books.
Pull-out drawers look aesthetically pleasing. But limit the size of things that you can store in them.
Lastly, you have cabinets with conventional doors which will keep the clutter out of sight. The caveat is that you’d have to sit on your haunches to grab things from the cabinets.
Your options are cotton-canvas, duck cloth, textilene and polypropylene. PVC or Vinyl was one of the most popular options. But it seems to have fallen from grace lately due to concerns about toxic chemicals. Upholstery is an optional addition to your storage bench. But one, that will make your shindigs a lot more comfortable than sitting on a bare rattan surface. Irrespective of whether you will be placing the rattan bench next to the pool or under the awning, it pays to select a fabric and filling that can stand up to the elements.