Rattan Storage Chests
Buy the best rattan storage chests selected and recommended by interior designers. By Chloe Hughes.
The rustic neutral colors of a rattan storage chest will look stunning in any room and provide much-needed additional space. From toys and clothes in your child's bedroom to extra towels and linens in your bathroom, a rattan chest is an easy way to keep things stored away neatly out of sight. Our designers have selected the finest rattan storage chests available; from contemporary bohemian style to country house glamour, we've got you covered.
Rattan Storage Chests
Buying Guide
Chloe Hughes
Interior Design Expert
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
A Rattan storage chest is a practical and attractive alternative to pesky plastic boxes that look more ungainly than the clutter they store. Available in a gamut of sizes and dyed to match any color that you prefer working with, these baskets can be the dumpster for all the things that don’t have a dedicated ‘home’ at home.
First time rattan shoppers might find the terrain a little too confusing to navigate as there are tons of factors to consider. Here’s a little guide that will help you all the details you need.
Have shoes piling up in the hallway? Tuck it into the rattan storage chest. Magazines on the dining table? In it goes. If not anything else, the durability of rattan makes these chests a great place to store your valuable family heirlooms. Rattan storage chests can be compact enough to store a few toys or capacious enough to accommodate half the things that you store in a wardrobe.
When not gobbling clutter, these can also double up as side tables or coffee tables because they have incredibly sturdy tops that are resistant to moisture. If there’s limited space, you have the option of buying multiple chests of varying sizes that can be placed in different rooms. The best part about Rattan is that it will never look out of place in any room irrespective of the décor. It has a distinct, rustic charm that will add to the aesthetics.
The term ‘Rattan’ is used to describe a natural fiber sourced from more than 500 types of climbers, that are found mainly in Southeast Asia. When it is dried, it hardens and attains almost a wood-like texture that can be stained and dyed.
Synthetic Rattan or Resin Rattan is a synthetic alternative made of polyethylene that resembles natural rattan but is a lot harder. Synthetic Rattan is UV resistant and does not fade even when exposed to sunlight and hence is mainly used for manufacturing outdoor furniture. If the storage chest will be stored outdoors, in the patio or near a window with direct sunlight, then go for one made of synthetic rattan.
Most Rattan storage chests come with handles on the sides and top as well as some sort of a locking mechanism. Always check the quality of the hardware, the frame and the locking mechanism, especially if you intend to store your valuables in it.
Does it lock securely? Is the lock integrated or do you need to buy a separate padlock?Modern ones usually have concealed locking mechanisms which are less obvious. Vintage pirate chest inspired designs have multiple decorative fixtures made of metal or leather.
What about the quality of the hinges? Are the handles sturdy enough to sustain the weight of a fully packed chest? How easy is it to lift the chest up using the handles?
Bonus Tip: If it’s a large chest and you plan to move it around home frequently, then you might want to consider a chest with casters. If the chest doesn’t come with casters, then you can always retrofit them after you buy or you can request the manufacturer to attach them for you.