Introduction

The global commercial and residential rattan furniture market has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by several key factors.

1.   Increasing demand for outdoor and patio furniture: As more people are spending time at home and looking for ways to improve their outdoor spaces, the demand for outdoor and patio furniture, including rattan furniture, has increased.

2.   Growth of the hospitality and tourism industry: The growth of the hospitality and tourism industry has led to an increase in demand for commercial rattan furniture, as hotels, resorts, and restaurants invest in high-quality outdoor furniture to create comfortable and inviting spaces for their guests.

3.   Focus on sustainability: With a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, rattan furniture has become an attractive option for consumers and businesses alike, as it is a renewable and biodegradable material.

4.   Rising disposable income: As disposable income levels increase globally, more people are investing in high-quality furniture, including rattan furniture, for their homes and businesses.

Brands that offer high-quality, stylish, and eco-friendly synthetic rattan furniture will likely be well-positioned to succeed in this market.

Therefore, let’s look closely at the commercial and residential applications of PE rattan furniture today.

Commercial rattan furniture

Growth

The commercial PE rattan furniture market has seen significant growth in recent years due to increased outdoor and patio furniture demand.

Regarding regional trends, Asia-Pacific is the largest market for commercial rattan furniture due to many manufacturers and suppliers based in the region. Europe and North America are also significant markets, driven by the growing demand for outdoor furniture in these regions.

History

Here is a brief description of its development history to see the bigger picture of the entire synthetic rattan furniture industry.

Commercial synthetic rattan furniture development can be traced back to the mid-20th century when synthetic materials were first introduced as an alternative to natural rattan. At the time, natural rattan was becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, making it difficult for manufacturers to meet the growing demand for rattan furniture.

In response, synthetic materials were developed that could mimic natural rattan’s look and feel while offering greater durability and resistance to the elements. These synthetic materials, known as “resin wicker” or “all-weather wicker”, were used to create furniture that was similar in appearance to natural rattan furniture but with improved performance and lower cost.

As the popularity of outdoor furniture grew in the 1970s and 1980s, the use of synthetic rattan in commercial furniture also increased. By the 1990s, synthetic rattan furniture had become a common sight in hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as in homes and other residential settings.

Opportunities

Today, commercial synthetic rattan furniture is widely used in a range of settings, from hotels and resorts to parks and public spaces. Synthetic rattan offers several advantages over natural rattan, including greater durability, resistance to the elements, and lower cost. It is also available in a wider range of colours and styles, making it easier for designers and decorators to find the right furniture to fit their needs.

Residential rattan furniture

Residential vs Commercial

The main difference between commercial and residential rattan furniture is the durability, style, and cost required for each type of furniture.

Commercial rattan furniture is designed for frequent use in public spaces and is typically more durable and expensive than residential rattan furniture. Residential rattan furniture is designed for use in homes and is often more stylish and focused on comfort and design.

Design Trends

In recent years, there have been several design trends in the residential PE (polyethene) rattan furniture market:

1.   Natural look: Many consumers seek a more natural and organic look for their outdoor spaces. PE rattan furniture offers a natural look similar to natural rattan furniture but with the added durability and weather-resistance of synthetic materials.

2.   Bold colours: While natural-looking PE rattan furniture is still popular, there has been a trend towards bold and bright colours in recent years. This trend reflects a desire for furniture that makes a statement and adds a pop of colour to outdoor spaces.

3.   Mix-and-match: Consumers are increasingly opting for mix-and-match furniture sets, combining different styles and colours to create a unique and personalized look for their outdoor spaces.

4.   Comfort and style: Comfort and style are key trends in the residential PE rattan furniture market. Consumers are seeking furniture that looks good and provides a comfortable and relaxing seating experience.

5.   Sustainable materials: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for consumers when choosing outdoor furniture. PE rattan furniture is often made from recycled materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option than traditional outdoor furniture materials such as wood or metal.

Challenges

Rattan furniture can be relatively expensive compared to other types of furniture, which may make it less accessible for some businesses or individuals.

It can be relatively heavy, making it more difficult to move and rearrange. Unlike the easy mobility of folding tables and chairs, it is more suitable for taking up a stable position in residence.

Star Designer

Kenneth Cobonpue is a renowned furniture designer and manufacturer from Cebu, Philippines, who draws inspiration from nature and its materials to create functional art pieces. His unique approach to design has earned him the title of “rattan’s first virtuoso” by TIME magazine, and his brand, KENNETHCOBONPUE®, has gained a global following, serving premium clients such as Hollywood celebrities and royalty.

Conclusion

Overall, the development of synthetic rattan furniture has been driven by a combination of factors, including a growing demand for outdoor furniture, increasing availability of synthetic materials, and a desire for functional and stylish furniture. With its combination of durability, performance, and affordability, synthetic rattan furniture is likely to continue to be a popular choice for commercial and residential applications in the future.   It is a positive prospect in this industry and worth your investment.

Leisure Touch Rattan is a seasoned manufacturer of wicker and rattan materials, having catered to numerous furniture makers worldwide for over 25 years. We offer a highly adaptable catalogue of products that can be customized to your specifications, along with a range of flexible business-to-business collaboration opportunities. Talk to our factory sales specialist for deeper insights into the industry!