Caring for a rattan coffee table comes down to four habits: dust it regularly with a soft brush, clean it gently with mild soapy water, dry it thoroughly and protect it from prolonged damp, harsh sun and heavy frost. The details differ slightly depending on whether your table is woven from natural rattan or from synthetic resin weave, but the principle is the same. Little and often keeps the weave tight, the colour even and the frame sound for many seasons.
Rattan tables have a relaxed warmth that suits garden rooms, patios and conservatories across the UK. If you are choosing a new piece, our range of modern garden coffee tables UK includes woven designs made for outdoor use. Below we explain how to identify your material, set a simple routine and deal with the problems British weather tends to cause.
The word rattan is used for two quite different materials, and they need different care.
Natural rattan comes from a climbing palm. The canes are steamed, bent and woven by hand. It is light, strong and beautifully textured, but it is an organic material that reacts to moisture and sunlight. Natural rattan belongs indoors or in a well sheltered conservatory.
Synthetic rattan, often described as resin weave or PE rattan, is a polymer strand woven over a metal frame, usually aluminium or powder coated steel. It is designed for outdoor use and copes with rain far better than natural cane. Most rattan garden furniture sold for patios is synthetic.
If you are unsure, check the product description or look closely at the strands. Natural rattan has slight variations in colour and thickness along each cane. Synthetic weave tends to be more uniform and feels smoother.
Dust and debris are the main enemies of any woven surface. Grit settles into the gaps, and over time it rubs against the strands and dulls the finish.
Outdoors, leaves, pollen and bird droppings build up quickly in summer. A quick brush once a week in the warmer months is usually enough to stop dirt from settling in.
A few times a year, and certainly at the start and end of the garden season, give synthetic rattan a thorough clean.
Avoid pressure washers. The force can loosen the weave, push water into the frame and strip the surface finish. Also avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can fade or weaken the strands.
Natural rattan needs a lighter touch. Water is the thing to be careful with, as cane can swell, sag and eventually crack if it gets too wet.
Dampen a soft cloth in warm water with a drop of mild soap, wring it out well and wipe the weave. Follow with a cloth dampened in clean water, then dry immediately with a towel. Let the table sit in a warm, well ventilated room to finish drying, but keep it away from direct heat such as radiators, which can make cane brittle.
Once or twice a year, a light coat of furniture wax or a specialist rattan treatment can help natural cane stay supple. Test any product on a hidden area first.
Even synthetic rattan appreciates some protection. The UK climate brings long spells of damp, sudden downpours and occasional hard frosts, and each has an effect over time.
Damp. Water sitting in the weave for long periods encourages mould and mildew. After heavy rain, tip the table slightly to drain any pooled water and let it dry before covering.
Sun. Good quality synthetic weave is treated to resist fading, but strong summer sun will gradually soften colours. Placing the table in partial shade or using a parasol over the seating area helps.
Frost. Freezing and thawing can stress both the weave and the frame. In winter, store the table in a shed or garage if you can. If not, use a breathable, fitted cover and raise the feet slightly off the ground so they are not sitting in water.
Breathable covers matter. Non breathable plastic traps moisture underneath, which can do more harm than leaving the table uncovered.
Many rattan coffee tables have a tempered glass top. Clean it with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and dry with a lint free cloth to avoid streaks.
In winter, store the glass indoors if possible. Leaving a glass top outside in freezing conditions is not ideal, and removing it also lets the weave underneath dry out properly.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply with a soft brush, leave for a few minutes and rinse. Dry thoroughly. Improving airflow around the table will help prevent it returning.
On synthetic weave, a loose strand can often be tucked back and secured with a small dab of suitable outdoor adhesive. On natural rattan, a professional repair is usually the best route for anything more than a minor fix.
Fading on synthetic rattan cannot be fully reversed, but regular cleaning restores some vibrancy by removing surface grime. Protect from further fading with shade and covers.
Slight sagging can sometimes be tightened by lightly dampening the underside of the weave and letting it dry naturally. The fibres contract as they dry. Do this sparingly.
A rattan coffee table rarely stands alone. It usually sits with a sofa or pair of chairs, and caring for them together keeps the whole arrangement looking consistent. If you are building a set, our outdoor garden furniture UK sale covers seating, dining and storage, and our garden seating sets UK pair woven sofas and chairs with matching tables.
Cushions need their own attention. Bring them in when rain is forecast, and store them somewhere dry over winter. Removable covers can usually be washed according to the care label.
For smaller outdoor spaces, our article on fitting garden furniture into compact UK new build gardens offers helpful guidance on choosing pieces that suit the space you have.
Most damage to rattan comes from a handful of avoidable habits rather than from age. Dragging the table across paving scrapes the feet and strains the joints where the weave meets the frame. Leaving wet cushions on a table overnight holds moisture against the strands. Placing hot pans or mugs straight onto a woven surface can scorch or soften it, so always use a tray or a heat resistant mat.
Another common mistake is covering a damp table. It feels sensible to protect furniture before a storm, but a cover over wet weave creates a warm, humid pocket where mildew thrives. Wait for a dry spell, let the table air, and then cover it.
Finally, avoid storing rattan pressed tightly against a shed wall or stacked beneath heavy items. The weave needs air on all sides, and weight on top can dent or distort it over a long winter.
A well kept rattan table ages gracefully. Natural cane develops a soft patina, and good synthetic weave keeps its shape and colour for many summers. The time involved is modest: a few minutes each week and a proper clean at the turn of each season. In return, the table stays a pleasure to sit around, whether that is on a patio in July or in a bright conservatory in February.
Explore our full range of indoor and outdoor furniture at Furniture in Fashion, where we offer free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Synthetic rattan is designed for outdoor use, but it lasts longer if stored or covered with a breathable cover over winter. Natural rattan should stay indoors.
Brush away dust, then clean with warm water and a little mild soap using a soft brush or cloth. Rinse, and dry thoroughly. Avoid pressure washers, bleach and abrasive cleaners.
Apply a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water with a soft brush, leave briefly, rinse and dry fully. Better airflow and prompt drying after rain help prevent it returning.
Yes, when it is not in use for long periods, especially in winter. Use a breathable, fitted cover so moisture can escape rather than being trapped underneath.
Beige coffee tables pair beautifully with warm whites, cream and oatmeal for a calm tonal…
A luxury industrial coffee table look is well within reach on a sensible budget when…
A coffee table with drawers needs a little more planning than an open design, because…
Coffee table design is moving towards warmth, softness and materials with real character. In this…
In a large living room, the coffee table is one of the most effective tools…
A boucle ottoman coffee table gives you the most for your money when it combines…
This website uses cookies.