Rattan vs Bamboo vs Seagrass: Lampshades and Baskets
Rattan, bamboo and seagrass often sit side by side in a shop, and at a glance they can look alike. They are different plants, though, and each one suits some pieces better than others. This guide explains what each material is, where we use it, and how to choose between them for lampshades and baskets.
What is rattan?
Rattan is the name for several hundred species of climbing palms. The stems are light and strong, and they bend enough to be woven into curved shapes. Across Southeast Asia it is a traditional material for furniture, baskets and mats.
That flexibility is what makes rattan good for woven shapes. See our rattan pendant lights.
What is bamboo?
Bamboo is not a wood. It belongs to the grass family, and like other grasses its stem is usually hollow between the joints. Woven bamboo gives a crisper, more linear look than rattan. See our bamboo pendant lighting collection, and if you are choosing between a rattan and a bamboo shade, our rattan pendant lights guide compares the two in more detail.
What is seagrass?
In homeware, seagrass is a plant fibre that is woven into baskets, boxes and storage pieces. Examples in our range include the CHA SHA round seagrass basket, the NALARAT seagrass basket boxes and the JI RA THEP seagrass basket.
Rattan vs bamboo vs seagrass for baskets
For baskets, the choice depends on what the basket needs to do and where it will live.
Rattan baskets
Rattan suits baskets with a defined form: trays, round baskets and pieces with handles. Browse our woven wicker and rattan baskets for examples.
Bamboo baskets
Bamboo gives a basket a crisper, more regular weave than rattan, which suits open baskets and pieces you want to look neat on a shelf. See our bamboo baskets.
Seagrass baskets
Seagrass gives a chunkier, textured look that suits storage on a shelf or the floor. You will find seagrass pieces among our storage baskets.
A note on wicker
Wicker is often listed next to these three, but it describes the weaving rather than the plant. A wicker basket can be woven from rattan, bamboo or other fibres. When you shop, look at the material listed on the product page to know what the basket is made from.
Quick comparison
| Rattan | Bamboo | Seagrass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Stems of climbing palms | A grass with a stem usually hollow between the joints | A plant fibre woven into homeware |
| Look | Curved, rounded, soft | Clean lines, regular weave | Chunky, textured |
| Where we use it | Pendant shades, baskets | Pendant shades, baskets | Baskets and boxes |
Mixing materials in one room
You do not need to choose just one. A rattan pendant over the table, bamboo baskets on an open shelf and a seagrass basket beside the sofa can sit together comfortably, because all three are natural fibres in warm, earthy tones. The trick is to let one material lead and use the others as accents.
If your room already has a lot of straight lines, such as shelving, panelled doors or a rectangular table, a rounded rattan shade softens the space. If the room is full of curves already, bamboo's straighter lines can balance it. Seagrass works well low down, on the floor or a bottom shelf, where its texture is easy to see up close. Repeat each material at least twice in the room so it looks planned rather than accidental.
Caring for natural fibres
All three are natural materials, so treat them gently.
- Dust regularly with a soft brush or a dry cloth.
- Keep them away from standing water.
- If a piece gets damp, let it dry fully at room temperature before you put it away.
We have more detailed guides on our blog: how to clean a lampshade, how to clean rattan furniture and how to clean seagrass baskets. For woven storage baskets, see our guide on how to clean wicker baskets.
How to choose in one minute
- Lampshade, rounded look: rattan.
- Lampshade, cleaner lines: bamboo.
- Basket that holds a shape: rattan or bamboo.
- Textured storage basket: seagrass.
FAQ
Is rattan the same as bamboo?
No. Rattan comes from climbing palms. Bamboo is a grass with a stem that is usually hollow between the joints. Both are woven into shades and baskets, but they look different once woven.
Is wicker a material?
No. Wicker describes the weaving. A wicker piece can be made from rattan, bamboo or other fibres.
