A rattan table lamp is a lamp whose shade, base or whole body is woven from rattan cane. Light filters through the gaps in the weave, so you get a warm, low glow and a pattern of light and shadow on the wall – lovely on a bedside table, sideboard or windowsill, though rarely bright enough to work by on its own.
On a table lamp the weave sits at eye level and within arm's reach. That makes the tightness of the weave, the weight of the base and the space between bulb and cane matter more than they would on a rattan pendant.
People use the words loosely, but they are not the same thing. Rattan is a climbing palm from South-East Asia with solid, flexible stems that can be bent into domes, globes and mushroom shapes without a frame. Wicker is really a weaving technique; it is often done in willow, which is thinner and stiffer and gives a finer, more basket-like texture. Seagrass, bamboo, jute and paper cord look similar from across the room. Synthetic rattan (polyrattan) is plastic – it copes with damp but lacks the irregular, hand-made character of the real thing.
| Where | Typical height | Bulb | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedside table | 35–55 cm | LED, 400–806 lm, 2700 K | bottom of the shade at roughly chin height when you sit up in bed |
| Reading chair | 45–60 cm | LED, around 806 lm | an open weave or a shade that is open at the bottom |
| Sideboard or console | 55–75 cm | LED, 806–1055 lm | a large shade so the lamp holds its own on a long surface |
| Windowsill or shelf | 25–40 cm | LED, 250–470 lm | clearance from curtains and blinds |
In the UK, check the lampholder before buying bulbs: rattan table lamps commonly take an E27 or E14 screw cap, while many British lamps use a B22 bayonet. They usually come with a standard three-pin plug (which carries its own fuse), often with an in-line switch on the flex, and IP20 means dry indoor rooms only. Bulbs are frequently not included.
An open weave lets plenty of light through and throws a crisp pattern, but you may see the bulb, which can glare. A tight weave gives a soft, even glow and less light on the table. A frosted LED bulb tames glare through the gaps; a filament bulb turns a visible bulb into part of the look. If the lamp has a dimmer, use a bulb marked dimmable to avoid flicker and buzzing.
Bedrooms are the obvious home: warm, dim light helps you wind down and the shadow pattern does the job of wall art. On a living-room sideboard a rattan lamp warms up a pale Scandi or coastal scheme and sits well with linen, oak, plants and black metal. In a hallway a small lamp on the console makes a softer welcome than the ceiling light. In children's rooms, go for a heavy base or a cordless model so there is no flex across the floor.
Yes, used as intended. Rattan does not like heat, which is why LED bulbs and the stated maximum wattage matter: an LED gives off little heat, and the bulb should sit well clear of the cane.
Not if the surface can carry it. A big shade suits a wide sideboard or console; on a narrow bedside table it overwhelms. As a rule, the shade should not be wider than the surface it stands on.
Yes. Most are small, with a built-in battery charged over USB-C and stepped dimming in warm white. Great for tables and covered garden rooms, though less bright than a mains lamp.
The cane usually ages well, but older flex, plugs and lampholders may not. Have an electrician check or rewire a second-hand lamp before you use it regularly.
Natural rattan should not get rained on or sit in dew. Take a rechargeable lamp out to a covered patio for an evening and bring it back in. For permanent outdoor use, look for synthetic rattan with a suitable IP rating.
Often better than you would think. Pick a clean shape – a cone, drum or dome – in a pale or black finish, and let the texture be the only decoration.
For other shapes, materials and light sources, read more about table lamps. If you want the glow without a cable, read more about cordless table lamps.
