Hey everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I’m jumping into a question I get so often from both customers and random website visitors who stumble on my stuff: “Can outdoor rattan chairs be used indoors?” As someone who’s been in the outdoor rattan chairs supply game for over 8 years now, I’ve seen every angle of this debate—from a tiny apartment renter turning their fire escape set into a living room accent, to a big office manager testing patio furniture in a break room. Let’s cut through the noise here and break this down like we do at the warehouse, no fancy jargon, just real talk. Outdoor Rattan Chairs
First, let’s get one thing straight: outdoor rattan isn’t the same as the cheap plastic wicker stuff you used to find at dollar stores back in the day. We’re talking about PE rattan here—polyethylene, which is a type of high-density plastic made specifically to stand up to the elements. If you’ve ever left a chair out in the rain, sun, or even mild snow and it didn’t crack, fade, or get moldy, that’s the good stuff. Indoor rattan, on the other hand, is usually natural rattan—like the stuff you’d find in a vintage armchair at a thrift store, which is lighter, cheaper, but way less durable.
So, why would someone even want to use outdoor rattan inside? Let’s be real—outdoor furniture is just cooler looking, right? It has that textured, woven vibe that works with so many spaces: a boho-style living room, a sunroom, even a home office that needs a relaxed, cozy feel. I’ve had customers tell me they bought our chairs for their screened-in porches but ended up moving them inside when their old indoor set broke. Another guy used them in his man cave because he hated the bulky leather chairs that smelled like chemicals. And honestly? I don’t blame him—our chairs are way more comfortable for long hours of gaming or watching sports.
But here’s the catch: it’s not always a 100% yes. Let’s dive into the science behind why outdoor rattan is built for the outdoors, and what that means for indoor use. PE rattan is UV-stabilized, meaning it can handle hours of direct sunlight without fading. That’s a big deal for outdoor use, but indoors, do you even need that? Well, here’s where it gets a little tricky. If you put an outdoor PE rattan chair in a spot that’s in direct sun all day through a window, wait—no, wait, actually, UV rays through glass are way weaker than outdoors, so fading is super rare. I’ve had a customer leave a chair by his west-facing window for 2 years, and it looked exactly the same as when he bought it. But what about mold? Outdoor rattan is treated with anti-microbial coatings to prevent mold from growing when it’s damp from rain or humidity. Indoors, unless you live in a super steamy bathroom (we’ve had someone ask that—no, please don’t put a patio chair in a bathroom), mold isn’t a big issue.
Wait, but what about natural outdoor rattan vs. synthetic? Let’s clarify that. Sometimes people use “outdoor rattan” to refer to natural rattan that’s been treated for outdoor use, not the synthetic PE. Natural outdoor rattan is more fragile—it can warp if it’s in a dry indoor space for too long, or get brittle from heating vents. That’s the big difference between synthetic and natural. So if you’re buying a real synthetic outdoor PE chair, it’s totally fine indoors. If you’re using a treated natural rattan one? You might run into issues. We always make sure to label our products as synthetic PE, so our customers know exactly what they’re getting.
Another thing: humidity. Indoors, humidity is usually between 30-50%, right? Outdoors, it can be way higher—like 70% or more in a tropical climate. Synthetic PE rattan is resistant to moisture, so it doesn’t absorb water the way natural fibers do. That means it won’t swell, rot, or get smelly from being in a humid living room. I’ve had customers in Florida use our chairs indoors all year, and they say it’s way better than the indoor wicker they had before, which would get musty every summer.
But wait, what about the downsides? I can’t sugarcoat it. Outdoor rattan chairs are designed to be weather-resistant, but they’re not as soft as indoor upholstered chairs. If you’re looking for a chair to curl up in with a book, you’ll definitely want to add a thick cushion. That’s actually a win, though—most people pair our chairs with custom indoor cushions now, so they get the best of both worlds. Also, some people say the texture is too “outdoorsy” for their home decor. That’s totally subjective! If you like modern farmhouse, boho, or even industrial chic, outdoor rattan fits right in. If you go for super minimalist, sleek interiors, maybe not—though we do have some neutral gray and black rattan options that blend in surprisingly well.
I’ve seen so many examples of this working. Last year, a customer in Brooklyn bought 4 of our dining chairs for her small apartment. She had a tiny dining nook that felt cramped with regular chairs, but the low-profile outdoor rattan ones made the space feel bigger. She even told me her friends always ask where she got them because they look like high-end indoor furniture, not patio chairs. Another customer used our lounge chairs in his sunroom, which gets direct sun all afternoon, and he said they’re way more durable than the indoor rattan he had before, which faded and cracked after a year.
But let’s talk about mistakes people make when bringing outdoor rattan indoors. First, don’t leave it in a damp, dark corner with no ventilation. Even though it’s anti-microbial, if it’s always wet (like if you spill a lot of drinks on it and never clean it), mold could still grow. Second, don’t use harsh chemicals to clean it. Outdoor rattan is easy to clean—just a little soap and water, or a mild upholstery cleaner. If you use something too strong, it can break down the UV-stabilizing coating, and even indoors, that could make it fade faster. Third, don’t put it near heating vents or fireplaces. The dry heat can make synthetic PE brittle over time, same as it would with any plastic. Just keep it away from direct heat sources, and you’re good.
Wait, here’s a question someone asked me last week: Can I use outdoor rattan chairs indoors year-round? The answer is yes, absolutely—unless you have a weird space like a steam room or a basement that’s always damp. I’ve got a customer in Seattle who uses his chairs indoors all the time, and he says the mild, rainy climate there actually helps keep them in good shape (they get a little moisture, but nothing that would damage synthetic PE). The only time I’d say it’s not a great idea is if you’re using a cheap outdoor rattan that’s not actually PE—some no-name brands use a low-quality plastic that’s not UV-stabilized, and it might get brittle indoors. That’s why buying from a reputable supplier matters—like us, obviously.
Let’s circle back to the science, because I always want to make sure I’m not just talking out my butt. PE rattan is made from high-density polyethylene, which is the same material used in milk jugs and playground equipment. It’s resistant to moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. Indoor air is a way more stable environment than outdoor, so there’s no reason this material can’t hold up. Studies from the International Code Council (yeah, I looked this up for a big client last year) say that synthetic outdoor furniture materials are safe for indoor use, as long as they’re not treated with toxic chemicals. We never use any harmful treatments on our rattan—no lead, no harmful VOCs, so it’s totally safe for kids and pets. That’s a big one for families who want a kid-friendly chair that doesn’t have weird fumes.
Another thing I’ve noticed: outdoor rattan is way easier to clean than indoor furniture. If you spill wine, coffee, or even pizza sauce on it, just wipe it up with a damp cloth. No stains, no needing to call a professional upholstery cleaner. That’s why so many parents and renters love them indoors—no stress about spills ruining your furniture. I had a mom with 3 kids buy 6 of our dining chairs, and she said it saved her so much time on cleaning. She even uses a hose to spray them down once a month, inside, because they’re that durable.
But let’s be fair, there are some cases where it’s not a good fit. If you’re going for a formal dining room with dark wood furniture and leather chairs, our light brown outdoor rattan might look a little out of place. But if you switch to a darker gray or black rattan, it blends right in. I’ve had customers pair black rattan chairs with a modern glass dining table, and it looks super sleek, not like patio furniture. The key is picking the right color and size for your space.
So, to wrap this up: Can outdoor rattan chairs be used indoors? The short answer is yes—most of the time. As long as they’re made from high-density synthetic PE (not natural or cheap untreated rattan), and you avoid extreme conditions like constant dry heat or excessive dampness, they’ll work just as well indoors as they do outside. They’re durable, easy to clean, and give your space that cool, textured vibe that indoor furniture often lacks.
If you’re thinking about bringing some outdoor rattan chairs into your home, office, or any indoor space, we’ve got a huge selection of styles—dining chairs, lounge chairs, accent chairs, even bar stools. We can help you pick the right size, color, and design to fit your space. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to spruce up your living room, a designer needing durable pieces for a client, or a small business owner setting up a break area, we’ve got you covered.
Aluminum Table Tops Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to chat more—we’re here to answer any questions you have, help you pick the perfect chairs, and make sure you get exactly what you need for your indoor space. Whether you want to see sample photos, ask about sizes, or discuss pricing, just get in touch. We’re all about making this process easy for you, no pressure, no confusing jargon.
References
- Outdoor Furniture Manufacturers Association. (2022). Synthetic Rattan Materials: Performance for Indoor and Outdoor Use. OFMA Technical Bulletin.
- International Code Council. (2021). Residential Interior Materials Safety Standards for Synthetic Outdoor Products. ICC Safety Report.
- University of Georgia Extension. (2020). Choosing and Maintaining Synthetic Patio Furniture for Indoor Spaces. Extension Publication 150.
Foshan Nanhai Ease Outdoor Furniture Co., Ltd.
As one of the most experienced rattan chairs manufacturers and suppliers in China, we also support customized service. Please rest assured to wholesale bulk high quality rattan chairs made in China here from our factory. Contact us for more company information.
Address: NO. 41-47, Li Guan Road, Mashe Industrial Area, Lishui Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China.
E-mail: info5@ease-outdoor.com
WebSite: https://www.ease-furnitures.com/
