GAMLEHULT Ottoman with storage, rattan/anthracite
How to get it
Made of hand-woven rattan, a living material that makes each ottoman unique. You can also use it as extra seating or hidden storage under the seat. A great way to invite nature into your home.
Article Number104.343.09
Invite nature into your home with rattan
Rattan is a living material with a will of its own. That’s why we work together with experienced weavers who shape the rattan vines to functional products. The cooperation means you can have handmade furniture in your own home - created by man and nature together.
Rattan is a fast-growing palm tree that needs to be boiled and sun-dried before it can be tamed into different shapes that we can sit on, rest in, or decorate our homes with. This is where the professional weavers come in. “We wouldn’t be able to make authentic rattan products without them. They have skills that can’t be copied by machines”, says Andreas Fredriksson, who has designed some of our rattan furniture together with the artisans.
One-of-a-kind furniture
With rattan, it’s possible to create round and organic shapes that are difficult to achieve with other materials. Every rattan vine shifts in color and shape. It makes it impossible to manufacture two pieces of furniture that look exactly the same. On the other hand, you get unique items with a warm and homely feeling. “There are simpler materials to work with, but the liveliness in rattan is what gives it character. It can create a pleasant contrast to some of the other things many of us have at home”, says Andreas.
In cooperation with nature
If rattan is treated right it can be transformed into almost anything, even furniture with generous forms that can fit in a flat pack. But the design is not only up to the designer and the artisan. “You have to cooperate with Mother Nature and come up with some new solutions as well – but the reward when you get everything to harmonize makes it worthwhile”, finishes Andreas.
Material
What is rattan?
Rattan is a strong yet lightweight and flexible material made from the rattan plant’s stem. It can be used both whole and split into thinner materials that are braided into things like furniture and baskets. Rattan belongs to the palm family and climbs along trees, though no trees are required to be felled when the rattan cane is harvested. Since it is a natural material and the products are often handmade by skilled craftspeople, each object gets a completely unique look.
Designer thoughts
Designer thoughts
”We like working with natural fibers like rattan and bamboo – living and renewable materials that provide great opportunities to create unique products. The most enjoyable part of this project was to use these materials in new and innovative ways. We wanted to make furniture in natural fibers, often combined with metal underframes, that is modern, gives an airy feeling, is easy to move and comes in flat packages. Better for the environment and easier to take home and enjoy.”