Witty Wicker

FASHION designer Priscilla Shunmugam fondly recalls how, as a child growing up in the 1980s, rattan furniture was ubiquitous in her life. "The sofa set at home, Dad's reclining chair and even my rocking horse were all made of rattan," she says. "I didn't necessarily value it back then, perhaps because rattan was too accessible."

After successfully launching her tableware collection under the Suvarnabumi line, Ms Shunmugam is now introducing a furniture and basketry collection, made using rattan. The collection includes dining chairs, planters and a screen that are all handmade in Malaysia.

Loo Yingzhi, co-founder of Momiji Kids, a brand of kids' cane furniture, says "far from being just a trend statement, what we like about rattan is its durability and portability, which makes it safe and suitable for children to handle."

Ms Loo adds: "It's also sustainable, hardy, and has a relatively lower carbon footprint than conventional wood."

Hazlee Suip, founder of Rooma furniture store, says, "A single piece of rattan furniture placed in any living space adds so much character to the whole room. The flexibility and low maintenance of rattan also makes it very appealing to most homeowners."

Art Deco Cane Trays

from S$44.10, from Scene Shang, shop.sceneshang.com

From afar, these trays look like they are made entirely of cane and rattan binding. On closer look, touches of brass on the handles show how different materials can be combined. Available in three sizes and also in grey.

Standing Planters

from S$279, from Ong Shunmugam, ongshunmugam.com

No green fingers? No matter. You can still up your plant game with these standing planters that are made with natural rotan and synthetic rattan binding. Comes in two heights, and in various colour combinations.

Belle Clothes Rack,

S$139, from Momiji Kids, momijikids.com

At 100cm tall, kids can easily pick out their own outfits from this clothes rack handcrafted in Indonesia. It comes with a shelf for putting storage boxes. Adults can use it too for hanging shorter items.

Black Dining Chair

S$599, from Ong Shunmugam, ongshunmugam.com

Rattan dining chairs get a contemporary update, thanks to fashion designer Priscilla Shunmugam. Her dining chairs come in different coloured finishes, with a jacquard upholstered backrest and a handwoven seat depicting an indigenous Iban pattern. Also available is a matching dining table.

Gracie Cabinet

S$1580, from Rooma, instagram.com/rooma_sg

Cabinets are often storage pieces in the background, but not this one. The oval-shaped piece, made in a combination of wood and rattan is a definite standout. It also comes with an open top shelf for displaying treasured items.

Bungalow Bookshelf

S$495, from Island Living, islandliving.sg

Handmade in Vietnam, this 1.8m tall shelf is perfect for displaying books or potted plants. Its curves give it a timeless look, and makes an attractive background for a selfie.

Mico Collection

from S$119, from Castlery, castlery.com

Need something for the balcony? The Mico collection offers a modern Danish and tropical vibe. The seats are still comfortable even after spending long hours in them, while the side table comes with a removable top, so it doubles as storage.

Lime Stand Charcoal

S$250 and Top Hat Shade, S$150, from Elements Concept, elementsconcept.com.sg

Commonly used to make chairs, its versatility lends itself to just about anything. Light up a room with this standing lamp, with legs made from rattan poles, and paired with a lamp shade made using cane strips.

Luke Bench

S$190, from Momiji Kids, momijikids.com

Designed for kids but sturdy enough for adults too. The Luke bench is available in a customisable cushion cover, and is the right height for kids to use when putting on their shoes. Comes with built-in storage spaces for shoes and toys.

Havana Rattan Screen

S$445, and Malawi Chair, S$395, from Island Living, islandliving.sg

Screens are a quick and easy way to create privacy. This four-panel piece is woven by hand and adds a free spirit feel to any space. Complementing it is the Malawi chair, which comes in white or natural wicker. It can be used at the dining table or as an occasional chair.

Sabit Console

S$1280 from Rooma, instagram.com/rooma_sg

The Sabit Console looks small but offers lots of storage space. Style wise, its curved sides give it an elegant look. Works well as a TV console for the living room, or as a bar in the dining room.

Retro Bookshelf with Rattan Doors

S$2,550, from Journey East, journeyeast.com

Like rattan but not too much? This bookshelf offers a combination of teak and cane. An original 1950s piece, it has mid-century-styled slanted drawers and Scandinavian-influenced pencil legs. The doors have been replaced with handwoven rattan.