5 Reasons to Choose Sustainable Vintage Bamboo & Rattan Furniture
For eco-conscious shoppers, bamboo and rattan furniture is a trendy, natural choice. But did you know buying vintage and antique pieces crafted from these sustainable materials is even better for the planet? Here are five reasons to seek out vintage bamboo and rattan decor:
Vintage bamboo and rattan furniture is extremely durable. Pieces made decades ago were carefully constructed using time-honored techniques like steam-bending and intricate weaving. This resulted in remarkably sturdy items built to be passed down across generations rather than disposed of every few years. The patina gained by an antique bamboo chair or cabinet over the years only enhances its beauty and uniqueness. By choosing a lasting vintage foundation piece, you reduce waste and avoid the energy-intensive repeat manufacturing and shipping of lower quality fast furniture.
No new resource harvesting is required. Vintage rattan and bamboo pieces make use of stalks harvested by hand generations ago, rather than driving further present-day extraction of these natural materials. This helps protect fragile bamboo forests and ecosystems in tropical regions. Vintage gives new life to old materials that were meticulously selected and processed when rattan weaving was more artisanal. You can feel good knowing your mid-century bamboo sofa isn't depleting resources.
Unique vintage designs are often superior. Earlier generations of highly-skilled bamboo and rattan artisans practiced specialized joinery, bending, and weaving techniques that are harder to find today. This results in striking, one-of-a-kind antique pieces with variation in patters and construction. Reproduced rattan furniture is often more uniform. Owning a vintage hand-made bench or etagere captures superior craftsmanship that tells a story.
Vintage is very on-trend. The current high demand for mid-century modern, tropical and bohemian decor makes antique bamboo and rattan furniture more sought after than ever before by designers. Tracking down your own rare vintage rattan chairs or bamboo room divider to refresh your space is part of the fun. You'll end up with photo-worthy statement pieces that gain value and can't be copied.
It has old world charm and story. Where did your vintage rattan sofa or bamboo cabinet originate decades or centuries ago? What journey did it take across land and sea before arriving in your home? When you buy vintage, you become part of a living history, giving new life to an artifact from the past. The item's worn finishes and repairs add to its appeal. Let your imagination wander when you furnish with antique bamboo and rattan's natural beauty.
The next time you're browsing for eco-chic bamboo and rattan furniture, don't overlook the vintage marketplaces. With some restoration and care, these natural antique pieces can be stylish focal points in your home for years to come, without costing the Earth.