Everything you need to know about rattan wall sconces
Key takeaways:
- A rattan wall sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture made of rattan fibers, a natural, lightweight and durable material.
- Natural, woven or combined with metal, rattan lets light pass through its weave and creates play of shadows, in a bohemian, Scandinavian or rustic style.
- Mount it between 1.5 m and 1.8 m from the floor, avoid excess humidity, and have the electrical connection carried out by a qualified electrician.
Introduction to rattan wall sconces
A rattan wall sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture whose shade, or entire structure, is made of rattan fibers, a natural, lightweight and durable material. Its openwork weave lets light through instead of blocking it, so the fixture decorates as much as it illuminates.
What is a rattan wall sconce?
Natural rattan wall sconces are light fixtures made from rattan fibers, a natural material that ages well. They bring an organic aesthetic and a warm feel to every space, from the living room to the entryway.
Prized for its lightness and sturdiness, rattan bends without breaking, which allows it to be shaped into rounded or flared forms. It is therefore ideal for creating a bohemian or Scandinavian atmosphere, where soft lines and honey tones are sought after.
Why choose rattan?
Rattan requires little maintenance and holds up well over time. Beyond this durability, it adapts to different types of decor thanks to its varied finishes, from natural rattan, light and golden, to black rattan, more graphic on a white wall.
Rattan wall sconces take LED bulbs, which provide an efficient, energy-saving light source. It is also the only type of bulb to use under a natural fiber shade, because LED gives off very little heat, an advantage shared by all our LED wall sconces.
The different types of rattan wall sconces
Natural rattan wall sconces
These sconces highlight the raw, natural beauty of rattan, left in its original shade, with its blond and honey nuances and its small irregularities, which give a living material its charm.
They are perfect for an authentic decor, dominated by linen, terracotta and green plants: placed on a white or sand-colored wall, a sconce like this is enough to warm up the room, in the spirit of our natural wall sconces.
Woven rattan wall sconces
The weaving of rattan creates intricate, attractive patterns, from the tightest weaves to the airiest lattices. The more open it is, the sharper the cast shadows, while a dense weave gives a softer, more enveloping halo.
These sconces are ideal for diffusing a soft light and creating a warm atmosphere, in a bedroom as well as in the living room. Some models combine rattan with other plant fibers, which brings them closer to our bamboo wall sconces.
Rattan and metal wall sconces
Combining rattan and metal offers an elegant, modern contrast, the rigor of one answering the suppleness of the other: the metal forms the backplate, the arm or the banding, while the rattan dresses the light source.
A sconce in natural rattan and black metal brings a contemporary touch to your space, because the matte black underlines the pattern of the weave as a pencil line would. To compare finishes, also browse our metal wall sconces.
| Type of rattan sconce | Look | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Natural rattan | Raw and authentic | Natural |
| Woven rattan | Intricate patterns | Soft light, play of shadows |
| Rattan and metal | Elegant contrast | Contemporary |
How to choose your rattan wall sconce
By room
You don't expect the same light from a sconce depending on whether it accompanies an evening in the living room, reading in bed or a simple passage:
- Living room: choose a large rattan wall sconce, for a strong visual effect, above a sofa or on either side of a fireplace.
- Bedroom: choose a soft-light sconce in warm white, for a restful atmosphere, which lets you do without the ceiling light in the evening.
- Hallway: prefer smaller, more discreet sconces, to light the passage without cluttering the space.
- Bathroom: check that the sconce is designed for damp rooms, with a suitable IP rating (IP44 at minimum), in compliance with the safety zones of standard NF C 15-100, like our bathroom wall sconces.
In a living area, two matching fixtures give a large wall more rhythm than a single piece, and our living room wall sconces offer other generous formats. Next to the bed, it is better to be able to switch on and off without getting up, a criterion to check among our bedroom wall sconces.
By style
Rattan goes with several decorative styles, provided you choose the shape and weave that suit them:
- Bohemian: sconces with intricate woven patterns and organic shapes, to pair with a Berber rug and a few plants.
- Scandinavian: simple, clean designs, often combined with light tones and blond wood, in the spirit of our Scandinavian wall sconces.
- Rustic: natural finishes and sturdy shapes, which go well with exposed stone and solid wood.
There is no need to stick to these three families: in a contemporary interior, a single rattan sconce is enough to soften the whole, because it introduces a texture where smooth surfaces dominate.
By brightness and lighting
Light intensity: use LED bulbs, which combine energy savings and long-lasting light, while remaining powerful enough to light well. Since the weave holds back part of the luminous flux, in a large room the sconce is readily complemented by a rattan pendant light.
Lamp type: check on the product page whether the bulb is included, which simplifies setup, and otherwise note the base and the maximum wattage indicated. Warm white goes best with the honey tone of the fiber, and on a dimmer, the bulb must be marked "dimmable".
Installation and care of rattan wall sconces
Installation tips
For a sconce to light without causing glare, three points need to be settled before drilling:
- Install the sconce between 1.5 and 1.8 meters from the floor, for good light diffusion.
- Use solid fixings, suited to the weight of the sconce and the type of wall (plasterboard, hollow brick or concrete).
- Have the electrical connection carried out by a qualified electrician.
If you line up several hallway wall sconces, allow about two meters between two fixtures, for even light. On either side of a bed, you readily go a little lower, at the shoulder height of a person sitting up against the headboard, which lets you read without dazzling your neighbor: this is the principle of our headboard wall sconces.
Caring for rattan
Rattan is cared for with a few simple steps, provided you never soak the fiber:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth, or a soft brush, which reaches into the hollows of the weave better.
- For a deep clean, use a slightly damp cloth, after switching off the sconce.
- Avoid excess humidity, to preserve the rattan: a fiber saturated with water warps as it dries.
Also keep the sconce away from a radiator or fireplace, because very dry air eventually makes the fiber brittle. After cleaning, wait until it is completely dry before switching it on again.
Decor ideas and inspiration with rattan wall sconces
Style pairings
Rattan and wood: this pairing makes for a welcoming, natural interior, because the two materials share the same warm tones. Placed near a light oak piece of furniture, the sconce extends the furniture onto the wall, and blends effortlessly with our wood wall sconces.
Rattan and metal: this duo suits a chic industrial style, where the plant fiber tempers the coldness of black steel, glass-paneled partitions and polished concrete. The contrast works all the better when the metal stays discreet.
Decor inspiration
Two staging ideas work for almost every room:
- As a pair: two sconces on each side of a bed or a sofa give structure to the wall, and the symmetry gives the whole a composed look.
- As a play of shadows: on a light wall, the weave casts luminous patterns that bring the room to life, especially in the evening.
Interior photos and decor videos remain a good source of ideas, because they show how rattan fits into very different styles. You can also mix fibers, by bringing rattan together with our wicker wall sconces.
Conclusion
Rattan wall sconces offer an elegant, natural lighting solution for every interior. Bohemian style, Scandinavian or contemporary: whatever your preference, these light fixtures bring a warm, unique touch to your living spaces.
With a wide range of shapes, sizes and weaves available online, it is easier than ever to find the rattan sconce that meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions about rattan wall sconces
What are the advantages of a rattan sconce compared with other materials?
Rattan is a natural material and a durable one, which brings warmth and a natural atmosphere to every room, for a welcoming and restful space. It is lightweight, which makes sconces easier to install, and even to move.
Its woven look adds a texture and a style not found in more common materials, such as metal or plastic. Very versatile, it fits many decor styles, from bohemian to contemporary.
How do you care for and clean a rattan wall sconce?
Dust it regularly with a dry cloth or a soft brush. For a deeper clean, use a cloth slightly dampened with soapy water, and avoid harsh chemicals, which could damage the rattan.
Make sure the sconce is completely dry before switching it on again, to rule out any electrical risk. Regular care preserves the strength and appearance of the fiber.
Can a rattan wall sconce be used outdoors?
Only if the model is designed for outdoor use, treated to withstand sun and bad weather, with an IP rating shown on its product page.
Rattan is afraid of humidity and direct sun: even with a suitable model, install it in a sheltered area, under a porch or a covered patio, to extend its lifespan. For an exposed facade, look instead at our outdoor wall sconces.
How do you integrate a rattan sconce into a modern interior?
Pair it with contemporary elements, such as furniture with clean lines and metal or glass accessories. The contrast between natural rattan and modern materials creates an interesting visual balance.
You can also play with colors, with a rattan tinted in a neutral or dark tone, for a more refined touch.
What lighting for a natural rattan wall sconce?
It all depends on the mood you want: a warm white LED bulb gives a soft, warm light, ideal in a living room or a bedroom. For more functional lighting, in a hallway or a kitchen, prefer neutral white, even cool white.
Rattan sconces diffuse a subdued light through their woven structure, which creates beautiful play of shadow and light.
At what height should a rattan wall sconce be installed?
Between 1.5 m and 1.7 m from the floor in most rooms, for good lighting, and up to 1.8 m in a hallway. Always fix it to a stable, solid support.
For a specific need, such as a reading nook, place the sconce nearby, for direct and sufficient light. The electrical connection must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
How do you choose a rattan sconce for your decor?
Start from the style of your space: rattan goes well with bohemian, Scandinavian and natural decors. Also look at the size and shape of the sconce, so that it fits harmoniously into the room.
Rattan sconces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the small discreet lamp to the large eye-catching piece.
Which rattan wall sconces for a living room?
Those that complement the style and atmosphere of the room. Opt for a model with a careful finish and a unique design: black or natural rattan sconces bring a refined touch.
Choose an LED light source, for a soft light and low consumption.
Which bulb should you choose for a rattan wall sconce?
An LED bulb, and only an LED: it gives off very little heat, which spares the natural fibers of the shade, and it uses little electricity.
Stick to the base and maximum wattage indicated on the product page. On a dimmer, check that the bulb is marked "dimmable".
Can you install a rattan wall sconce in a bathroom?
Yes, if the model is designed for damp rooms, with an IP44 rating at minimum, and if its location complies with the safety zones of the NF C 15-100 standard.
Since rattan tolerates prolonged humidity poorly, place the sconce away from the shower and the bathtub, and have it installed by a qualified electrician.
Do you need an electrician to install a rattan wall sconce?
Yes, as soon as the sconce is connected to an electrical supply in the wall: this connection should be entrusted to a qualified electrician, who cuts the power at the panel and checks the installation.
If the model comes with a cable and plug, as the product page specifies, it simply plugs in, and only the wall fixing remains to be arranged.
What is the difference between rattan, wicker and bamboo?
These are three different plants: rattan is the solid, flexible stem of a climbing palm, wicker the young shoot of the willow, and bamboo a hollow, rigid stem.
Rattan is woven into regular meshes, wicker gives a tighter basketry, and bamboo is used mostly in slats: all three filter light with the same softness.