When it comes to Hollywood style, glamour often takes center stage. But behind the scenes, even the most dazzling stars crave comfort and a touch of natural elegance in their homes. 

Enter rattan furniture, a design staple adored by Hollywood legends and modern A-listers alike. 

From sun-soaked Californian craftsman cottages to sprawling Malibu estates, rattan’s versatility, charm, and West Coast cool have earned it a spot in the hearts (and homes) of the famous and fabulous.

So, what is it about rattan that captures the imaginations of stars like Barbra Streisand, Zooey Deschanel, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, Cara and Poppy Delevingne, Reese Witherspoon?

To unpack rattan’s enduring allure, it’s important to explore both its influential champions and why this natural material, that’s made of tropical vines, continues to resonate with Tinseltown tastemakers.

Old Hollywood and the Rise of Rattan

Many star names from the ‘golden age’ of Hollywood, including Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, and Charlie Chaplin, were fans of this versatile and sophisticated furniture.

In the 1930s and 1940s, when the movies exploded in popularity, its stars flocked to Palm Springs and Beverly Hills in search of sunshine and relaxation. Enter Paul T. Frankl, a rattan furniture designer who helped solidify its status as a California favorite. Their retreat homes needed furniture that reflected their laid-back lifestyles while maintaining a sense of glamor and he more than delivered.  

“Paul T. Frankl transformed a rather dated type of furniture into something modern and urbane,” wrote Christopher Long in his book Paul T. Frankl and Modern American Design

Frankl’s creations, which married functionality with an art-deco twist, quickly became favorites among the box office favorites of the day. 

“Rattan got really big in the 1920s and 1930s,” says Harvey G. Schwartz, a leading expert on rattan and owner of the largest private collection of Paul T. Frankl furniture in the world. 

“It started in Hollywood and was used in movies, so that’s when it got really popular throughout the world. It lost its appeal in the 1950s and the next major resurgence was in the 1970s and 1980s.”

In fact, furniture from Schwartz’s store, Tropical Sun Rattan, in Hollywood, can be seen on the set of the much-loved sitcom, The Golden Girls

And he admits that it was Frankl’s extraordinary designs that ensured its longevity. 

“Frankl’s work is a testament to the enduring appeal of rattan furniture,” says Schwartz. “His ability to transform a humble material into elegant, modern pieces has left an indelible mark on design history.”

A New Generation of Rattan Devotees

While rattan might have peaked during Hollywood’s early years, it never truly went out of style. 

Today, it’s experiencing a major comeback, thanks in part to celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and singer Leona Lewis, who have embraced its eco-friendly charm and comfort.

Known for her impeccable taste, legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand was one of the first modern superstars to fill her home with rattan. 

The trendsetter just happened to be passing Schwartz’s first store, in Hollywood, after buying her first beach house in Malibu. She immediately fell in love with the boho aesthetic, bought an entire set and Schwartz soon found his wicker wares were in huge demand. 

These days, it’s the Delevingne sisters, Cara and Poppy, who are playing tastemakers. Known for its unique bold and eclectic style, rattan plays a starring role in their shared Los Angeles home. 

Cara’s bedroom features a dramatic rattan bed frame, while Poppy’s sun-drenched patio includes vintage rattan chairs and loungers.   

Schwartz sold today’s ‘It-girls’ the outdoor pieces they posed with when they were interviewed at home for Architectural Digest magazine.

And Zooey Deschanel, the breakout star of the hit TV show, New Girl, is such a fan of rattan that she’s featured it on her Instagram account. 

Posing beside a rattan lounge chair and a marble fireplace, the now 44-year-old actress showed that rattan can effortlessly bridge the gap between classic and modern design.

Why Rattan Still Captures Hollywood’s Heart

So, what is it about rattan that keeps the stars coming back for more? 

The rise of open-concept living and indoor-outdoor spaces has most definitely contributed to rattan’s resurgence. 

In sunny California, where patios and gardens are as important as living rooms, rattan seamlessly bridges the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor chic.

But it’s more than that. According to Schwartz, the appeal can be found in its combination of its beauty, versatility, and sustainability.

“With a varnish lacquer finish, it can last forever,” he says. “Some of the rattan pieces I own are almost 100 years old and if they have been inside and have been well cared for, they look as pretty as when they were originally made.”

The good news is that you don’t need an Oscar, an Emmy or a Tony award to enjoy the timeless appeal of rattan. 

Thanks to its continuing popularity, there are countless options available for every budget and style.

  • Accent Pieces: Start small with a rattan chair, lamp, or side table. These pieces can add texture and warmth to any room.
  • Outdoor Furniture: Invest in weather-resistant rattan for your patio or balcony to create a Hollywood-inspired retreat.
  • Statement Pieces: Go bold with a rattan bed frame, sofa, or dining set to make a major design statement.
  • Vintage Finds: Hunt for authentic vintage rattan at thrift shops or online marketplaces for a touch of Old Hollywood glamor.

The Legacy of Rattan

From Fred Astaire’s mid-century modern hideaway to Reese Witherspoon’s laid-back Southern elegance, rattan has proven itself to be a design chameleon. 

Its ability to adapt to changing tastes and trends ensures it will remain a favorite for years to come.

Now, once again, people are in love with the simplicity and beauty of rattan,” says Schwartz, who is still supplying gorgeous rattan pieces to the rich and famous – and everyone else who loves the endless possibilities of rattan. 

So, whether you’re lounging on a cozy daybed or enjoying coffee at a stylish breakfast nook, know that you’re part of a long and glamorous tradition. 

With rattan, you’re not just decorating your home; you’re weaving a little bit of Hollywood history into your life.

For more information about Harvey G. Schwartz and his Paul T. Frankl’s pieces, visit Harvey’s Private Collection or to view his entire collection of vintage rattan visit www.TropicalSunRattan.com