IKEA Can Help You Get In On One Stylish Design Trend Without Overspending

For homeowners who like to stay on top of trends, there's nothing quite like the heartbreak of realizing that the only pieces available in the up-and-coming styles are ones that cost more than your entire paycheck. Trends can come and go quickly, so it's hard to commit to dropping hundreds or thousands of dollars on pieces for your home that might end up at Goodwill by next year. Luckily, IKEA makes shopping on-trend pretty easy by offering affordable choices, as the warehouse store often stocks up on the latest styles while keeping the price tags low. For example, you can get in on the popular rattan design trend without spending ungodly amounts of money thanks to IKEA. 

After soaring in popularity from the 1950s through the 1970s and then dipping out of the zeitgeist, rattan furniture is back in style. Made from the tropical vine of the same name, rattan is a light wood that often looks like wicker and is used to create a light, airy aesthetic. This type of furniture is especially popular in mid-century modern and bohemian-style homes, and it also complements just about any backyard, since it seamlessly blends into the natural vibes of an outdoor space. There are a variety of ways to incorporate IKEA's rattan pieces into your own home, both indoors and outside. 

You can incorporate rattan into your backyard for a 70s look with IKEA's furniture sets. These pieces will shine on your patio or your lawn, perfect for summer dinner parties or simply reading in your yard and listening to the sounds of nature. Although rattan is a natural material, you should still be sure to buy rattan furniture that is made for outdoor use. Typically, a sealant is used on the material so that your furniture won't mold or warp after exposure to rain or snow. IKEA listings will tell you whether the piece is intended for indoor or outdoor use, so check the "Product Details" section on the site to ensure you're buying the right furniture. 

Among the products designed for outdoor use is the TVARÖ modular sofa, which retails for $229; it's a natural light brown piece that would look great in a secluded, solitary seating area. The sofa pairs with gray or white pillows and multiple pieces can be combined to create a larger seating area. For a stylish single seat, check out the RISHOLMEN wing chair, which lists for $299. Any of the above pieces will also pair nicely with a FÅLSKÄR outdoor coffee table, priced at $119.99.

Many of the IKEA pieces featuring this design trend are intended for indoor use or for bringing pops of the outdoors into your home. Rattan storage is a big part of the current trend in rattan, and while the classic arched cabinets can be priced in the neighborhood of $1,400, the IKEA storage options like the FRYKSÅS cabinet and FRYKSÅS TV unit each retail for $349. Similarly, the TOLKNING ottoman with storage is just $89.99 and adds a natural, exposed wood look that will complement any neutral or earth tones. You can achieve a similar effect with the KAKTUSFIKON plant pot for $29.99 or the TOLKNING handmade plant stand for $64.99.

Indoor rattan seating also abounds at IKEA with plenty of benches and single-seat options to help bring the light, airy feel of the tropical material into your home. The thin and simple SALNÖ / GRYTTOM bench with an included seating pad is great for any window reading nooks or entryway seating, and it lists for only $189. The BROBOCK armchair is curved to make for a comfortable seat and costs $129.99, although you'll probably want to supplement it with a DJUPVEK cushion, which is not included and costs an additional $30. Finally, if you've added a few rattan pieces to your home and still feel like something is missing, you can pick up the KAPPELAND pendant lampshade for $49.99 to tie the ceiling together with your seating.