The Golden Girls-Style Furniture Trend That's So Easy To Thrift

As home decor trends are beginning to lean towards cozy, warm, and colorful interiors, it's no surprise we're drawing inspiration from the inviting designs of the '80s and '90s. These decades were filled with charming, eclectic home decor but also some of the most comforting nostalgic sitcoms we love to revisit. During these vintage rewatches, you're sure to be reminded of those TV show homes everyone wishes they could live in — from Frasier Crane's classy Seattle condo to Monica Gellar's iconic purple apartment — and of course the Golden Girls' dreamy Miami home. There's been a particular interest in the rattan furniture trend seen all over "The Golden Girls" set, and luckily, it's one of the easiest styles to find while thrifting.

As rattan furniture is making a comeback, interior designers are noting the unique charm of vintage rattan pieces, which bring a stylish sense of nostalgia to any space. That said, don't just grab the first rattan design you see at the thrift store — there are a few things to consider for a more thoughtful and quality purchase. Once you discover the perfect rattan gem for your home, there are plenty of ways to elevate it and incorporate it into your design, whether you're going for a vintage vibe or a cozy, modern look.

Once you start the hunt for rattan furniture, you'll begin to notice just how many pre-loved pieces are available for sale. You can start your search by checking out local thrift shops, vintage markets, antique stores, and online resellers. Before buying, keep in mind that while many pieces may look like rattan, some could be imitations. Natural rattan is not only more durable but also a better choice for indoor spaces compared to synthetic designs. However, in outdoor spaces, rattan is prone to mold and rot, so if you're shopping for furniture for your porch or backyard, synthetic materials might be more suitable. To identify genuine rattan furniture, look for a natural, woven texture with slight variations in color and thickness. Genuine rattan also feels smooth yet slightly rough to the touch and has a light but sturdy feel.

While there's a certain appeal to vintage rattan furniture and decor, some pre-loved pieces may be a bit too worse for wear. Designers recommend looking for well-maintained pieces with secure joints and little visible damage. If you're searching for a more valuable piece, look for rattan furniture with tightly stalked strands, ideally six, and sharp bends, as well as cleanly-wrapped joints. Worn out rattan with signs of unraveling can be expensive to fix, and the damage will likely get worse over time, so it's important to keep an eye out for this red flag. 

If you've found the perfect vintage rattan piece that just needs a little refresh, there are plenty of ways to restore it to its former glory. You can start by trimming any frayed or broken areas and using wood glue or super glue to bond them back together. After sanding the surface to smooth out rough edges, apply a fresh coat of paint or varnish to restore its color. If your rattan furniture already looks great and you simply want to maintain its beauty, apply a thin layer of furniture wax or linseed oil with a soft cloth and repeat as needed.

If you want to decorate your home like the house from "The Golden Girls", style your rattan with floral and palm leaf patterns, plants, or light colored interiors for that nostalgic, breezy look. Experts say that rattan pairs beautifully with tropical decor styles, but its versatility also lets it complement modern designs. In fact, some pros have been updating rattan with glossy finishes to highlight the texture, and its earthy tones fit perfectly with the recent trend of embracing warm-toned furniture for a more inviting, modern aesthetic. Whether vintage or modern, rattan has a timeless charm that can bring a chic sense of coziness into any space.