Woven by Hand.
Lived In for Life.
The art of handwoven rattan — and why Online8's Bali-inspired collection belongs in every New Zealand home.
There is a material that has furnished the world's most beautiful verandas, garden rooms, and sun-drenched terraces for centuries. Rattan — supple, warm, endlessly weaveable — is the original luxury outdoor material. And Online8 has brought its finest expression to New Zealand.
Rattan is having a moment. But then, rattan has always been having a moment — in the beach houses of the Côte d'Azur, in Balinese open-air villas, in the colonial verandas of Southeast Asia, in the bohemian apartments of mid-century Paris. What changes is simply which version of the world discovers it next.
New Zealand's outdoor living culture — relaxed, nature-connected, and quietly sophisticated — is the perfect home for handwoven rattan furniture. And Online8's collection, inspired by the master craftspeople of Bali, represents the finest expression of this ancient material available in the country today.
"Rattan is not a trend. It is a tradition — one that has furnished the world's most beautiful outdoor rooms for centuries, and will continue to do so long after synthetic alternatives have crumbled."
— The Online8 Design TeamWhat Makes Rattan Different
Rattan is a naturally occurring climbing palm found across tropical Asia. Unlike bamboo, which is hollow, rattan is solid throughout its length — giving it a natural flexibility and strength that makes it uniquely suited to furniture making. It can be bent, shaped, and woven into forms that rigid timber simply cannot achieve. And unlike synthetic wicker or resin weaves, natural rattan carries a warmth and texture that only comes from something that once grew in sunlight.
Each chair in Online8's rattan collection is handwoven by skilled artisans in Bali — a region with generations of rattan-working heritage. The weave patterns, the frame construction, the finishing — every detail is executed by hand. No two chairs are precisely identical, and that is entirely the point.
The Collection — Every Chair, Defined
Online8's rattan collection spans six distinct designs — each named after a celebrated destination in Bali, each with its own character, palette, and ideal setting. Here is how to choose the one that belongs in your space.
Sanur Rattan Armchair
The Sanur is the definitive piece of the collection — the one that anchors a room with quiet authority. Named after Bali's most refined coastal town, it brings that same balance of ease and elegance to any space it inhabits. Available in Smoke Gray/White Wash and a classic natural weave, each with a plush Oatmeal cushion seat that invites hours of unhurried sitting.
Kuta Armchair
Where the Sanur is refined, the Kuta is bold. A darker, more dramatic weave in Black/Grey Wash paired with the same luxurious Oatmeal cushion creates a chair with a strong visual presence — one that anchors a terrace or lounge as decisively as any piece of furniture at twice the price. The Kuta is for those who want their outdoor space to make a statement.
Nusa Dua Armchair
The Nusa Dua strikes a beautiful balance between warm and cool — a Honey rattan frame with Black detailing and an Oatmeal cushion that sits at the intersection of tropical warmth and contemporary restraint. This is the chair for a space that wants to feel both relaxed and considered. At $599, it represents exceptional value for a piece of this quality and character.
Character Pieces — Jimbaran & Canggu
Two chairs for those who want something with genuine personality. Both named after Bali's most atmospheric coastal villages, both finished in tones that carry a sense of history and place.
Jimbaran Armchair — Antique Brown & Black Wash · $699
The Jimbaran is the most characterful piece in the collection — a deep Antique Brown rattan frame with deliberate Black Wash detailing that gives it the appearance of something discovered in a Balinese antiques market rather than ordered online. It pairs beautifully with natural timber, terracotta, and linen. In stock now. Ships nationwide for $99. The Canggu, its tonal sister in Smoke & Oatmeal, is currently sold out — confirming what we always suspected about pieces this good.
The four tonal families across the rattan collection are each suited to a different aesthetic direction. Smoke Gray and White Wash tones read as contemporary and coastal — perfect for Auckland's light-filled, open-plan homes. Black and Grey Wash is dramatic and modern, ideal for spaces with strong architectural lines. Honey/Black brings tropical warmth without sacrificing sophistication. Antique Brown is the choice for interiors with depth and character — heritage homes, eclectic spaces, or anywhere you want the furniture to feel collected rather than purchased.
How to Style Rattan in a New Zealand Home
Rattan works in almost any interior — but the spaces where it truly sings share a few common qualities: natural light, organic materials nearby, and a certain generosity of spirit.
The Coastal Living Room
Pair one or two rattan armchairs with a linen sofa in cream or warm white. Add a jute rug, timber side tables, and plenty of natural light. This is the approach that makes a New Zealand living room feel like an extension of the landscape outside.
The Garden Room Vignette
Place a pair of matching rattan chairs on a covered deck or in a glasshouse-style garden room with an Africa Side Table between them. Add a generous trailing plant and a textured outdoor rug. This is the vignette that makes visitors immediately want to sit down.
The Eclectic Interior
Use a single rattan armchair as an accent piece within a mixed-material interior. Pair with a leather sofa, a marble side table, and a bold piece of wall art. The contrast of textures — smooth leather against woven rattan — is exactly the kind of considered tension that makes a room feel genuinely designed.
The Outdoor Dining Corner
Create a distinct seating zone at the end of a long outdoor table by adding two rattan armchairs at the heads. Mix with the Africa Outdoor Dining Chairs for the sides. The tonal contrast between woven rattan and the clean lines of the Africa chairs creates a layered, resort-quality setting.
How to Care for Rattan Furniture
Rattan is a naturally durable material that, with a little care, will reward you with years of beauty. Here is everything you need to know to keep it looking its best.
| Action | How to Do It | |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ | Regular dusting | Use a soft, dry brush or microfibre cloth weekly to remove dust from the weave. This prevents particles from settling into the rattan fibres and dulling the finish over time. |
| ✓ | Light moisture cleaning | For general cleaning, lightly dampen a cloth with warm water and wipe gently. Dry immediately and thoroughly — never leave rattan wet. Good ventilation speeds the drying process. |
| ✓ | Covered outdoor use | Rattan performs beautifully in sheltered outdoor settings — covered patios, verandas, and garden rooms. Consistent protection from direct rain and prolonged sun exposure significantly extends the life of the weave. |
| ✓ | Cushion care | Remove cushion covers seasonally and wash according to the care label. Store cushions indoors during extended wet periods. The Oatmeal cushion covers on each chair are designed to be removable for easy maintenance. |
| ✗ | Direct prolonged sunlight | Extended direct UV exposure will bleach and dry the rattan fibres over time. Position chairs where they receive shade during the hottest part of the day, or use a quality UV-resistant outdoor furniture cover during peak summer. |
| ✗ | Soaking or pressure washing | Never soak rattan or use a pressure washer. Excess moisture causes fibres to swell, loosen, and eventually break at the weave joints. This damage is very difficult to reverse. |
| ✗ | Harsh chemical cleaners | Avoid bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and solvent-based polishes. These strip the natural oils from the rattan and accelerate deterioration of both the weave and the frame finish. |
The Complete Rattan Collection
Come and Sit in One.
The best way to choose a rattan armchair is to sit in it. Visit the Online8 showroom in Papatoetoe, Auckland — open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, with free parking — to experience the full rattan collection in person. Or shop online with flat-rate $99 nationwide delivery to anywhere in New Zealand.
