11 Ways To Incorporate Rattan Into A Backyard For A Flawless 70s Boho Look

In recent years, the groovy look of the 70s has come back into style. Beyond the brightly colored patterns, 70s interiors were also marked by the use of natural materials, namely rattan. Rattan is a vine-like palm that's used as a material in a variety of furniture and décor pieces. Modern boho style has influences from both nature and classic 70s design, which makes rattan a cornerstone material to achieve this design. But before jumping into purchasing pieces for your backyard, there are a few things to know.

Synthetic rattan is low-maintenance, which makes it a great choice for the outdoors as it won't be damaged by weather or the elements. However, if you purchase natural rattan, you should be cautious about letting it get wet — it's prone to mildew growth. Whether you go natural or synthetic, you're not limited to furniture or buying newly made pieces. There are tons of ways to incorporate this material — and plenty of recycled pieces, especially from the 70s, so you can give your backyard a little vintage accent. Here's some inspiration for nailing the boho-rattan look in your yard.

Outdoor lighting brings some of the comforts of the indoors to your yard. If you have a covered deck or patio, use hanging pendant lights to help illuminate the space. Adding a rattan shade can soften the light, creating a cozy glow for when you're hanging outside at night. But if you don't have a ceiling to hang a light fixture, look for string lights you can hang over the space. You can also use rattan lanterns on the ground or on tabletops.

If you have larger plants that can't sit on a shelf, you can still use rattan with them. Look for wide and tall rattan plant baskets, no stand required. You can place the plant pot directly in the basket. This is a great method if your plants are still in the plastic nursery pots or you just want to give your backyard a cohesive look. You can use this same method with hanging plants or choose a rattan vase to display pampas grass or greenery.

You don't always have to go big when incorporating rattan into your outdoor décor. Use rattan baskets to hold blankets and extra pillows when they're not in use. Baskets with lids can hold outdoor toys, dog toys and accessories, or gardening supplies to help keep your backyard tidy. Rattan trays can help corral smaller items on an outdoor coffee table or sideboard, such as candles or small plants. If you have outdoor entertainment systems that have remotes, a basket or tray can keep them in one place.

Consider adding rattan through small tabletop décor. Trinkets will add a decorative element to the space. You can also look for more functional items like coasters and placemats if you're one to enjoy food or drinks outside. Rattan wraps on cups and pitchers also add a subtle boho element to your outdoor space. Tiered serving trays are great for setting out food or storing napkins and flatware during a barbecue.

Rattan is super versatile and mixes well with all kinds of materials. You can find plenty of pieces with glass and metal accents. These are often more functional, especially as tabletops, because it creates a flat, even surface to place things. It also brings in some visual interest and can break up the woven look.