The Unexpected Material That Brings Back Warmth And Style To Bland Drop Ceiling

As useful and practical as drop ceilings may be, they're not particularly appealing, especially when they're covered in those bland, white, panels. These are usually in a mineral fiber or fiberglass material, which, albeit fantastic for things like acoustic and thermal insulation or humidity resistance, don't do much for the overall look of a room. For an easy fix that will turn your drop ceilings from drab to fab in no time try covering them in rattan cane webbing.

With rattan décor coming back in style, applying it to your drop ceiling may be the style makeover that you were missing. The vines of the rattan palm have been harvested to make wickerwork for millennia, giving this material an irresistible natural and artisanal quality. Although rattan is used as an umbrella term, its plant produces two types of materials — the thicker, stronger rattan that's used to make furniture and baskets, and the thinner, more delicate cane that's weaved into webbing rolls. Don't be confused if both of these terms come up when you do your deep dive on rattan ceilings, they tend to be used interchangeably. 

If you're looking to incorporate the rattan trend in every room of your home, taking it up to the ceiling is a fabulous choice. This is usually done by cladding the existing drop ceiling tiles in rattan cane webbing with a staple gun or glue. If you're going the DIY route, you should know that the webbing is sold in large rolls in various patterns, like square and hexagon, that you then have to cut into the desired size. When dry, this material can break, so it should be soaked before application. 

Because the rattan palm is so prevalent in other tropical areas of Africa and Asia, its woven look immediately transports us to warmer, sea-bathed destinations, making any space feel instantly calmer, cozier, and more welcoming. Its natural origins and eco-friendly sourcing also make rattan one of the most popular elements of biophilic interior design, the nature-inspired décor trend that has been and will continue to dominate. More and more people are procuring sustainable, organic materials to bring into their homes, both as a way to help the planet and to feel more connected to it. Natural rattan cane webbing will require more maintenance, however, as it's not moisture- or temperature-resistant. Synthetic webbing, on the other hand, will last you longer and can be recycled if used and disposed of conscientiously.