As summer draws ever closer, one thing is on our minds: outdoor furniture. Thankfully, Martha Stewart has taken the guesswork out of patio styling with her décor collection on Wayfair. She starts with one standout piece that celebrates one of the most timeless materials of the decade: rattan.
Inspired by her iconic Bedford farmhouse (the most notable estate in Martha Stewart's property portfolio), her Outdoor Rattan Wicker Accent Chair (available at Wayfair) is a staple of her collection.
Rattan has lent itself to the best outdoor furniture for decades, but its durability and retro style are a favorite for gardens this year. In the case of this chair, particularly, it features a sturdy frame with all-weather wicker rattan construction in a deep gray colorway (the latter of which we've already seen in many celebrity gardens this year).
Generously padded and sturdily built, this versatile patio chair should be your starting point when designing your patio for 2025. Featuring a 4.5-inch-thick all-weather seat cushion, luxurious back cushion, and integrated armrests, it will cradle you with comfort while enjoying all the joys of the season.
Rattan furniture is, as ever, included in the top garden trends for summer 2025. However, its appeal is certainly nothing new.
'Rattan furniture is natural, sturdy, and steeped in tradition. The process of hand-weaving rattan furniture embodies a time-honoured tradition; its story spans continents, artists, and craftsmen,' comments Georgia Metcalfe, the founder and creative director at French Bedroom.
Rattan's retro-aesthetic is undeniable, but as Georgia explains, we owe much of its sucsess to its incredible durability.
'Rattan grows as a vine, with up to 600 species. Mature vines can stretch to hundreds of feet, growing a few centimetres in a day, far surpassing that of hardwood trees.. It’s these long, continuous fibres that are used to create furniture,' she begins.
'But rattan is more than just a vine – it's also a symphony of strength and suppleness, possessing an innate flexibility that allows for intricate woven designs. In addition, rattan’s tensile strength rivals that of steel, meaning that well-crafted rattan furniture will last for decades.'
As many of us think more consciously about making sustainable choices, rattan pieces are consequently a safe choice. Martha's twist is one of the most stylish options on the market, and at an unbelievably low price. However, if you're looking for more Martha-designed inspiration, we've rounded up some of our favorites below.
Masterfully crafted with a durable, rustproof aluminum frame in a hand-brushed woodgrain finish, this chair lends elegance to any porch or terrace. It's designed to last through all weathers and is easily stackable – perfect if you're working with a particularly small space.
The blue and white, woven wicker material and durable legs make this stackable patio seat a must-have for summer dining. It features a rustproof aluminum frame, a wood-grain finish, and, most notably, a woven rattan pattern.
This deep-seating sofa speaks to the quiet elegance of classic American craftsmanship through its decorative shape that emulates its traditional woodworking joinery. It's designed to last through all weather, meaning it's perfect for summer, but just as comforting in winter.
