Let There Be Light (And Rattan)

You know you’ve entered adulthood when you get genuinely excited about lighting fixtures. Gone are the days when I’d tolerate the single sad overhead bulb in my college apartment that made everything look like a scene from a medical drama. These days, I crave warmth. I want lighting that whispers, “Come in, stay a while, maybe drink some wine and make questionable life choices… but in a charming, well-lit atmosphere.”

So, I embarked on a mission: to banish the cold, sterile light from my life and bring in something better—something made from natural materials. Enter: rattan.

Yes, rattan. The unassuming superstar of cozy interiors. Who knew that this woven wonder could transform a space from “meh” to “modern beach bungalow with personality”? Not me. Not until I swapped out my old metal pendant lamp for a handwoven rattan shade that instantly made my dining area feel like it belonged in a magazine spread titled Earthy Chic for People Who Definitely Compost (Or At Least Pretend To).

There’s just something about natural textures—rattan, bamboo, jute, seagrass—that feels like a hug from the outdoors. Except, you know, minus the bugs and weird smells. I started with one fixture and then slowly began sneaking rattan into every room like a design ninja. A rattan sconce in the hallway? Yes. A dome-shaped rattan pendant over the kitchen island? Absolutely. A floor lamp with a rattan base next to the couch where I binge-watch cooking shows while eating cereal for dinner? Obviously.

The best part? These fixtures diffuse the light in the most magical way. It’s like being bathed in golden hour all day long, which is perfect because actual golden hour lasts approximately 4 minutes and always happens when I’m either at work or in the shower.

And here's a fun little bonus: natural materials make people think you have your life together. Friends walk in and say, “Wow, this feels so calming. Did you get a new rug?” and I just smile and say, “Oh no, it’s the lighting,” as if I didn’t spend two hours on Pinterest debating between “boho coastal” and “rustic modern.”

In truth, lighting is the unsung hero of home design. You can have beautiful furniture and stunning art, but if the light is off—literally—everything looks a little... sad. But throw in a rattan pendant or a handwoven lamp, and suddenly, you’re living in a Nancy Meyers film. (Minus the giant kitchen and complicated romantic subplot.)

So here’s my advice: when in doubt, go natural. Bring in some texture. Soften your space with materials that feel good and look even better. Trust in the power of rattan. It won’t judge your unfinished DIY projects, and it will never, ever emit the kind of light that makes your skin look like tapioca pudding.

Let there be light—and let it be woven. Here are the top looks I love....