Rattan furniture covers should be shaped to the set, breathable, UV-resistant and securely fastened. Synthetic PE or PVC rattan can stay outside, but its cushions, metal fixings and frame joints still suffer from trapped damp; cover the dry furniture, leave air gaps and bring soft furnishings indoors.
Rattan furniture covers: what the furniture actually needs
Most modern garden “rattan” is synthetic weave over aluminium or steel, not indoor natural rattan. The weave itself may handle rain, but water sits on cushions, in the frame and around feet. Covers reduce dirt, bird mess, frost and UV exposure; they do not make a wet set dry. If your set is natural cane, treat it as a sheltered material and prioritise dry storage rather than leaving it wrapped outdoors.
Remove cushions, check the manufacturer’s care instructions and clean food or bird residue before covering. A cover is also useful for the winter storage of a rattan garden chair, but avoid squeezing a damp cushion into the seat where airflow is poor.
Cover construction that matters
- Ripstop polyester: light to handle and less likely to tear when reinforced.
- Water-resistant coating: sheds rain; confirm whether seams are taped or simply stitched.
- Breathable vents: help humid air escape from a covered sofa or cube set.
- Soft inner face: reduces rubbing on powder coating and the weave.
- Toggles, buckles and drawcords: hold the cover around each base rather than letting it act like a sail.
A higher denier number can indicate a heavier cloth, but it is not a complete durability test. Compare the seam construction, corner reinforcement, UV claim and guarantee. Bramblecrest’s rattan sofa cover specification is a useful example of the details to look for, including breathable backing and fastenings.
How to measure a rattan set
Cube dining sets
Push the chairs, stools and table into the storage arrangement you will actually use. Measure the maximum outside length, width and height, including table top, armrests and parasol base. Check whether the cover maker expects cushions to remain on the chairs. Some cube sets have a taller table or corner unit hidden inside; measure the real stack rather than the catalogue’s seating count.
Corner sofas and recliners
For an L-shaped sofa, note the long run, short run, overall depth and highest point. A rectangular cover can fit badly at the inside corner and collect water. Separate covers for a corner module and coffee table are often easier to tension. For recliners, leave space for the back mechanism and do not force the cover down over moving parts. Custom cover makers such as Kover-it’s rattan range are worth comparing when a ready-made size cannot follow the shape.
A UK winter routine
- Brush and wash the weave with the maker’s recommended mild cleaner.
- Dry every cushion and the frame completely, ideally on a breezy dry day.
- Remove cushions and store them indoors or in a ventilated dry box.
- Fit the cover without blocking its vents; keep the bottom above pooled water.
- Inspect after storms and lift the cover on a bright dry day to release humidity.
Do not put a wet cover straight into a storage bag. Clean bird mess promptly because its acids can mark coatings, and check feet, frame welds and fixings at the start of spring. If the rattan is part of a larger purchase decision, compare construction in our guide to rattan furniture before protecting a set that is already failing.
Buying tips and cost
Ready-made rattan covers often cost around £25 to £150, while tailored pieces cost more. Spend first on the correct shape and fastenings; a cover that fits well usually outperforms a thicker but loose one. Check returns before opening packaging, because many suppliers treat made-to-measure covers differently. Avoid clear plastic covers that have no ventilation unless the furniture maker specifically approves them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can rattan furniture stay outside in winter?
Synthetic rattan can usually remain outside if the frame, cushions and cover are cared for. Natural cane needs much more shelter and should not be treated as weatherproof garden furniture.
Q2. Should cushions be left under rattan furniture covers?
Store cushions indoors or in a dry, ventilated box where possible. If they stay under a cover, they must be completely dry and the cover must allow air movement.
Q3. Are rattan furniture covers waterproof?
Many are water-resistant or waterproof on the outer face, but seams, vents and the fit affect real protection. No cover will make damp cushions dry.
Q4. How do I stop a rattan cover blowing away?
Use the supplied buckles, toggles or drawcord, choose a close-fitting size and check the bottom edge after storms. Do not rely on a loose object placed on top.
Final Thoughts
Good rattan furniture covers protect a dry, clean set from the worst of the British weather without trapping it in a damp pocket. Measure the assembled furniture, prioritise vents and secure fastenings, then store cushions separately.
