Here’s a lighting expert’s guide to why, how and where to use natural lamps and shades in your home…
There was a time when “natural materials” in interiors meant a bit of driftwood or a hopeful bamboo windchime. But lately, natural fibres are lighting up rooms in a big way – in fact, they’re becoming design staples.
Woven wonders – especially rattan, jute and the occasional palm leaf shade are everywhere from artisan markets to high-end showrooms. And of course, Pooky’s been championing them for years (one lovely example being our teaming up with the brilliant Collaborative Craft Projects for a range of palm shades hand-woven in Zimbabwe.
But if you’ve ever looked at a beautiful handmade shade and thought “Is that jute or rattan?”, you’re not alone. Here’s our guide to these fabulously tactile materials – how to tell them apart, how to style them, and how to keep them looking lovely.
Natural materials: what’s all the fuss about?
There are quite a few reasons why natural materials are becoming all the rage…
1. They bring texture (without trying)
A woven shade is the interior equivalent of the perfectly undone look just the right amount of relaxed and interesting. If your space is full of clean lines or neutral colors, a rattan or jute shade adds depth and warmth in a way that feels… well, natural.
2. They play well with every style, from minimalist to Boho
Rattan, jute and palm are shapeshifters. In a coastal interior, they feel breezy and organic. In a minimalist room, they add texture and warmth. And in a maximalist or boho setting – full of color, print and layers – they hold their own brilliantly.
Natural doesn’t have to mean neutral. In fact, suitably boho lampshades are a key part of creating those relaxed, characterful interiors that feel ‘collected’, rather than pre-planned or styled. A woven pendant in a busy room can balance out bold patterns and saturated color.
3. They’re planet-friendly
These are materials that grow – they’re renewable, biodegradable, and require less energy to produce than many synthetic alternatives. They don’t need to scream “I’m sustainable!” – they just are.
Rattan, Jute and friends: What’s what in the world of natural lampshades
Rattan (and cane)
Rattan (from the Malay word rotan) is a fast-growing climbing plant – a type of tropical vine from the palm family, native to Southeast Asia (there are some 600 species). Unlike bamboo, rattan isn’t hollow: it grows in long, slender stems that are flexible when fresh and incredibly durable when dried, making it ideal for weaving, binding and shaping into structures.
The term “cane” refers specifically to the outer skin of the rattan stem, which is peeled off and used for finer, more delicate weaving. Many of Pooky’s rattan pieces also incorporate cane detailing to add extra texture and intricacy.
Being so strong and sculptural, rattan is just the thing for pendants with presence. It’s understated but it casts a gorgeous light – and while it has a rustic edge it’s not at all rough.
Jute
Jute is a natural plant fiber derived from the stalks of the Corchorus plant, which grows mainly in India and Bangladesh. It’s one of the most affordable and sustainable fibers in the world.
Strong and coarse yet beautifully textured, jute can be an earthy presence in a room. In lampshade form it is heavier in texture than rattan, and is visibly fibrous – perfect for drum shapes.
Palm Leaf
Palm leaf comes from dried, flattened fronds of various palm species. It’s flexible, breathable, and naturally varied in tone, giving each shade a slightly unique character.
Palm leaf shades have a looser, more organic charm than rattan or jute. They bring warmth, texture, and a sense of the handmade – especially in our Collaborative Craft Projects collection, where every piece, hand-woven using time-honoured craft techniques, tells a story.
Raffia
We’ve dabbled in raffia in the past, and who knows – it may return to our collection again? Lightweight and golden, raffia lends itself to delicate shapes and hand-finished detailing.
Styling tips for natural lampshades
Earth tones and bold brights
Jute and palm love to sit next to saturated colors – deep greens, mustard yellows, terracottas. They soften the overall effect of bold schemes. A jute pendant above a bold-colored table is a beautiful thing.
Mix textures
Natural fibers love contrast. Try a rattan shade with a smooth ceramic or brass lamp base. The mix makes everything feel layered and lived-in.
Embrace pattern clashes
Rattan is a pattern-soother. Got busy wallpaper or a wild rug? A clean-lined rattan shade will bring calm to the chaos.
Think scale
Large woven pendants – especially in rattan – make brilliant centerpieces, so go big and bold.
Larger Aphrodite rattan pendant light
Go for warm light
Natural shades naturally warm the light – especially with 2700K bulbs. Dimmable works best to show off the depth and detail. Avoid cool white bulbs (they flatten the texture).
Caring for your natural lampshade
A few care tips for rattan, jute and other natural shades…
- Keep them dust-free – a soft cloth, a feather duster, or a hairdryer on a cool setting are all excellent choices.
- Don’t get them damp – these are not really bathroom shades. Kitchens, maybe, if well ventilated - but mostly, they prefer dry environments.
- Watch out for fading – if your shade’s in a sunny spot, rotate it once in a while.
Pooky’s favorite natural lampshades
Here are a few of our absolute fave natural shades…
FAQs
What’s the difference between rattan/bamboo and wicker?
Rattan and bamboo are the material, while wicker is the name for a weaving technique.
What’s the difference between rattan and cane?
Rattan is the full solid stem of the climbing palm plant. Cane refers to the outer skin of the rattan, which is peeled off and used for weaving finer details. Many of Pooky’s rattan lampshades include both elements for contrast and texture.
Are natural lampshades suitable for all rooms?
Dry rooms, yes. Bedrooms, living spaces, hallways – perfect. Bathrooms and splash zones, not so much.
Can I use natural shades with LED bulbs?
Definitely – just stick to warm (2700K) tones for best effect.
Are palm leaf shades eco-friendly?
Yes – palm is a fast-growing, renewable fiber, and when handwoven (as ours are) it supports traditional crafts and sustainable livelihoods.
How do I clean a natural shade?
Soft cloth, no moisture, no chemicals – and gently does it.
Want to bring a little texture home? Explore Pooky’s full lampshade collection and filter by material for woven wonders that glow with style and soul.
