Primark’s chic rattan bench is only £65 – and it’s the perfect lookalike for a high-end version more than four times the price
We'll take two


When it comes to budget-friendly, trendy homeware, we know we can always rely on Primark. But who knew that the brand can also create timeless, elegant furniture – as the Primark rattan bench is the perfect example of. Moreover, how about the fact that it’s the spitting image of a high-end design that’s over four times its price?
That’s right! Championing a current home decor trend leaning towards vintage and retro styles, the Primark Wooden Rattan Bench is sold for mere £65, while the high-end lookalike, the Wood and Rattan Bench from Zara Home, costs £299.99. We’d say that’s quite a dramatic difference.
Especially since the benches look borderline identical – both designs are made of wood with their slightly curved seats covered in cane webbing, which both companies simply refer to as rattan. The main difference? The Zara version is a bit longer, measuring 140 centimetres in width compared to Primark’s 95 centimetres.
It’s somewhat incredible that everything from the Primark rattan furniture range is actually priced under £100. All the while looking like high-end or designer pieces, including the bench in question, which would work perfectly by the entrance so that we can sit on it while putting on or taking off our shoes. It would also look great at the foot of the bed, as Primark styled it.
As mentioned, vintage, timeless styles like the 'kitschens' home decor trend are currently having a moment in interiors – and furniture with rattan or cane webbing fits right into this trend.
‘There has been a significant trend towards vintage and retro aesthetics in interior design,’ says Lucy Mather, design expert from Arighi Bianchi. ‘Cane webbing, a material with historical roots, fits perfectly into this revival, offering a touch of nostalgia and timeless style.’
Alex Stubbs, Flitch interior stylist, adds, ‘Cane furniture exudes elegance due to its intricate craftsmanship and natural texture, which add a subtle sophistication. Its light, airy appearance blends well with various interior styles, enhancing its timeless appeal.’
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
And the mere appearance of intricate craftsmanship makes furniture with cane webbing inserts look expensive – even when it’s not, as is the case with the £65 Primark bench. The one downside? It's only available in Primark's physical stores as the retailer doesn't provide online shopping at all.
But either way, we’ll never say no to getting the high-end look without having to pay the high-end price.
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. She is now also the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Furniture, and so far has tested 80 different sofas.
Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others.
-
I asked 4 experts what carpet colour is going out of fashion this year – they all unanimously agreed on one shade
The reign of this popular shade is finally coming to an end
By Rebecca Knight
-
I wish I'd known these 4 things before I bought my Ninja air fryer – here's how to buy the right one for your home
This is what I'd change if I could do it over again
By Molly Cleary
-
5 easy tricks you can do this weekend to make your outdoor furniture look brand new
Bring life back into your outdoor furniture with these tricks and tips
By Ciéra Cree
-
Do acoustic wall panels soundproof a room? Experts reveal what they should really be used for and dispel the biggest myth
This is what acoustic wall panels are actually for and why they don't soundproof a room
By Sara Hesikova
-
M&S has seen searches of this quirky home decor trend soar this spring and it's quickly becoming a bestseller
We'll give you one clue - shoppers are going crazy for this one vegetable
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I saw M&S’ summer collection in person and these are the boho-inspired home buys I can’t stop thinking about
BRB, adding these pieces to my shopping cart...
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I saw the stunning new John Lewis x Sanderson homeware collection IRL – these are the pieces I predict with sell out fast
I was lucky enough to see John Lewis' pattern-filled homeware collection with Sanderson firsthand
By Sara Hesikova
-
I have expensive taste in lighting, but I can't stop thinking about these designer-look Habitat lamps
You'd never guess the price tag by their looks
By Rebecca Knight
-
I'm seeing daisy-themed decor everywhere this spring – these budget buys make embracing the trend easy
Florals look good all year round - but they're really popping off this spring
By Kezia Reynolds
-
This boucle table lamp from The Range looks much more expensive than its £17 price tag – and it’s the perfect lookalike for a much-loved £60 version
It's the perfect lookalike for a high-end version four times its price
By Sara Hesikova
-
I’m seeing tomatoes all over the high street – why we can’t get enough of the Italian-inspired Tomatocore
We love how this rich, red hue can brighten your home
By Kezia Reynolds