The reason indoor teak and rattan furniture needs so little attention is in the materials themselves. Teak develops its naturally dense grain and high oil content through decades of slow growth in warm, humid climates. That oil content is what gives it its resistance to moisture, its dimensional stability, and its ability to age gracefully without treatment. Rattan, woven under tension through a solid teak frame, is similarly robust under normal indoor conditions. These are not fragile materials requiring careful management. They are durable materials that reward a small amount of attention with decades of good performance.
This guide covers what you actually need to know. The care routine is light. The aim is confident, informed ownership.
Indoor teak: what changes and what does not
Outdoor teak care is a different discipline, focused on weatherproofing, UV protection, and managing seasonal moisture changes. Indoors, none of these are significant concerns. A teak chair in a well-maintained home lives in a stable environment year-round.
What does matter indoors is a smaller set of specific conditions.
Low humidity in winter. Central heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems remove moisture from indoor air, often significantly. While teak is among the least sensitive timber species to humidity changes, sustained low humidity can affect it over time. The same applies to rattan. A good indoor climate year-round means a relative humidity of 40 to 60% and a temperature between 20 and 23°C. Under these conditions, both materials stay in excellent condition.
Sustained direct sunlight. UV exposure affects the colour of both teak and rattan over time. The furniture coating applied at Object Embassy provides protection, but sustained, direct sunlight through south-facing glazing will still accelerate the development of teak's natural patina. If you have more than one chair, moving them occasionally ensures equal exposure and even development across the set.
Proximity to radiators and underfloor heating vents is also worth considering when placing chairs.
Teak care: the essentials
A-grade teak is naturally rich in oils, a property that develops over decades of slow growth and is what makes the wood so well-suited to fine furniture. Indoor teak does not need regular treatment to hold its quality. A chair properly maintained will look excellent for decades with very little intervention.
Day-to-day care is simple: wipe with a lightly damp cloth when needed, and dry immediately. Avoid leaving damp cloths in contact with the surface, and avoid any chemical cleaning solutions.
Occasional treatment is optional, not required. If you want to refresh the appearance, a thin coat of teak oil or natural furniture wax applied once a year or so is sufficient. Apply with a soft cloth, allow to penetrate, and buff lightly.
What to avoid: silicone-based polishes, harsh cleaning agents, and abrasive cloths.
Addressing specific issues
Stains. Remove promptly with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry thoroughly.
Rattan care
Natural rattan requires very little maintenance. The weave is robust under normal use.
Cleaning and moisture: every two months, wipe the rattan with a lightly damp cloth. This keeps it clean and, importantly, moisturises the fibres, which helps maintain their suppleness over time. Use only water. No chemical cleaning solutions, as these can damage both the structure and the colour of the rattan.
Winter humidity. The main seasonal risk for rattan in centrally-heated homes is dry air. Sustained low humidity can cause rattan to dry out and become brittle over time. Keeping indoor humidity in the 40 to 60% range is the most effective solution. A room humidifier is practical if your heating system dries the air significantly in winter.
Sunlight. As with teak, direct sunlight can affect the colour of rattan over time. Positioning chairs away from sustained direct sun is advisable, and rotating chairs occasionally if you have a set ensures even development.
Your chair's serial number
Each Object Embassy chair carries a unique serial number, laser-engraved into the rear support bar under the seat. It is your mark of authenticity and your reference point should you ever need to get in touch about the chair. The full warranty policy is available at objectembassy.com/warranty.
For general questions about care or maintenance, contact us at info@objectembassy.com.
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