The Best Rattan Dog Beds Australia - Wicker & Cane Option Reviewed
Who says dog beds can’t be stylish? Rattan dog beds are the perfect example of how pet furniture can sometimes work as home decor too. But are wicker dog beds a good idea? Are there any pitfalls one should be aware of before buying a fancy bed made of rattan?
These are the questions we’ll answer in this guide, along with the reviews of the best rattan dog beds available in Australia. To discover the best options out there, we joined forces with veterinarians, canine behaviourists and dog parents to form a team of independent experts and research the most popular rattan dog beds available. After months of testing and several dozen beds later, we were finally able to agree on the contents of this review. Let's check it out!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
Bella Rattan Dog Bed
- Made in Australia
- Two sizes available
- The cushion cover is breathable and hypoallergenic
- Beautiful handmade design
Runner Up -
Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection Rattan Wicker Dog Bed
- Minimalist design
- Fairly large
- Comfy cushion included
- Very durable and easy to clean cushion cover
Third Choice -
The Mila - Rattan Basket Bed for Dog
- Stylish design
- Raised cushion rim offers support for neck and head
- Tall rim gives the dog a sense of security
- Tie closures keep the cushion in place
What to Look for When Choosing a Rattan Dog Bed
Rattan dog beds and similar wicker beds are some of the most elegant options when it comes to your canine companion’s sleeping arrangements. However, it’s important to find a bed that will be comfortable for your dog too, besides looking good.
Here is what our team of independent experts suggest you consider when finding the perfect bed for your home and your dog:
Design
One of the main reasons people buy rattan dog beds is the look. Rattan furniture is a great way to introduce a timeless but refreshing look into your home.
When shopping for a dog bed, there is no shame in looking for options that you like aesthetically. But when you find that rattan bed that will fit perfectly with your other furniture, make sure to consider whether it’s a good option for your dog too.
Durability
Durability is an important factor for any dog bed. Well, here is the thing: rattan is not the most durable material. Although rattan is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, it is not weather-proof. Both rain and direct sunlight will damage rattan over time [2]. When kept away from the elements, though, rattan beds can hold up quite well.
Related: Best Dog Beds Australia.
If you are looking for a rattan dog bed to use outdoors, natural, untreated rattan will only be a good choice if you keep the bed in the shade and there is not too much humidity where you live. If that’s not the case, there are still some options available, like beds made of rattan that’s been treated to make it weather-proof, or wicker beds made from synthetic rattan imitation.
Size and Shape
When choosing a bed for your dog, size and shape are very important factors if you want the dog to like the bed. Unfortunately, there is no specific formula we can give you for determining the right size, as it can all be quite personal.
“It's important to make sure you choose the right size bed for your dog. If you watch them sleep, you'll notice they get into lots of different positions: stretched out, curled up, on their back - even on their belly with their legs stretched in opposite directions like Superman!" RSPCA UK [1]
Your dog’s sleeping preferences are something you’ll easily learn just by observing your furry friend. For example, dogs that like to stretch out might find those rattan dog beds with high walls on the sides a bit too restricting. However, dogs like mine that sleep curled up love the same feature due to the sense of security it provides.
Related How To Choose The Right Size Dog Bed?
The easiest way to find the size of dog bed you need is to simply take a tape measure and measure your dog while they are sleeping in their favourite position.
Comfort
Comfort is key if you want the best bed possible for your dog. Once you find the right size and shape, what’s left to consider is the pillow. Rattan pet beds usually come with some sort of pillow or mat. Some dog’s don't care much about the quality of the pillow, but some would enjoy having a thick foam mattress or perhaps some extra-warm bedding.
Weight Capacity
Rattan pet beds don’t usually have an official weight capacity. This is why it can be difficult to figure out if the bed is sturdy enough for your dog when shopping online.
Typically, small dogs will be fine on almost any rattan bed. With larger and heavier dog’s, things are not that simple. If your dog is on the heavier side, look for beds that have a sturdy frame and a stable base - otherwise, the bed might not hold up to the weight of your dog.
Best Cane Dog Bed Australia 2023: Our Top Picks
Ahead, we share the best rattan dog beds Australia offers. These are the dog beds our team of independent experts tested with their beloved pets and loved for their comfort, style, and price point.
#1: Best Overall: Bella Rattan Dog Bed
This bed by Koko Collective has earned first place on our list for several reasons. It’s really hard, if not impossible, to find a rattan pet bed as stylish and functional as this one. Each of these beds is hand made with lots of attention, and the result is awesome.
What made us fall in love with the Bella is the intricate rattan pattern on the sides of the bed. It's similar to our number three choice in terms of beautiful, intricate pattern design, yet still unique.
The bed looks very delicate but is quite sturdy (although not indestructible). Owners of larger canines like mine will be happy to learn that the Bella comes in two sizes, one of which is fairly large (90 x 55 x 41 cm). This means that even a Lab or a German Shepherd can enjoy the comfort of this bed. The smaller version measures 60 x 40 x 40 cm.
Another thing our panel of independent experts loved about the Bella is that the sleeping surface is elevated slightly off the ground. This ensures better airflow and can also be helpful for dogs with arthritis and other joint issues. The height allows dogs to change positions from lying down to standing with ease, as they don’t have to raise or lower their bodies too much.
Finally, this bed comes with a comfy cushion included. The cushion comes wrapped in a double-sided cotton cover. The cover is removable, so you can throw it in the washing machine every time your pooch leaves a paw print on it.
And you don’t want to take out the cushion and wash the cover every time it gets dirty. To my complete delight, Koko Collective also sells bed sheets fitted specifically for this bed!
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#2: Runner Up: Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection Rattan Wicker Dog Bed
As a rule of thumb, rattan dog beds are extravagant pieces that easily become the centrepiece of every apartment. But if you’re into more minimalist design, then they might be too much. Luckily, there are models, like this one by Trisha Yearwood, that are simple but still very elegant.
This dog bed features a classic wicker weave made with Kubu rattan, which grows in the Indonesian forests of Borneo and Sumatra. It’s naturally grey, meaning this bed wasn’t painted in any way.
The best feature of this dog bed has got to be the cushion. It’s made of thick foam that will keep your pooch comfortable during nap time. There are three cushion colours to choose from, black, cream and grey, so you can go with the one that matches your interior the best.
The cushion features a removable cover made of polypropylene. This is a strong, fade-resistant fabric, which makes it ideal for dog beds. It’s fluffy and warm, so you can rest assured your pooch will sleep like a baby.
And in the case the bed gets dirty (which will eventually happen), you can simply remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine, just like our number one choice. In case of hard stains, you can even use bleach without worrying you’ll damage the fabric.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#3: Luxury Pick: The Mila - Rattan Basket Bed for Dog
When choosing the right dog bed, your main focus is on your pooch’s comfort. But let’s be real, we all want it to look good and well-blended with the interior design of our homes. What’s amazing about this bed by Olivia + Jax is that it complements well different styles, be it boho, eclectic or even mid-century modern.
The frame of this bed features a beautiful teardrop pattern and amazing details made with thin strips of rattan. The frame is tall enough to keep the cushion in place when your pooch tosses and turns during nap time.
I especially love how, to further secure it in place, the cushion features tie closures on each side. This is especially handy if your dog is like mine and loves to dig and move bedding around before laying down.
And speaking of the cushion, it’s made with bolsters on all sides that fit into the bed perfectly. This creates a comfy and tucked-in atmosphere for your dog. The cushion looks and feels great too, partly thanks to the cover made from a linen-cotton blend. This means it’s not only soft and comfy but also built to last.
Everyone on our team of experts appreciated that this fabric is hypoallergenic, breathable and, most importantly, easy to clean. If dirty paw prints appear on the light-coloured cushion, a quick wash will remove them without hassle.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
#4: Best For Outdoors: Maharaja Rattan Pet Day Bed
If you’re looking for a majestic rattan dog bed that’s worthy of the king or a queen your pooch is, then you’ll surely like this model by Iconic Pet. It’s shaped like a couch, but to us, it looks more like a throne.
This dog bed has a strong frame made of powder-coated steel, so you can rest assured it will stand the test of time. In fact, you probably won’t have to buy your dog another bed ever again. The bed frame is wrapped with pliable rattan palm stems, which gives it that elegant, noble look.
What makes this dog bed suitable for both indoors and outdoors is not just its corrosion-proof frame. Each string of rattan is coated with UV inhibitors. These layers minimize rusting and flaking that usually occur after long exposure to weather elements.
The bed also features a cushion filled with foam, like our second choice bed above. It’s so soft, your pooch will feel like he or she is sleeping on clouds. The cushion comes with a grey cover that is water-resistant. This means you don’t have to go bringing the cushion inside every time it starts drizzling a bit. And when the bed gets dirty, you can easily remove the cushion cover and wash it in the machine.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Cell | |
Cell |
Final Verdict
The best rattan dog bed out there? Well, everyone on our team of independent experts loved the Bella dog bed from Koko Collective. All-natural and handmade here in Australia, the Bella is a stunning bed. It’s both beautiful and comfortable, but of course, it will not work for any dog.
If you are looking for something more like a wicker basket bed, check out the Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection Rattan Wicker Dog Bed.
FAQ
Rattan dog beds are stylish and cool, but they do have some minor downsides. First of all, rattan might not be that durable if conditions are not perfect. For example, if exposed to too much moisture or sunlight and heat it will degrade over time. But that’s what you get with natural materials. These beds also might not be the best for heavier dogs as they are not as sturdy and stable as some other options.
Rattan beds generally don’t require any special care. As mentioned, you should keep the bed dry. If the rattan part gets dirty, you can simply wipe the dirt off with a damp towel and some soap or mild detergent if necessary. The covers on any mats and pillows in the bed as well as any bedding you might be using should be washed regularly, preferably using a hot cycle in your washing machine [3].
A wicker bed and a rattan bed could be the same thing, but not necessarily. Rattan refers to the material the plant is made from (the rattan plant in this case). ‘Wicker’ actually refers to the way the furniture is made by weaving together pieces of rattan or any other material.
References
- “Choosing the right bed for your dog”. RSPCA UK. Retrieved February 25, 2023. https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/environment/dogbeds
- Smyth, Danielle. April 12, 2021. Can Rattan Furniture Be Used Outdoors? SFGate. Retrieved February 25, 2023. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-rattan-furniture-used-outdoors-95320.html
- PetMD Editorial. March 01, 2016. “The Guide to Washing a Dog Bed”. PetMD. Retrieved February 25, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_guide-to-washing-dog-bed
