August is a time to celebrate the culture and traditions that have shaped the Philippines and its identity. One way to appreciate this heritage is by highlighting the craftsmanship behind Filipino-made pieces and choosing locally made finds for your space.
From rattan and abaca to woven textiles and Capiz, Filipino-made decor can add warmth and character to your home while supporting local makers and their craft.
Here are some locally made finds from Shopee that showcase local craftsmanship and bring a touch of Filipino character to your space.
Add Woven Details to Your Dining Table
You don’t need to completely change your dining setup to give it a more distinctive look. Swapping plain placemats for woven designs can introduce texture and visual interest while keeping the rest of your table setting simple.
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Inabel Pinilian Binakol Placemat
This woven textile from Arkus Balay features an intricate Binakol pattern crafted by weavers from the Ilocos region. Pair it with your table setting for a traditional Filipino touch.
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Abaca Eyelet Placemat
One of my favorites, this design from Market Value has a simple eyelet pattern and a natural finish. It uses 100% abaca and comes in oval and round shapes, so you can choose the one that suits your space.
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Mesa Salapid Crochet Placemat
This crochet placemat from SJ Handicrafts Trading features an intricate pattern and textured finish. The makers hand-twine dried Bankuan stalks, a type of seagrass, to create salapid, a material traditionally used for handicrafts.
Bring Natural Textures Into Your Living Space
For your living area, a piece of handcrafted furniture can serve as a starting point for layering smaller accents and natural textures throughout the room. Mixing woven furniture, seating, and decorative accents can help bring more depth to the space.
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Labtang Side Table
From Arkus Balay, the Labtang Side Table features an hourglass shape and woven rattan finish. Place it beside a sofa, chair, or bed for a practical accent.
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Labtang Vases
For a smaller accent, the Labtang Vases feature an intricate diagonal weave that gives shelves, coffee tables, or consoles more visual interest.
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Tatami Stool and Ottoman Cushions
Mira Home‘s Tatami Stool and Ottoman Cushions offer flexible seating for the living space. Both are made with Bankuan leaves and have a steel frame inside, giving them a sturdy structure while keeping their woven look.
Add Character With Decorative Pieces
If you want something that stands out a little more, decorative pieces can help create focal points around your home. Lighting and wall decor are especially useful when you want to refresh a space without making major changes to the furniture.
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Capiz Lampshades
The Capiz lampshades from Likhang Kamay Souvenir Store come in octagonal, oval, and leaf-inspired designs. Their translucent Capiz panels create a soft glow when lit.
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Woven Abaca Hanging Decor
For a simple way to decorate a wall or ceiling, the Abaca Rope Home Decor from Celestina Handicrafts combines a wire frame with woven abaca rope. Choose from Round, Triangle, or Funnel designs for your wall or ceiling.
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Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Wall Decor
For a more eye-catching wall accent, this piece from Arkus Balay features raised dot-art detailing that gives the surface a dimensional finish.
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Rattan Light Pendant
The leaf-inspired design and natural rattan material give this light pendant a distinctive look without making the room feel too busy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What materials are commonly used in traditional Filipino decor?
Common materials include rattan, abaca, bamboo, Capiz, seagrass, and woven textiles such as Inabel. These materials can be used for furniture, lighting, tableware, and decorative accents.
How can I add local touches to my home?
It depends on your personal style and how much you want to incorporate. You can keep it subtle with pieces like woven placemats or rattan accents, or make a bigger statement with locally made furniture.
Why should I buy from local makers?
Buying from local makers is a simple way to support small businesses and craftspeople while bringing distinctive materials, designs, and craftsmanship into your home.
A Final Word
Adding character to your home doesn’t always require a major makeover. A woven accent, handcrafted piece, or locally made decorative detail can be enough to give a familiar space a more distinctive feel.
Whether you’re refreshing your dining area, adding texture to the living room, or looking for an accent piece that stands out, explore locally made finds on #CheckShopeeFirst and discover pieces that bring Filipino craftsmanship into your home.
