Understanding Wicker Furniture: The Difference Between Rattan and Cane

If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of an antique mall, you’ve likely come across woven furniture often referred to as “wicker.” But did you know these timeless and organic designs have a rich history? Or that not all wicker designs are alike? Learn more today.

What is Wicker?

Contrary to popular belief, wicker is not a material, but rather a technique. The wicker weaving method is the best way to turn either natural or synthetic fibers into sturdy pieces able to last a lifetime. The type of weave can vary from design to design, but many styles utilize “randing,” in which horizontal fibers are threaded in an over-under pattern to create a strong panel.

When Was Wicker Furniture First Popularized?

Examples of wicker baskets, fish traps, and shelters have been discovered to date back to the Neolithic period, with different examples popping up in the tombs of ancient Egyptians and painted on pottery from some of Earth’s earliest civilizations. However, it wasn’t until the mid-17th century that wicker weaving techniques were used in furniture design.

Victorian-era designers created rocking chairs, plant stands, and parlor-room peacock chairs. A few decades later, sturdier wicker pieces were created for outdoor use.

A majority of the vintage wicker furniture you find today will be from the 1960s and 1970s. Since the natural material fit in perfectly with the popular boho-hippy look of the time, rattan and cane furniture had a resurgence. Make sure you know which decade a design is from when shopping for vintage furniture!

Why Do People Love Wicker Furniture?

In order to make your house a home, you need pieces that feel like you and blend into your unique style. Wicker, whether that’s a rattan chair or a cane basket, is versatile enough to complement any interior décor style. Change out your modern patio set for a cane rocking chair to match your grandma-core style or give your living room a pop of texture with a rattan side table to up the eclectic maximalism vibe in your space—the options are endless!

Cane and rattan furniture pieces are also naturally lightweight, making it easy for you to move around the designs at will. When winter comes around, you can stack and store your wicker patio furniture in the basement with no problems. But don’t let the lightweight feel fool you—each design is incredibly durable.

What’s the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Wicker Furniture?

Widely considered more fragile and therefore suited best towards indoor spaces, natural wicker furniture is traditionally made by wrapping pliable stems such as rattan, cane, willow, or raffia around a wooden base and weaving it into unique patterns.

Synthetic wicker comes in various colors and uses vinyl or resin to replicate the look of authentic wicker, weaving it around an aluminum frame for the type of durability needed for outdoor furniture. As you shop the Melbourne antique mall, make sure you understand which type of wicker furniture you’re buying, so you know where to keep it in your home.

What Kinds of Materials are Used in Wicker Furniture?

• Rattan: A solid and highly flexible palm plant material, mainly used for the main structure of wicker furniture. It can be broken into two parts: reed and cane.

• Reed: The fibrous and smooth material from the inner core of the rattan palm plant is best used for weaving small details and designs.

• Cane: The glossy and durable outer skin of the rattan fiber, most used for chair seats and backs.

• Seagrass: An eco-friendly and moisture-resistant material, often used for thick weaves.

• Bamboo: A hollow and woody grass used for structure, rather than intricate details.

• Willow: Lightweight and flexible branches used for rudimentary baskets and furniture.

• Raffia: A sturdy yet delicate palm leaf fiber made to be wrapped around frames instead of woven.

Which is Better: Rattan or Cane Wicker Furniture?

As far as wicker furniture goes, the majority of designs feature two natural materials: cane and rattan.

When should you choose one over the other? Get the inside scoop before you head to your favorite Highland antique mall.

What is Rattan?

Rattan is a natural material from the tropical palm trees grown primarily in Southeast Asia and is categorized as one of the strongest wood species in the world. Solid and woody, rattan is one of the most sustainable options for furniture manufacturing and is typically used for the structural frame of a design. If you’re in the market for something sturdy, weather-resistant, and rustic, rattan furniture is the best choice.

What is Cane?

Cane is the outermost bark of the rattan vine and is typically used to weave intricate and breathable patterns for the backs of chair seats, cabinet doors, and décor. Since it is not as porous as rattan, cane furniture stands up against water and does well in damp environments, both indoors and outdoors.  

Best Ways to Style Rattan and Cane Furniture by Room:

• Kitchen: Feature a few cane-backed chairs at your island or breakfast nook to bring texture to your kitchen area.

• Porch: Grab a matching set of rattan patio furniture and top each chair or loveseat with comfy cushions.

• Entryway: Add a few rattan baskets under your entryway table or in your coat closet to keep everyday items organized and out of sight. If you don’t have the space to do so, consider hanging up a few decorative cane plates on the wall of your foyer for a lived-in look.

• Living room: Bring a beach house vibe to your home by swapping a few of your couches, chairs, or coffee tables for stylish wicker furniture. Bonus point if you find a rattan lampshade for the side tables!

• Dining room: While you may want to keep your typical solid wood dining table, you can still add a wicker look with rattan dining chairs or cane plate chargers.

• Bedroom: Invest in a rattan vanity or a cane headboard to enjoy that boho look in any bedroom.

• Bathroom: Set out a rattan tray on your countertop to corral your perfumes, lotions, soaps, or toothbrushes to add a lovely touch.  

How to Care for Wicker Furniture

As far as cleaning and caring for the designs go, wicker furniture is fairly low maintenance. For routine cleaning, just dust the strands with either a soft brush or vacuum attachment. Every few months, you can wipe it down with a mild dish soap and warm water mix.

Pro tip: If you come across a piece of rattan furniture in need of a deep clean on your trip to the Arizona vendor mall, don’t discount it! In most cases, you can bring wicker back to its former glory by using either a 1:110 bleach and water solution or white vinegar and a bit of elbow grease.

Now that you know what sets rattan and cane furniture apart, shopping for wicker furniture of your very own should be simple! Head to your nearest America’s Antique Mall to start your search.