Bamboo, cane, and rattan decor help create unique living spaces. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in rattan, wicker, and cane furniture. As the furniture styles feature natural materials, it’s not surprising how people are rediscovering their advantages.

Rattan, bamboo, and cane furniture offer comfort and charm to any environment. The decor items capture a global feel while providing a relaxed undertone. Whether the basis for major pieces or used to accent a room, the furniture styles offer versatility, unlike traditional furniture.

What Are The Differences Between Rattan, Bamboo, And Cane?

Before we explore the unique hand woven furniture pieces, it would be important to familiarize yourself with the differences between rattan, bamboo, and cane.

Bamboo

While technically a grass, bamboo can grow up to 100 feet. The timber is super hard and durable. Because of its renewable qualities, it’s considered an eco-friendly material. Smaller bamboo poles are used for furnishings and decor.

Rattan

Related to the palm tree and native to Southeast Asia, rattan grows like a tree but angles downward, sending vine-like shoots through the ground. It is considered one of the strongest wood types worldwide, hence one of the reasons the material is used to construct footbridges.

When making furniture, craftspeople use steam to shape rattan shoots for furniture design. During the drying process, the pieces will retain their shape.

Cane

Cane is part of the rattan family. Its outer bark comes from the rattan vine. And like rattan, it is strong and ideal for binding separate pieces. Often used in bamboo pieces and peacock style chairs, its bark is less porous than wood and also waterproof.

What Is Wicker?

Wicker is not a material. Many people forget that wicker is a weave style used to make furniture and decor. Often, the production process is associated with natural materials. However, the term is applied to synthetics since it is a production method.

The most common natural materials are rattan, cane, willow, bamboo, and seagrass. You should know that seagrass is used primarily for accessories and floor mats.

Wicker furniture pieces are made from weaving bamboo, rattan, or cane around wooden or metal frames to create chairs, tables, and other home decor items. The weaving style has a broad range and comes in different styles and colors.

Popular Wicker Rattan, Bamboo, and Cane Furniture

Are you ready to be inspired by wicker furniture pieces? Here are a few examples in high demand among homeowners nationwide.

Rattan Wicker Daybed

A daybed is always a nice addition to a living room. As a furniture piece, it’s welcoming and provides a place to read or relax. One feature you’ll notice is the scalloped wicker weave running along the edge, adding to the day bed’s qualities.

The wicker daybed is paired with a dusty rose palette and palm tree wallpaper as a backdrop, which ramps up a tropical feeling. The wicker pieces feature exceptional details, whether new or vintage and make for stylish living room decor.

Rattan Chair

Rattan decor, like this wicker chair, is a popular indoor furniture item. Wicker chairs are a good place to start if you’re thinking about redesigning your living room or outdoor patio space. The chairs are easy to change and replace with existing decor items due to their lightweight qualities.

The example above is hand woven, featuring a modern shape and mid century style iron cast legs. Made almost entirely of rattan, the chair uses cane to bind and hold it together.

Bamboo Peacock Chair

Known as the “Peacock Chair,” it is arguably the most iconic of all bamboo decor items. The original peacock chairs were hand woven by Filipino prisoners in Manila. Today, the bamboo chair is associated with bohemian chic, or “Jungalow” interior design. The size, details, and ornamentation vary, but all peacock chairs have a tall and dramatic back.

Rattan Peacock Chair

Among rattan furniture pieces, Selamat’s Zahra Peacock chair was an instant hit that became associated with the Jungalow aesthetic. With a classic throne-like feeling, the 70s-inspired wicker chair has a rattan frame, and synthetic woven seat.

This version combines classic elements with a few updates, such as the seat material, shape, and looped construction of the back and base.

Bamboo Living Room Chair

Inspired by the traditional peacock chair, this armchair is a more streamlined, minimalist version that an Italian mid century design. While it still has a tall back, the weave is simple and consistent. The chair has a larger base and an upholstered seat for added comfort.

The bamboo chair’s tropical vibe is emphasized by the upholstery and toucan cushion. This updated version looks more comfortable for longer periods of sitting and would be great in a sunroom or lounge.

Wicker Rattan Swivel Chair

Some of the best wicker styles out vintage pieces like this one at Finch in Hudson, New York. The design features a sturdy base but its overall silhouette reflects a modern lounge vibe with a high back and slightly winged top.

For extra comfort, a well-worn leather cushion extends over the arms and up the back, creating an ideal sport for reading and lounging.

Vintage Rattan Side Chairs

Wicker styles are popular country and farmhouse decor items. The shape of the armchairs is common. Park Hill’s veranda chair is just the right choice for a wrap-around porch and to add country-style relaxation. These types of chairs can be used as they are, although some prefer to add cushions for comfortable seating.

Rattan Patio Furniture

Rattan wicker decor makes for popular outdoor dining chairs. Chairs made with natural materials must be used in spaces that are protected from natural elements. Similar styles are available in synthetic materials that can be left unprotected in outdoor environments.

The chairs in this example are deep and comfortable. If you’re looking for wicker furniture for your patio so your guests and hang out, start here. The chairs are paired with a glass-topped table, which is a nice combination.

Rattan Dining Table Chairs

They may be popular for outdoor seating, but rattan chairs also have a place in the dining room. These tall dining chairs are all made from rattan and perfect for a casual dining room.

Details like the chair pads that tie in the back add another relaxed design element to the set, which could also work well in a more globally inspired room. Either way, they are durable and versatile for a number of decor styles.

Bamboo Rattan Dining Chair

Chinese Chippendale style chairs are often found on patios of traditional homes. The bamboo chair back features a classic design and dates back to the 18th century. Today’s versions have been tweaked and updated for more comfort.

Those who prefer a classic look will like these chairs as they are associated with high-end styling and have that Palm-Beach-chic that many are looking for.

Bamboo Side Chair

Similar chairs are also available with updated designs, like this Florence Broadhurst Squares Dining Side Chair, painted in a winter white. It’s a classic silhouette with a new back design that lends itself to transitional as well as traditional interiors.

The techniques are all same, it’s just a high-quality chair with a more up-to-date look. these types of bamboo chairs can be used in a dining room or for a more upscale dining space on a covered patio or veranda.

Hand Woven Rattan Console Table

Rattan isn’t only used for chairs and furniture. This hand woven wicker rattan console table is an ideal example. Far more than just a table, if you’re looking for a focal design piece, try this out for your space.

Wicker is the preferred material for pieces that add a bit of fun to a space, whether accessories or larger furnishings. This console table is on a covered dining terrace to protect the natural material from strong sunlight and rain.

Wicker Coffee Table

A round coffee table from Four Hands is ideal for any living space with an atmosphere. If you want to add texture, wicker is a good option because of the different patterns and degrees of roughness that various materials and techniques offer.

This coffee table has a sunburst pattern on the top, while the sides are woven around layers of concentric circles in the frame, which adds even more dimension.

Rattan Bar Cart

Bar carts are another stylish wicker addition to indoor and outdoor decor. Adding one to a veranda, patio, or living room instantly makes it more convenient for entertaining, even if it’s just for two. A bar cart keeps everything you need handy for the time you’re relaxing, whether that’s a bucket of ice and cocktails or a pitcher of lemonade and some cookies.

Some wicker bar carts highlight different types of rattan and cane, like this one, which has several sizes of rattan and woven designs.

Bamboo Bar Cart

Bamboo styles offer up a different look as you can see with this three-tiered version. The top is actually a solid surface more conducive to creative cocktail-making while the rest is all bamboo. This one has a more structured and slightly formal feeling.

A taller bar cart with more shelving is designed for serious entertaining because it holds more supplies and can be rolled to wherever the party is.

Rattan Decor Tableware

If you’re not sure how much wicker you want to add to your home, it’s easy to start with smaller pieces like a wicker drink set. This has the perfect vibe for a relaxed meal or drinks with family or friends.

Accessories like these pair well with all types of tableware and are great for mixing and matching. In fact, using wicker table accessories can help unify some disparate elements through color or texture, or both.

Wicker Lounge Chair

Wicker decor accessories can also be used as natural accents both indoors and outdoors. A large lantern is attractive both day and night and lends a little tropical vibe no matter where you place it. Here, it’s paired with a modern, sculpted lounge chair.

Using larger rattan decor pieces is one way to try wicker interior decor. The best part is how you can easily move the pieces until you find a desirable location in your living room, for example.

Wicker Lamp Shade

Lighting fixtures that feature a wicker shade are another way to add some casual texture to a room. This fixture is on a veranda and despite its humble appearance, it is a focal point, especially at night when it casts interesting shadows on the surroundings. Even if this is the only wicker piece in the space, it can have a significant impact and be a focal point.

Poolside Wicker Lounge Chair

Daybed lounges are the ultimate backyard relaxation. The weather resistant design makes the daybed suitable for outdoor spaces rather than living rooms. The Skyline daybed is an ideal poolside decor item. Due to its size, it’s not something you would put in your living room.

Other than its visual appeal, the tall silhouette provides privacy. It also makes you feel like you’re in your own little tropical cocoon.

FAQs

Can You Leave Rattan Furniture Outside All Year Round?

If your rattan home decor is weather resistant, then you can leave it outside throughout the year. However, if your rattan pieces have cushions, that’s a separate matter. Cushions should be kept indoors when you’re not using them. You don’t want your cushions to get wet or dirty. Should you decide not to remove your seat cushions, you will need to invest in outdoor furniture coverings.

Can You Sit On Rattan Furniture Without Cushions?

You can sit on rattan furniture without cushions, but the question is, why would you want to? Bare rattan is uncomfortable. When you sit on rattan without a cushion, it could harm your body as the furniture piece would not be comfortable.

How To Clean Rattan Furniture?

The best way to clean rattan furniture is with a microfiber cloth and a warm water solution mixed with dishwashing soap. For a safe mixture, use four cups of warm water and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Dampen your cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wipe your rattan furniture. For specific stains and dirt build up, use an old toothbrush.

What Era Is Rattan Furniture?

Rattan furniture emerged in the US during the 70s, a period often referred to as the Disco Era. Although the furniture style has a long history, it wasn’t until the 70s that it became popular in US households.

How Do I Protect My Rattan Furniture Outside?

The best way to protect rattan furniture is with polyurethane. There are a few reasons why polyurethane is recommended for outdoor furniture protection, but because it’s waterproof and provides a shiny finish. It also protects against direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.

Rattan Decor Conclusion

We’ve only scratched the surface of rattan home décor, but you get the idea. With the information you’ve gleaned here, you won’t need to hire an interior designer if you want to give your outdoor spaces a furniture makeover.

From furnishings to fun accessories, whatever you choose will depend on how the vibe you want to create. Try a few pieces and see how wicker rattan decor can enliven your outdoor areas.