Cane, Wicker & Rattan: What's the Difference?
And how should you care for each?
Cane, wicker and rattan are words we see floating around Instagram, Pinterest and more. We understand if you're confused by the different trends. You may be wondering - 'What is cane? What is rattan? And what is wicker? And just how are they different?'. Keep reading below to find the answers to all your questions.
What Is Wicker?
Wicker is a collective word used to describe any type of woven furniture. Wicker furniture is often made with natural materials like reed, cane, rattan, seagrass, bamboo and willow, but it can be made with synthetic materials like resin and vinyl too. Natural wicker materials are great choices for home furniture because they are environmentally friendly. The fast growth rate makes these plant species highly renewable.
Wicker is perfect for any home – from tropical houses to urban condos – because it's airy and lightweight. You'll usually see wicker furniture on patios and in gardens but it works just as well as an accent chair, coffee table, decorative basket trio or dining chairs.
Tip: Many of our items are classified under wicker, rattan and cane interchangeably. Make sure to click the 'material' tab to decipher exactly which material the product is made with.
What Is Rattan?
Rattan is created from tropical palm trees found in Southeast Asia. While it looks and feels like bamboo, the main difference between the two species is that bamboo doesn't bend like rattan does once it gorws to a certain height. Rattan is a popular choice for large pieces of furniture including coffee tables or statement chairs. Balance out your rattan furniture with a soft area rug and cashmere blanket or throw.
Cane is the outer 'bark' part of the rattan tree. It's created by peeling the top layer off of the rattan vine and wrapping it around solid furniture (think hardwood, steel or aluminium frames). Cane is a on-trend choice for a bedframe, side board and even light fixtures. Cane isn't as porous as rattan, so it can stand up against water and does well in damp environments.
Rattan vs. Cane
An easy way to differentiate? Most of the time, cane is used in thin, woven accents like the back of a dining chair or a chest of drawers' cabinet door. Rattan is used in larger, reedlike features like a papasan or outdoor lounge chair.
Style Tips
Just because cane and rattan have a few differences doesn't mean you can't style a room with both materials. These trends work happily together to make a beautiful, transitional living room or bedroom retreat. Pair with soft fabrics like velvet or linen cushions to create balance. Add a couple of faux plants and you'll have created a bohemian-inspired home.
Wicker furniture is great for any home as it's incredibly easy to care for. Simply dust and polish with clear furniture polish and you're set. For any spills, you can easily clean wicker with soap and water. Once every year or two, apply lacquer to protect both outdoor and indoor wicker furniture.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then why not check out:
- 6 Modern & Stylish Ways to Decorate With Concrete
- How to Clean Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture so That it Lasts
- Ask the Experts: What is Velvet?
