As someone who loves bohemian and coastal interiors, I love all things rattan and cane. These organic woven textures have been dominating Pinterest and Instagram for the longest time. I really think this material isn’t going anywhere soon and will be timeless materials that look good in any home.

These materials have gotten so popular that they are often mislabeled in the market. No wonder so many people are confused about cane vs rattan. Myself included!

Just because they are used interchangeably in the home decor realm doesn’t mean they are the same material. Newsflash: they aren’t!

In this post, I will share with you everything I’ve discovered about cane vs. rattan. Read on to find out more about:

• What is rattan?
• What is cane?
• Examples of cane
• Pros and cons of cane
• How to care for cane
• Cane recommendations

Related to Cane vs Rattan:

• Wicker vs Rattan – What’s the difference and why does it matter?
• Blinds vs Curtains: Which Window Treatment Is Better For Your Home?
• Terrazzo vs marble – Which is the better option for your home?

What is rattan?

Rattan is a natural material. According to WWF, rattan belongs to the palm family and is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa.

What is cane?

According to Curbed, cane is the outer part of the rattan tree, which grows like a vine in thick, winding strands. Cane is produced by peeling the outer part of the rattan tree. In other words, cane is actually part of rattan!

In most cane furniture pieces, you’ll see that cane is actually hand-weaved in a multi-directional pattern. This pattern gives cane its distinct look.

This type of weaving is usually used in furniture applications like a backing of a dining chair or part of a headboard. On the other hand, the reed from rattan is woven to make large furniture pieces.

Because cane is part of rattan, they share many similar qualities like color and finish. However, cane is very lightweight, highly pliable, and stronger than rattan.

Examples of cane

• Furniture accents
• Art
• Wall panels
• Home decor items

Pros of cane

Stylish

Cane furniture is always in style because it looks well-crafted and elegant. People adore using cane furniture indoors because it brings color and texture inside a home. Despite its signature webbing pattern, cane is a neutral that complements most interior design styles.

Lightweight

Cane is incredibly lightweight. It is much lighter than solid wood and metal furniture. It is easy to lift and move cane furniture around. This attribute makes cane furniture an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

Durable

Cane is a very durable material. Cane furniture can easily last up to three decades with proper care and maintenance. Additionally, it is less porous than rattan and can easily repel spillage. This means you can easily wipe down a spill with a dry towel, and liquids will not damage the material.

Eco-friendly

Cane is an eco-friendly material because it is a natural material. Rattan has a fast growth rate, which makes cane a highly renewable material.

Cons of cane

Pricey

While the raw material itself isn’t expensive, cane products like furniture can be pricey because they are usually handcrafted. Furthermore, cane has blown up in popularity recently, which has caused prices to increase.

Less comfortable

Cane is a sturdy and hard material, so it’s naturally less comfortable than plushy fabric sofas. You can, however, increase comfort levels by upholstering a cane chair or by adding cushions.

Loosens over time

Cane is generally durable, but the weaving of cane furniture can loosen over time. You can easily replace loose cane with new cane webbing or send it to a professional for repairs.

You can read about the pros and cons of rattan here.

How to care for cane

Keep it out of rain and direct sunlight

Just like rattan, it is advisable to keep your cane and rattan furniture away from rain and direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight will dry out and cause your cane furniture to discolor and crack.

Having your cane pieces sitting in the rain will also eventually lead to mildew. Save your cane furniture for indoors, and use resin or synthetic wicker furniture for outdoors.

Moisturize it occasionally

It’s important to moisturize your cane pieces from time to time if you want them to last longer. Whenever possible, keep your pieces in a room where a humidifier is present. On the contrary, keep your cane furniture in a covered or shaded area if you’re living in a humid climate.

If both options are not possible, all you need to do is to give your cane pieces a little TLC. Wipe them down once a month using a diluted oil or glycerin-based soap. After that, wipe any residue with a rag. Avoid spraying the top side and let your pieces fully dry.

Use a cushion on cane chairs

Using a flat cushion will not only add a little comfort but also helps to protect the seat. This is because a cushion will disperse weight evenly over the surface. This eases the pressure on the center of the seat, which prevents the cane from breaking.

Seek professional help for repairs

If your cane furniture is in bad shape, seek a professional’s help to repair it. Repairs are not cheap, but it is worth every penny considering the lifespan of a cane piece. As with many home decor materials, prevention is a priority. Treat your cane furniture right from the beginning, and you should be able to pass them down to your future generations!

Cane recommendations

Like the cane aesthetic but not sure where to start? Pick one item from my round-up of my favorite cane pieces.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

1. Round Black Metal And Cane LED Shane Accent Lamp, $179.99
2. Wood Chair with Cane Backing, $290
3. Cane Organizer Tray, $26
4. Cane Recycled Drinking Tall Glass, $14
5. Cane Door Console With Shelves, $250
6. Cane Panel Headboard, $244.88

I hope this post has cleared up any confusion you may have about cane vs. rattan! Both cane and rattan furniture add a beautiful bohemian touch to any home. Whichever you choose, always treat it with care and respect so it will last for ages.

Do you have any rattan or cane pieces at home? Tell me in the comments below!

The post Cane vs Rattan – What’s The Difference and Why Is It Important? appeared first on That Isle Life.

Growing up in Southeast Asia, my mom introduced me to rattan at an early age. In fact, the first bag I used in kindergarten was a rattan basket! Besides that, we have two rattan armchairs, which are still in the house to this day.

I love rattan so much that I’ve incorporated it into my own home decor. My rattan pendant lights are one of my favorite features of our home.

Although rattan is popular in this part of the world, wicker is not. When rattan started to make a major comeback globally in recent years, I started to notice that my Instagram and Pinterest feeds were filled with both rattan AND wicker pieces.

That’s when I started to get confused about wicker vs. rattan. Plus, it doesn’t help that there are so many mislabeled items on the market!

In this post, I will share with you everything I’ve discovered about wicker vs. rattan. Read on to find out more about:

• What is rattan?
• What is wicker?
• Examples of rattan pieces
• Examples of wicker pieces
• Pros and cons of rattan
• Pros and cons of wicker
• How to care for wicker and rattan
• Wicker vs rattan product recommendations

Related:

• Blinds vs Curtains: Which Window Treatment Is Better For Your Home?
• Terrazzo vs marble – Which is the better option for your home?

What is rattan?

Rattan is a material. According to WWF, rattan belongs to the palm family and is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa.

There are about 600 types of rattan. Their fibers may vary in length and width, but they typically look like thick and sturdy vines. The vines are eventually harvested and processed to be made into furniture and handicraft.

What is wicker?

Wicker is a weaving technique. It is a process that weaves plant-based materials together. Unlike rattan, it is not a material.

Wicker comes from weaving thick vertical pieces to create the structure of an item. Then, they are woven tightly together for support and decoration. Once the piece is completed, it can be painted, stained, or sealed.

People are often confused because some wicker pieces can be made from rattan. However, wicker pieces can also be made from different materials like bamboo, reeds, and synthetic fibers.

Knowing this major difference is important, especially when you are searching for rattan products to purchase. Not every product advertised as wicker is rattan!

Examples of rattan pieces

Here are some common rattan pieces:

• Outdoor furniture
• Barstools
• Lighting
• Dining chairs
• Coffee tables
• Planters
• Headboard

Examples of wicker pieces

On the other hand, here are some common wicker pieces:

• Baskets
• Placemats
• Coasters
• Vases
• Trays
• Outdoor furniture

Pros of rattan

If you’re considering purchasing rattan furniture, consider these pros and cons below:

Durable

Rattan is a very hardy material by nature and therefore is extremely durable. It has a strong core, making it hard to break. They usually last longer than wood and leather. As a result, they are often passed down from generation to generation.

Eco friendly

According to WWF, rattan is a naturally renewable palm, which makes it an eco-friendly material. It is also recyclable since it is completely biodegradable. However, rattan needs to be harvested and processed sustainably for it to be considered 100% eco-friendly.

Versatile

Rattan is a versatile material that is used to make a variety of products. It is classic yet contemporary, which makes it a great addition to any space. Additionally, its neutral colors like browns and blacks make it easy to complement existing decor.

Lightweight

Rattan is extremely lightweight, which makes it the perfect material for outdoor furniture. Although it is much lighter than wood, it is one of the most durable materials around.

Suitable for indoors and outdoors

Rattan furniture is suitable for indoors and outdoors. The woven texture lends a cozy and casual vibe, perfect for both areas of your home.

Cons of rattan

Not suitable for outdoors for long periods of time

While you can use rattan furniture outdoors, they don’t last long under the sun. Leaving them outdoors for a long time will cause their natural color to fade. Hot conditions can also cause them to dry out and crack.

On the other hand, rattan cannot withstand wet weather as well. They will soak up moisture when left under the rain. This will eventually lead to mildew and rotting.

Can cause slight discomfort

Rattan furniture can cause slight discomfort because they are harder than furniture made with fabric or leather. However, you can always purchase your own cushions to add an extra level of comfort.

Loosens over time

The weaving of rattan furniture can loosen over time. This is unavoidable. When this happens, you will need to send your rattan pieces for repairs.

Pros of wicker

If you’re considering purchasing wicker furniture, consider these pros and cons below:

Durable

To recap, wicker is a weaving technique that binds plant-based materials together like rattan and bamboo.

Although plant-based materials are usually very tough, synthetic wicker or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a much more durable material. It is a manmade material that will not break, chip, or scratch. It is also stain and weather-resistant.

Suitable for outdoors

Due to the nature of synthetic wicker, it is the best material for outdoor furniture. Synthetic wicker furniture is weatherproof. They will not fade in the sun. Furthermore, it can withstand rain and never grow moldy.

Versatile

Both natural wicker and synthetic rattan have the same woven texture as rattan. They are traditional yet modern and can go with any interior design theme.

Cons of wicker

Can cause slight discomfort

Both natural and synthetic wicker are made from sturdy and hard materials. As a result, both types of wicker can be slightly uncomfortable. However, you can easily solve this issue by placing cushions on top of them!

Expensive

Both rattan and wicker can be expensive. Sometimes, wicker is more expensive than rattan because of the additional weaving process. Furthermore, wicker usually requires more material, which adds to the overall cost.

How to care for wicker and rattan

It is important to care for your wicker and rattan pieces so that they last long. Here are a few ways to look after them:

Keep rattan indoors if possible

Remember, rattan is not weatherproof. It will fade under the sun, and it will grow mold when wet. Keep your rattan furniture indoors so it lasts longer.

Clean it regularly

You need to clean both rattan and wicker pieces regularly. Thankfully, both are easy to clean! All you have to do is to wipe them regularly with a damp cloth.

For rattan pieces, follow up with a dry cloth to prevent water damage. Although synthetic wicker can withstand water, avoid using your pressure jet to clean it.

Finally, use a nylon brush to dust and clean grooves and crevices.

Invest in synthetic wicker for outdoor furniture

If you want to purchase outdoor furniture, consider investing in synthetic wicker. You can leave your furniture outdoors at all times and never have to worry about the weather! It is hands down the best option for outdoor furniture.

Wicker recommendations

Not sure if you prefer wicker or rattan yet? Since both materials are pricey, purchase small decor items first before you invest in big furniture.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase any products via my links. I only recommend products that I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. Read the full privacy policy here.

Here’s a round-up of my favorite wicker pieces under $50:

1. Outdoor wicker tray, $40
2. Wicker laundry hamper, $28.69
3. Stool, $29.99
4. Hyacinth wicker basket (set of 2), $29.99
5. Flower vase, $24.95
6. Hyacinth wicker placemats (set of 4), $19.99

Rattan recommendations

Here are some of my favorite rattan pieces under $50:

1. Basket, $35
2. Lampshade, $16.99
3. Towel ring, $19
4. Plant stand, $19.99
5. Flower mirror, $46.99
6. Stool, $49

I hope this post has cleared up any confusion you may have about wicker vs. rattan! Both wicker and rattan furniture are beautiful and functional for any space. Whichever you choose, always treat it with care and respect so it will last for ages.

The post Wicker vs Rattan – What’s the difference and why does it matter? appeared first on That Isle Life.