Chairs, sofas, side tables, headboards, lamps: cane weaving is everywhere in today’s interiors. Far from being a short-lived fashion, it has become a lasting design language. Here is where cane comes from, why it is such a good choice today and how to use it in every room.

What is cane weaving?

Cane weaving is a technique that uses thin strips of rattan bark, woven into an open, graphic pattern. Brought to Europe by Dutch and British traders in the 17th century, it quickly became fashionable in France under Louis XIV and Louis XV, prized by the nobility and the bourgeoisie for its light, airy look. Cane is also comfortable: more flexible than wood, it follows the body and lets air circulate.

In the 19th century, Michael Thonet made caned seats accessible to everyone with his famous bistro chair, produced in tens of millions of copies. In the 20th century, modernist designers such as Marcel Breuer and Pierre Jeanneret gave cane a new, contemporary life. Today, natural rattan sits alongside synthetic and resin fibres that offer the same look with greater durability, even outdoors.

Eloria cane side table

1. A design classic that keeps coming back

Trends are cyclical, and cane has had its ups and downs. Over the last decade it has returned to the main design fairs and to the collections of major furniture brands, and it has never really left since. Icons such as Thonet’s bistro chair, Pierre Jeanneret’s Chandigarh chairs and Marcel Breuer’s Cesca chair, with its tubular steel frame and woven seat, are now considered timeless rather than trendy. Read our guide to Pierre Jeanneret chairs to learn more.

2. A natural and sustainable material

Rattan is a fast-growing climbing palm that regenerates quickly after harvesting, which makes it one of the most renewable materials in furniture making. Cane also carries values of craftsmanship and know-how: weaving is still largely done by hand. Combined with solid wood or steel frames, it produces pieces that are light, repairable and built to last.

3. Caned furniture for every room

Once reserved for seats, cane now appears on tables, sideboards, headboards, lighting and mirrors — in the living room, dining room, bedroom, office or veranda. Caned pieces are lightweight and easy to move, ideal for small interiors. Their natural tone works with many styles: pair cane with green for a tropical mood, with velvet for a romantic boho look, or with light wood for a Scandinavian or Japandi interior.

4. Warmth and texture for modern interiors

In a minimalist interior, a caned piece highlights clean lines while adding texture. The natural colour and woven pattern bring warmth and softness, especially when combined with wood. Use it sparingly: a single cane chair, a side table or a headboard is enough to add charm without overwhelming the space.

How to care for cane furniture

• Dust regularly with a soft brush or the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
• Clean occasionally with a cloth slightly dampened with soapy water, then let it dry naturally.
• Avoid direct, prolonged sunlight and sources of heat, which can dry out natural cane.

A touch of woven elegance always remains in style. Discover our selection of must-have cane and rattan chairs to bring this timeless material into your home.