Article: Why we can't get enough of rattan and cane pieces
Why we can't get enough of rattan and cane pieces
Editor Jen shares her love of natural rattan and cane furniture; a firm favourite in any Scandi home, adding texture and warmth
Look around any Scandi home, and chances are you'll spot something made of rattan or cane, whether that's dining chairs, lounge chairs or garden furniture; tables, fronts of chest of drawers or even occasional pieces, such as side tables or bar trolleys.
Here's my need-to-know guide about choosing those rattan and cane pieces, and how to dress them… Scandi style.
1 Know your materials
Rattan is plant that comes from Southeast Asia. It's incredibly strong, even though it starts its growth cycle as a tree, before bending down as a vine to grow along the ground instead. Cane is the inside of the rattan plant, which is produced by peeling back the outer later of the vine. This is then used to wrap furniture frames, whether wood or metal, to create sturdy designs. Cane is more durable than rattan as it's less porous and doesn't need to be treated or painted.
Wicker isn't actually a material, rather the weaving of materials, such as rattan, cane, bamboo and synthetic fibres. Wicker can give a lovely hand-made feel to furniture pieces, which appeals to our Scandi style.
2 Keep it flexible
Rattan and cane chairs and stools are great choices for relaxed Scandi spaces, being lightweight to move around where need. Try a chair in your bedroom, that can join living room pieces when friends come over, or a stool that doubles as a bedside table.
 Borneo rattan chair with boucle cushion, £314.99, Desser |
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3 Think about styling
With cane and rattan, you often need to add a sofer, comfy element. In true Scandi style, we love a sheepskin rug or seat pad, but linen is another obvious choice, both playing to the natural connection. Ditsy floral prints also work well, giving rattan and cane furniture a sense of timeless Scandi, echoing relaxed summerhouse style.
 LISELEJE sofa in rattan, £100, JYSK |
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4 Look for clever combos
While cane and rattan look great on their own, as the sole material, when teamed with wood, they can feel more contemporary. Cane panels on a chest of drawers or sideboard, cane backrests on lounge chairs, or cane teamed with marble or glass table tops, all give a twist to this classic Scandi material choice, while rattan seating mixed with plush seat pads, makes for an inviting perch.
 Nabhi mango wood and cane chair, £750, Nkuku |
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5 Take the look outside
Both cane and rattan furniture can be used outside, with the moisture even helping to keep some pieces supple. But, unless it's specifically designed for outdoor use, such as garden furniture made from synthetic rattan, don't leave outdoors for long periods or in wet weather.
Enjoy getting the Scandi look with rattan or cane pieces – they are often an affordable furniture addition too.
