At French Bedroom, we celebrate the heritage and elegance of rattan furniture, a tradition deeply rooted in craftsmanship and natural beauty. Let us take you on a journey through the meticulous artistry behind the creation of rattan pieces, where every bend and weave tell a story of skilled hands and unparalleled attention to detail.
You have likely heard the terms ‘rattan’, ‘wicker’ and ‘cane’ used interchangeably and wondered what these materials are, what they mean, and what the key differences are. Each have their own unique allure but when looking to purchase a piece of furniture with one of these labels, there doesn’t seem to be much explanation of what it means or how to differentiate between them.
Buying new furniture is a thoughtfully considered investment – both emotionally and financially – so of course you want to know exactly what you are purchasing and what that means in relation to maintaining your gorgeous new bed. Join us as we dispel some myths around these three terms and identify precisely what each one means, what the materials are, and what this means for your new furniture!
Rattan:
Rattan is a tropical plant that naturally grows in Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, and other tropical countries. It is a vine plant known for its incredibly malleable nature which allows it to be bent into various shapes for furniture and basket weaving. Nevertheless, it is one of the world's most robust materials, not to mention very lightweight, making it the perfect choice for your new bed.
When discussing rattan, it is worth mentioning that although rattan is a natural material, which has countless benefits, such as being extremely eco-friendly, sustainable, and long-lasting, it is also available in a synthetic form. Since the revival of rattan furniture in the 1970’s, a synthetic rattan is now available which proves particularly useful for garden furniture.
For bedroom furniture, we recommend keeping the material all-natural and handcrafted, giving your bedroom a sense of the tranquillity found in nature. The Chateauneuf Rustic Rattan Bed Frame does just that; lovingly handmade with reclaimed wood and double layered rattan – this is a bed you will be proud to position front-and-centre in your bedroom.
If you would like read more on how rattan is made in our blog here.
Cane:
On the other hand, another popular term used to describe rattan furniture, ‘cane’ is its own distinct material whilst remaining a part of the same plant that rattan derives from. Whilst rattan describes the inner core of the rattan plant, cane is the outer “bark” part of the tree and is harvested at the same time as the rattan, meaning that no part of the rattan plant is wasted in its harvest.
With its light and airy aesthetic, a cane bed frame is a wonderful choice for creating graceful curves and infusing natural beauty to your bedroom suite. As cane is usually thinner than rattan, you can usually distinguish that items are made with cane by the meticulous attention to detail on accent furniture parts. Its most popular use is to create delicate, webbed detailing on furniture, and this will be the key signifier that you have found a distinctive piece of cane furniture.
Cane is another incredibly durable and low-maintenance material, beloved for its flexible nature, meaning that cane bed frames are another wise and tasteful choice for your bedroom renovation.
Wicker:
Finally, the term ‘wicker’, which is often used to describe baskets, storage boxes, and other items, is often thought of as a material in its own right, however, you may be surprised to learn that this is not the case! Wicker refers to the actual process of weaving used to create awe-inspiring detailing in furniture and other items. Wicker can be made with rattan and cane, but it can also be made with willow, bamboo, and other flexible materials. Astoundingly, wicker is the oldest known furniture making method, giving your wicker bed frame an essence of history, generations of craftsmanship, and rustic yet sophisticated tradition. By weaving high-quality materials over a solid frame, captivating and luxurious wicker furniture is born, infusing your living space with character and warmth.
Notice the intricate weave of the top of the Hadeda Natural Rattan Bench – a telltale style of wicker weaving with a rich tradition behind it.
While both wicker and cane furniture share a common thread of artisanal craftsmanship and natural beauty, they each possess their own unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and design preferences.
So, whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of rattan, the rustic charm of wicker or the graceful allure of cane, rest assured that both options offer a splendid way to infuse your home with the unmistakable essence of French sophistication and romance. Bonne chance with your design endeavours, mes amis!
