Rattan vs. Wicker: What's the Difference?

Hint: One is a material and one is a process.

Woven furniture and decor have been all the rage recently, thanks to the coastal grandma trend and cottage style aesthetic. Not only are woven pieces neutral and versatile, but they also bring unexpected texture and functionality to your space. From durable patio furniture to pantry organization, natural woven materials like rattan, cane, and jute have proven to be household staples.

But, with so many different materials on the market—and the words often used interchangeably—what is the actual difference between wicker, rattan, jute, and cane? We're sharing the key factors of each, along with tips for how to decorate with the natural materials.

Related: Is Wicker Back? 4 Designer-Approved Ways to Make It Look Modern

What Is Wicker?

Contrary to popular belief, wicker is not actually a material, but a process of weaving. Dating back to 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt, wicker is a type of weaving historically made of reeds, palms, willow, and swamp grasses. It wasn't until the 1800s that rattan became the ideal material for weaving wicker items. Today, wicker furniture and decor are made from natural and artificial materials. Indoor wicker furniture is often made from rattan, cane, seagrass, bamboo, and husks, while outdoor wicker furniture uses synthetic and plastic fibers to withstand moisture and extreme weather.

How to Decorate with Wicker

Wicker gained popularity in the home decor world due to its neutral color scheme, durability, and texture. Wicker is a popular option for furniture, but the technique is also used for making frames, placemats, rugs, and baskets.

Consider using wicker baskets to organize your pantry or a basket with blankets in your living room. In the dining room, use wicker placemats to easily add texture to your tabletop. Or, place a wicker tray or frame on your table or countertop to add a neutral, warm tone to your space.

Related: The 18 Best Wicker Patio Furniture Pieces of 2024 for a Stylish and Functional Backyard

What Is Rattan?

Rattan is a natural material sourced from rattan palms found in southeast Asia. With over 600 different species, rattan is a type of climbing palm that grows up and along tree trunks in pursuit of sunlight. After rattan vines are cut, they are straightened into logs and made into furniture, baskets, and other home decor items.

Similar to bamboo, rattan is lightweight but also very durable. It is easy to manipulate and comes in multiple shades of warm browns. Depending on the furniture design, rattan logs are boiled, shaped, dried, and allowed time to harden to create curves and arches.

How to Decorate with Rattan

Rattan is naturally suited to withstand rain, snow, and frost, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. Consider switching out your old patio furniture for a new set of rattan chairs and footrests to elevate your outdoor living space. If you don't have a porch (or just love your existing outdoor setup), there are plenty of indoor rattan furniture options that can be stained or painted to match any space. Because of its lightweight durability, rattan can also used to make light fixtures that will create a subtle statement in your home.

Related: Fall Rattan Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Rethink the Summer Material for Autumn

What Is Cane?

Cane is a natural material created from the stalks of a rattan climbing vine. While rattan is sourced from the inside of the palm, cane is taken from the outside bark. Compared to logs of rattan, cane is made into strands that are woven or webbed to create furniture.

How to Decorate with Cane

Cane strands are flexible, durable, and lightweight which makes it a popular choice for seats and backs of chairs. Cane is also less porous than rattan, so it is preferred in more humid climates. Incorporate cane-backed Cesca chairs in your dining room or webbed furniture for your patio to keep your guests cool. Sideboards or dressers with cane paneling are also a good way to incorporate the natural material into your home.

What Is Jute?

Jute is a strong, natural fiber, sourced from corchorus plants found in India and Bangladesh, that is used in the wicker process to create items like rugs, placemats, and upholstery. The stalk of the corchorus plant is soaked for up to 30 days in order to separate the jute fibers from the stalk. After the fibers are washed, dried, and sorted, they are spun into yarn or twine, or woven into wicker furniture or burlap.

Jute is a popular material for home and outdoor items due to its strength, durability, and eco-friendliness. In fact, jute is 100% bio-degradable and recyclable.

How to Decorate with Jute

To add warmth and texture to your living space, layer a jute rug underneath a colorful area rug, making sure to keep the jute rug visible. If you don't prefer the texture of jute rugs, consider installing jute window treatments or even hanging jute tote bags on your coat rack. Jute pillows and door mats are also great options to add coziness and texture to your outdoor living space.

Related: How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug for Your Room

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