Rattan vs Cane vs Wicker: What’s Best for Your Home Decor?

Choosing home decor can be challenging when faced with the decision between rattan, cane and wicker. Each material offers unique benefits and beauty, but how do you choose the right one for your space? Join us at Artera Home as we explore the differences between these materials and help you find the perfect option for your home decor in this article!

Understanding the Materials: Rattan vs Cane vs Wicker

1. What Is Rattan?

Rattan is a naturally growing vine-like palm found in tropical climates, especially Southeast Asia. It features a solid core and is known for its strength and flexibility. Because of its durability, rattan is often used in the creation of sturdy furniture frames and woven storage baskets.

Its neutral tones, organic texture, and timeless appeal make it a go-to material for bohemian, coastal, and rustic interiors. At Artera Home, our artisans value rattan for its resilience and natural charm, perfect for woven trays, woven planters, and furniture accents.

>> Related: What is The Difference Between Rattan and Wicker?

Rattan material

2. What Is Cane?

Cane is the outer skin or bark of the rattan plant. While rattan is solid and thicker, cane is stripped into thinner, smoother pieces that are typically used in chair caning, screens, and accents.

Lighter and more flexible than full rattan, cane gives a clean and refined finish. It’s often favored in mid-century modern and minimalist interiors. Cane offers visual lightness and breathability, ideal for areas where airflow and aesthetic lightness are needed.

Cane material

3. What Is Wicker?

Unlike rattan and cane, wicker is not a material—it’s a weaving technique. Wickerwork involves weaving pliable materials such as rattan, cane, bamboo, or synthetic fibers into functional or decorative items.

This leads to common confusion: wicker vs rattan vs cane sounds like a comparison of materials, but really it’s about rattan and cane being woven into wicker designs. Wicker's versatility has kept it in style for centuries, evolving from Victorian conservatories to modern living rooms.

Wicker (bamboo, water hyacinth)

Wicker vs Rattan vs Cane: The Key Differences 

Understanding the core distinctions between rattan, cane, and wicker can help you make more informed decisions when choosing home decor pieces.

1. Strength & Durability

Rattan's solid core makes it one of the most durable natural materials used in home decor. It is ideal for furniture frames, shelving, and sturdy decor elements. Its strength makes it suitable for both indoor and (protected) outdoor use.

While cane offers a sleek and refined appearance, it lacks the same durability as rattan. Cane is more susceptible to wear and tear, particularly if exposed to high humidity or frequent use. It’s best reserved for accent pieces.

Since wicker is a weaving technique, its durability depends on the base material. Rattan wicker is the strongest, while cane wicker may be more delicate. Synthetic wicker is also popular, especially for outdoor furniture, due to its weather resistance.

>> Read more: Rattan vs Bamboo Strength for Timeless Beauty 

Living room space with furniture made from rattan, cane and wicker (Source: Sky Line Design)

2. Appearance & Texture

Rattan is thicker and rounder, giving furniture a bold, rustic look and easily taking paint or stain for varied finishes. Cane is thinner and flatter, offering a light, airy feel with classic woven patterns and subtle transparency.

While rattan feels sturdy and wood-like, cane is smoother and more refined, often left natural to highlight its beauty. Wicker weaving varies from tight, supportive patterns to light, airy designs, each offering a distinct look. Different global styles use materials like fine rattan or thick willow, creating textures that range from elegant to rustic.

>>Related: Top 10+ Large Wicker Wall Decor Sets to Elevate Your Space

Close-up of rattan, cane and wicker materials

3. Matching Your Aesthetic

Rattan suits Bohemian, Coastal, or Rustic styles with its thick weaves and earthy feel—think bold peacock chairs or textured baskets. Cane fits Mid-Century, Scandinavian, or Japandi interiors with its airy, fine weaves—ideal for light dining chairs or woven cabinet panels. Wicker, as a weaving style, adapts widely: natural wicker suits Cottage or Farmhouse decor, while synthetic wicker enhances modern outdoor spaces.

>> Read more: Top 10+ Space-Savvy Boho Bedroom Ideas for Small Rooms

4. Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Rattan is ideal for indoor or covered outdoor use. It doesn’t tolerate prolonged exposure to moisture, so it should be kept out of direct rain or sun.

Cane is best used indoors. It is highly sensitive to humidity and can sag or crack if not maintained properly.

Wicker made from synthetic materials can be used outdoors. However, natural wicker (rattan or cane) should be treated with care and protected from the elements.

>> Read more: How To Waterproof A Wicker Basket for Long-Lasting Use

Depending on the nature of the material, they can be used indoors or outdoors

5. Maintenance & Care

Rattan: Requires regular dusting with a soft brush or vacuum attachment to clean crevices in frames and weaves. Wipe spills promptly with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Avoid overly wet cleaning methods or harsh chemicals.  

Cane Panels: Dust gently with a soft cloth or brush. Wipe clean with a barely damp cloth if necessary. In very dry environments, occasionally wiping with a slightly damp cloth can help prevent the cane from becoming too brittle. Broken cane strands can be tricky to repair neatly.

Synthetic Wicker: Generally the easiest to maintain. Often requires just wiping down with mild soap and water or hosing off. Check manufacturer instructions.

>> Read more: Can Wicker Baskets Get Moldy? Tips to Prevent and Clean

6. Cost Comparison

Rattan tends to be more expensive due to its strength, versatility, and higher demand in furniture making. The cost reflects the labor-intensive harvesting and manufacturing process. 

Cane is generally more affordable than rattan. Since it is used for detailing rather than structural elements, less material is needed, lowering the cost. 

Wicker pricing varies. Natural wicker made from rattan or cane is costlier than synthetic options, which are mass-produced and weather-resistant.

Depending on the material properties, the price of rattan, cane and wicker will be different

Choosing the Right Material for Your Home Decor

After analyzing in depth the differences between the three materials rattan vs cane vs wicker. We can see that each type has its own characteristics, with different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, when choosing for interior decoration in the house, you must consider factors related to the purpose of use, decoration style, and location to be able to make the most correct decision. Below is a summary table of the points between the three types so you can easily compare.

>> Read more: Top 20+ Chic Bohemian Bedroom Ideas on a Budget Not to Miss

Besides, the combination of these three materials is also an ideal way to help them promote the strengths and limit the weaknesses of the materials and create diversity and creativity in home decoration materials.

The room space has a decorative combination of rattan, wicker and cane

Artera Home’s Craftsmanship with Cane, Rattan & Wicker

1. A Legacy of Vietnamese Artistry

Artera Home is proud to work with skilled Vietnamese artisans from the long-standing traditional craft village of Kim Son. With generations of experience, these artisans breathe life into each piece—using locally grown rattan and sugarcane, and traditional weaving techniques that are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and craftsmanship.

>> Continue to read: Explore Kim Son Craft Village

 Kim Son Craft Village

2. A Curated Collection of Natural Home Accents

From utility to elegance, Artera Home offers a diverse collection of natural handmade products:

2.1 Natural Storage Baskets

Our best-selling wicker baskets are not only beautiful and trendy in design. Wicker storage baskets are also diverse in function and size from wicker laundry baskets, wicker blanket baskets, woven plant baskets,... With durable quality that stands the test of time, you will definitely be extremely satisfied with the product lines that Artera Home brings.

>> Explore: Top 10+ Woven Basket With Lid Must-Have for Your Home 

Artera Home’s woven baskets

2. Wall Decor Collections

Decorate your walls with warmth and texture. Our wall woven baskets, fans wall decor, and woven panels are ideal for creating statement gallery walls or accent corners that feel rich in natural detail.

>>Read more: How to Hang Baskets on Wall Without Nails.

Artera Home’s woven wall decor 

3. Handwoven Trays

Multipurpose wicker trays made from water hyacinth, seagrass, or rattan are beautifully designed and cleverly crafted for everyday use. They can also be used as decorative accents on your coffee table or kitchen countertop.

4. Placemats & Coasters

Add a rustic, organic touch to your table setting. Our eco-friendly wicker placemats and woven coasters are durable and stylish, perfect for everyday meals or festive occasions.

Artera Home’s woven trays, placemats & coasters

5. Rattan Shelves & Hangers

Lightweight yet sturdy, our wall-mounted rattan shelves and storage boxes are designed to maximize vertical space while keeping things soft and airy—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

6. Woven Rugs

With their intricate patterns and intricate designs from skilled artisans, our woven rugs add a unique touch to your home. Perfect for every style and space, Artera Home rugs are the perfect choice for anyone who loves being eco-friendly and timeless.

Artera Home’’s woven rug and rattan shelf

Sustainable Values, Thoughtful Design

What sets Artera Home apart is our commitment to eco-conscious materials, fair trade practices, and timeless design. We prioritize natural fibers, reduce plastic use, and support artisan livelihoods. Our goal is to help customers create beautiful spaces that reflect both personal style and environmental responsibility.

Customer-First Experience

From thoughtful packaging to responsive customer support, we ensure your experience is as warm as our products. Enjoy easy returns and special perks, making every purchase with Artera Home feel personal and rewarding.

Attractive Prices and Offers

Coming to Artera Home, you will be completely assured with the money you invest. The best quality products will be provided to you at the best prices on the market. In addition, a series of large and attractive promotions will help your shopping experience become wonderful and memorable.

Artera Home’s showroom decor

Natural materials are more than a trend—they’re a return to meaningful, mindful living. Understanding the differences between rattan vs cane vs wicker helps you curate a space that aligns with your values and aesthetic.

At Artera Home, we’re honored to bring you handcrafted decor made from Vietnam’s finest natural materials—supporting both skilled artisans and sustainable living. Whether you’re decorating a cozy nook or redesigning your entire space, explore our collection of rattan, cane, and wicker home goods for a timeless, eco-friendly touch.