Cane Furniture is Making a Comeback!

For those of us who keep up with 2020 interior design trends, rattan furniture is likely one of the first styles that come to mind. Cane as we know it describes the bark of the rattan plant. While we might buy it from Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie today, it’s been used since ancient times. In fact, according to Apartment Therapy, a woven cane bed from 1323 BC was even discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Due to expanded trade in Asia, cane furniture first emerged in Europe in the 1660s. Typically, it was used to create seats and chair backs. 

In the 19th century, cane furniture exploded in popularity throughout the Netherlands and England via colonies throughout Asia. Moisture-wicking, lightweight, and clean, it was ideal for humid summer months. In the last fifty years, cane furniture made its biggest resurgence in the 1970s. Many of those pieces drew inspiration from the aforementioned British Colonial period.

 

 

When you think of cane furniture, chairs probably come to mind first. You might even think of patio furniture. In 2020, however, designers have created everything from gorgeous and practical benches, end tables, shelves, cabinets, bed frames, and more. Cane somehow feels retro, modern, and a little Bohemian all at once. It adds an interesting textural element to any room, distinct from standard wood grain, stone, brick, or various furniture textiles. Since it’s both light in color and woven, cane can help make even the smallest space seem roomier. Even if you live in an apartment that doesn’t particularly inspire you, adding a piece or two of cane furniture can that missing bit of visual intrigue.

 

 

 

Sculptural seat designed by Jannis Ellenberger comes full circle in a fluid swoop of monochromatic mustard. Iron tube frame flows from arms to back in a continuous ring, which Ellenberger envisions as a symbol of togetherness. Handwoven of weather-resistant PE resin rattan, breezy back and seat weave an airy scoop for dining or hanging out. Small-space-friendly design stacks to store out of the way.

 

Natural with Sand Border Woven Cane Blackout Roman Shade (we have a similar one in our downstairs powder room)

The perfect sidekick for movie marathons and lazy Sunday sleep-ins, blackout curtains keep entertainment areas as dark as the theaters and stop the sun from imposing on your well-deserved Beautyrest. Take this one for example: Crafted from paper with stainless steel hardware, this Roman-style cane shade showcases a cordless design that brings a contemporary update to your window treatment. Plus, it’s designed with thermally insulating material – saving you on your heating bill!

 

Natural Cane Day Bed

For the daydreamer longing for an afternoon repose, this Rattan Daybed responds with the luxurious look of coastal lifestyle decor. Ivory linen cushions make for a comfort-soft feel while its ash wood frame draws attention to its sublime natural-toned French cane sides and back. The perfect piece for adding a breezy style to fashionable décor.

 

Cane Basket Planter (We have the white one)

We have the white one and I have our Dwarf Umbrella living in it. It is beautiful and one of my most favorite planters. Glossy black cuts a diagonal graphic across natural rattan. Tin liner hidden inside makes for 100% watertight planter.

 

Dolores Cane Buffet Cabinet

The cane work on the Dolores Collection is expertly woven by hand for an organic texture that beautifully balances the sleek, airy profile of each piece. Resting on a sturdy iron frame in a contrasting Gunmetal finish, the buffet is an elegant addition to a dining room or entertaining space. Here is a photo from @meetthejohnsonfamily