Wicker vs. Rattan Furniture: What's the Difference and Which Is Better?

The One-Sentence Difference

Rattan is a material. Wicker is a weaving technique. A rattan chair is made from rattan. A wicker chair is woven in the wicker style. Wicker furniture can be crafted from rattan, bamboo, willow, or synthetic resin.

What Is Rattan?

Rattan is a climbing palm vine native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The vines grow long, solid, and strong, with a dense interior that holds up well to bending without breaking. After harvest, rattan is steamed, shaped, dried, and either used in solid form (rattan frames, headboards) or peeled into thin strips for weaving.

Solid rattan is what you'll find in chair frames, bed frames, table bases, and many of the silhouettes that define the boho and global aesthetic World Market is known for.

What Is Wicker?

Wicker is the weaving process that uses the technique of intertwining flexible plant fibers (or modern synthetic equivalents) into a structured, woven surface. A wicker chair is one whose surface has been built up by weaving.

Because wicker is a process, the materials can vary:

• • Natural wicker is woven from rattan, willow, reed, bamboo, or seagrass. Best for indoor use.
• • Synthetic, resin, or "all-weather" wicker is woven from plastic resin made to mimic natural fibers. Designed for outdoor use, where weather resistance matters more than authenticity.

When to Choose Rattan

• • For indoor furniture, there are rattan-frame chairs, peacock chairs, headboards, and accent tables. The natural material reads warm and is ideal for boho, mid century, and globally inspired rooms.
• • When you want a sculptural silhouette, rattan bends into curved, hand-carved shapes that hard wood can't replicate.
• • When weight matters, rattan is lightweight for its strength. Perfect for chairs you'll move often.

When to Choose Wicker

• • For outdoor furniture: All-weather (synthetic resin) wicker outdoor sets stand up to sun, rain, and humidity for years. Always pair with proper outdoor cushions.
• • When you want classic patio style: Wicker has been the patio furniture go-to for a century. It perfectly complements stone, terracotta, citrus trees, and string lights.
• • When you want a textured surface: The visible weave of wicker adds tactile interest to outdoor rooms that can otherwise feel flat.

What About Cane and Bamboo?

These two options are often included when shopping for natural fiber furniture. Here's what they mean:

• • Cane is the outer bark of the rattan vine, peeled into thin strips, and woven into the open lattice you see on chair seats and credenza fronts. Cane is decorative and breathable, perfect for chair backs and cabinet fronts.
• • Bamboo is a different plant entirely. It's hollow inside (while rattan is solid), with a more rigid look. Used for some furniture but more commonly for accents, screens, and home decor.

How to Care for Rattan and Wicker

Indoor (Natural Rattan and Wicker):

• • Dust regularly with a soft brush or vacuum upholstery attachment.
• • Wipe with a damp cloth occasionally. Dry thoroughly.
• • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and brittleness.
• • If the fibers get brittle, a light mist of water and a few hours to absorb can rehydrate them.

Outdoor (Synthetic Resin Wicker):

• • Hose down occasionally and lightly scrub with mild soap and water.
• • Cover during off-season for longest life, even with weather-rated pieces.
• • Store cushions indoors when not in use.

Why World Market Specializes in Both

Our buyers travel the globe to source rattan and wicker furniture from artisan makers, many of whom hand-weave each piece using techniques passed down through generations. Our outdoor wicker collections use modern resin engineering to deliver the look of natural fibers in furniture built for sun, rain, and salt air.