Rattan Chair — Handwoven Rattan and Cane Seating in South Africa

Rattan is the palm itself: a solid, flexible vine that can be steam-bent into frames. Cane is the outer skin of that vine, peeled and woven into the seat and back surfaces. Wicker is not a material at all — it is the weaving technique used on rattan, cane and other natural fibres.

Most of our seating uses both: a shaped rattan or timber frame with a hand-woven cane surface. That combination is what gives a rattan chair its strength alongside its lightness.

For a single accent seat, the Curved Rattan Single Seat gives you a sculptural silhouette that works alone in a corner or paired across a coffee table.

For a full lounge, the Curved or Square Rattan Couch Sets seat a room warmly and read as one composed group rather than a collection of separate pieces.

For low, relaxed seating on a covered patio, the Malawi chair remains the most practical and most affordable option.

Rattan sits naturally against lime-washed walls, aged oak, clay, linen and unglazed ceramics. It softens hard-edged modern rooms and keeps warm-toned interiors from feeling heavy.

Because the weave is open, rattan seating keeps sightlines clear — useful in smaller apartments, open-plan living areas and rooms where you want the floor and windows to stay visible.

Brush the weave weekly with a dry soft brush and vacuum crevices on a low setting. Wipe marks with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.

Avoid placing rattan directly against a heater or in a spot that gets hard afternoon sun all day — natural fibre dries and becomes brittle over time in those conditions.