Rattan vs Wicker | What is The Difference Between Wicker vs. Rattan?

Choosing between rattan vs wicker can feel surprisingly confusing. After all, both offer that warm, natural charm so many homeowners love. But while rattan is a durable plant material and wicker is the weaving technique used to shape it, the differences matter when selecting long-lasting décor.

In this guide, Rowabi breaks down what sets each one apart, how they’re made, where they’re best used, and which style works for your home, whether you’re furnishing a cozy reading nook or refreshing your outdoor patio.

Key Takeaways

• Rattan is a natural material, sourced from fast-growing climbing palms across tropical Asia, Africa, and Australia, known for its solid fibrous core and exceptional flexibility.
• Wicker refers to a weaving technique, not a material; it can be crafted from rattan, bamboo, cane, resin, or other plant fibers.
• Over 600 species of rattan exist, most of which are harvested in Southeast Asia and widely used for furniture due to their strength and durability.
• Rattan vs wicker differ in purpose: rattan is used for strong furniture frames, while wicker is used for woven surfaces or decorative details.
• Natural rattan is ideal for indoor furniture, while synthetic rattan offers better weather resistance for outdoor use.
• Rattan is highly sustainable, regenerating faster than many hardwoods and providing economic support for local communities.
• Wicker items are lightweight and versatile, making them easy to rearrange and suitable for both indoor and outdoor décor.
• Both materials create a relaxed, organic aesthetic, popular in coastal, boho, contemporary, and tropical design styles.
• Rattan is extremely strong, with a tensile strength around 350 MPa, making it suitable for frames, seating, and larger structures.
• Common uses of rattan include furniture frames, baskets, shelves, pendant lights, mats, and architectural accents.
• Wicker products are known for durability and texture, often used in outdoor chairs, loungers, storage, and planters.
• Rattan vs wicker maintenance differs: rattan needs protection from moisture, while resin wicker is lower maintenance.
• Cane is the outer bark of the rattan plant, used for fine weaving, chair backs, and decorative panels.
• Bamboo is hollow and structurally different from rattan, making it less flexible but suitable for rigid structures.
• Choosing between rattan vs wicker depends on use—opt for rattan for sturdier indoor frames and wicker for lightweight or outdoor-friendly pieces.
• Decorating with either material enhances warmth and texture, making spaces feel more inviting and nature-inspired.

What is rattan?

Rattan is a material derived from a wood-like vine that is commonly found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. There are more than 600 different species of rattan.

Each one has a flexible yet sturdy sore, making it ideal for creating solid, supportive furnishings. Rattan plant skins play a significant role in weaving as well because they help builders bind furniture joints together.

This material is a favourite option among homeowners and interior designers when they select garden pieces of furniture. The light, resilient, and flexible qualities of rattan made it suitable for a wide range of items.

Because of its strong, fibrous qualities, the material has increasingly become a very hot commodity for both businesses and consumers alike.

Rattan is separated into two types, including natural and synthetic ones. Both of these lightweight solutions have strong, flexible fibers that give your area a relaxed, breezy atmosphere. Therefore, consider your need to select the best rattan material for your outdoor spaces.

Rattan furniture adds a rustic, alluring look to your living space. Cre: @wirestock via Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/author/wirestock

The popularity of this material leads to deforestation or over-harvesting of natural rattan. Hence, lots of people have turned to synthetic materials as a sustainable alternative option.

Especially, the material gives you the same look as real rattan at a lower price, providing homeowners with a wide range of options when planning a new look for their living spaces.

What is wicker?

While many people believe that wicker is a different kind of furniture material, it actually refers to a style of weave that’s been used for thousands of years.

The wicker technique can trace back its origins as far back as 3,000 B.C. in Ancient Egypt. Wicker furniture has become one of the favorite home decor items among lots of homeowners and interior designers thanks to its traditional and modern vibe.

The particular technique takes strong and durable rattan and weaves it into the alluring furniture. Apart from rattan, there are other wicker materials available, including bamboo, cane, reeds, vinyl and resin fibers, and willow.

With its strength and durability, wicker can be used to make a wide range of household items, including outdoor lights, baskets, and even window treatments. Especially, due to its durability and rustic aesthetics, wicker items can add a touch of elegance to any home, especially for outdoor spaces.

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These handcrafted wicker furniture pieces add stylish and rustic aesthetics to both indoor and outdoor areas. With their lightweight design, natural appearance, and versatility, woven wicker pieces are ideal furniture for your spaces. As wicker’s popularity grew, many people selected it as a way to elevate their home decor.

In addition, the lightweight design makes wicker furniture easy to move around for any number of configurations. Thanks to this unique characteristic, you can create a relaxing outdoor area with an elegant, natural vibe.

Which is better: Rattan or Wicker?

When people select rattan or wicker decor items, the most common question is “Which one is better?”. Rattan vs. wicker furniture: both offer unique aesthetics and functional benefits for your living space. Hence, the selection between the two will be based on your personal reference.

The rattan furniture piece brings your balcony or patio an organic look and feel. If you want to create a rustic and relaxing atmosphere, the decor items will be the perfect addition to your setup. In fact, natural furniture is not actually the best selection for outdoor use due to its low water-resistant quality.

Therefore, if you want to add these items outdoors as a special statement, make sure that you cover them carefully when it rains. You can select synthetic rattan as an excellent alternative for outdoor use.

On the other hand, wicker furnishings may be the better choice for those who are looking for a great outdoor decor item. The tightly-woven furniture frames in a certain colorful finish will be an ideal option to create a charming and relaxing atmosphere with low maintenance.

The durable and lightweight quality makes them perfect for decorating outdoor spaces. In addition, if you are on a budget, these decor items will be an excellent solution.

Decorating with rattan or wicker patio furniture

With its unique and natural beauty, rattan vs wicker furniture creates a stylish and comfortable outdoor living space.

After determining which material would work best for your patio, wicker or rattan, it’s time to choose stylish and stunning furniture for your outdoor decor. Below are some leisure activities you can use rattan or wicker patio furniture to create a relaxing environment for your family.

Al fresco dining

Whether you plan to enjoy formal lunches on the lanai or casual backyard barbecues with the entire family, rattan or wicker furnishings will bring a warm and intimate vibe to your dining space.

The rustic beauty of a dining set made from this natural material is a great addition, leaving unforgettable memories for every guest. In addition, the furniture for the outdoor dining room is various, which helps homeowners have more options before selecting the best one.

A large range of tables made of these materials are available in round, square, or rectangular designs to fit your area. These chairs often come with plush cushions for additional comfort.

Entertaining

Rattan or wicker bar set will be a great statement for your entertaining areas. It brings your ratio a natural environment and cultivates a casual bohemian ambiance. A tall table, a set of bar stools, and a mobile bar cart are perfect for outdoor cocktail parties, creating an intimate vibe for making drinks, kicking back, and chatting.

Cre: @igorkozhin via Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/author/igorkozhin

If you always host outdoor parties and love the rustic, charming beauty, consider choosing rattan patio furniture over wicker to make a strong impression on your guests. A wide variety of furniture makes it easy for those who want to create an organic, relaxing, and entertaining space.

Outdoor lounging

Rattan or wicker lounging chair is an easy approach to add a touch of personal style to your outdoor lounging.

The rustic chair will please every homeowner due to its comfortable look and convenience. The simple and alluring beauty will leave a strong impression on everyone at first sight.

Rattan sectional or loveseat is an excellent idea to create a relaxing space in your outdoor living space. You also enjoy your favorite books in the cozy, private reading nook on your patio by putting on a wicker porch swing, side table, and bookshelf.

Poolside relaxation

Rattan garden furniture is a beautiful and durable addition to any poolside relaxation space. The natural materials provide a unique, casual, and comfortable appearance for your relaxing areas.

Synthetic rattan and wicker are long-lasting materials and can withstand the sun, and large temperature variations. Therefore, they are perfect for highlighting your outdoor relaxing oasis.

Rattan furniture adds a warm and cozy atmosphere to your reading nook. Cre: @lifeforstock via Freepik: https://www.freepik.com/author/lifeforstock

You can consider adding wicker chaise lounges and daybeds by the pool for sunbathing or drying off after a swim. A wicker storage bin to hold all your floats and pool toys will be a great statement for your swimming pool areas.

The combination of an organic look and water-resistant quality, rattan vs wicker decor items, will be a great idea to add a breezy tropical atmosphere to your living space.

Style suggestions for rattan and wicker

Woven wicker vs rattan patio furniture bring feelings of refreshing relaxation and casual comfort to your space.

The appealing aesthetic and durable quality make this furniture ideal for decorating both outdoors and indoors. Below are some style suggestions for those who plan to use these natural materials to create a relaxing space.

Rattan style

With its distinctive characteristics combined with a contemporary design, rattan furniture has quickly become one of the on-trend and stylish decor pieces for decades.

Its natural color tones make it work well in an array of design styles. These styles include tropical, organic contemporary, seaside, and Bohemian.

Rattan or wicker furniture such as club chairs, coffee tables, and palm frond-print rugs work beautifully in bohemian and eclectic-style spaces. You can utilize these rustic decorative pieces to complement, support and add a textural layer to other styles.

Rattan decor items such as pendant lights, or a set of tables bring a warm and inviting vibe that is perfect for living spaces.

On the other hand, a rattan conversation set featuring arched silhouettes adds classic appeal to your veranda or terrace. To increase the comfortable feeling, you can combine them with throw pillows.

Wicker style

The wicker piece of furniture is the favorite decor that elevates any living space for years. Especially, the durable, weather-resistant ability makes them a great option for decorating outdoor spaces.

With traditional and rustic aesthetics, these wicker decor items will be special statements to make your spaces become more attractive and alluring.

If you plan to bring your outdoor relaxing a new vibe, wicker lounge chairs with sleek metal frames and plush seat cushions will be an excellent option.

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The combination of rustic and contemporary beauty will brighten up your outdoor spaces and create a chic appearance that captures every look.

On the other hand, a low-profile wicker sectional or loveseat made of these natural, organic-looking materials is the ideal stylistic complement to the rest of the decor items. Some wicker decor items like woven serving trays or baskets are also special highlights for spaces.

The furnishings according to the rattan vs wicker style are lightweight and easy to clean and maintain, so they are ideal for outdoor purposes. In addition, these wicker products are cost-effective and various in designs and styles, offering homeowners more decorative options.

Rattan & wicker decor

Rattan vs wicker accessories is an excellent approach to making a statement on your patio. With rustic and charming beauty, these natural pieces elevate the decor of your space in every aspect.

A large collection of decor items made from this organic material offers homeowners more options to create a relaxing space with personal style.

The most favorite rattan and wicker decor item among homeowners and interior designers is light fixtures. The wicker chandeliers and lanterns add a touch of warmth and a natural aesthetic to your living space.

Rattan baskets to hold throw blankets featuring woven accents will be a chic highlight, impressing every guest to your house.

The combination of a wicker ottoman, footstool, or console table will create a mixed-material effect for your metal patio seating.

In addition, you can incorporate small amounts of wicker such as serving trays, placemats, and outdoor planters as a way to make statements for your space.

Rattan decor items create a great highlight for the space

Conclusion

Rowabi has provided you with all detailed information about two common natural materials - rattan vs wicker. The choice of decor items for your space becomes easier once you comprehensively understand the difference between wicker and rattan patio furniture.

The stunning and natural aesthetics of this rattan decor make your relaxing areas more special and personal. With the above useful information, we hope that you can make informed choices when selecting pieces with rattan or wicker material that complement your stylish outdoor setup.