Rattan

Rattan and cane, sourced from tropical regions, are naturally renewable. They grow quickly, are harvested without felling the forest around them, and reach the workshop as one of the more genuinely sustainable materials in the furniture trade. Unlike synthetics, cane and rattan offer a warmth and texture that is hard to replicate — lightweight, durable, equally suited to indoor and outdoor pieces, with an open weave that lets a heavy run of joinery breathe.

Rattan is the stem of the rattan palm; cane is the outer skin of that stem, peeled and woven. Both are harvested without lasting damage to the surrounding environment — the plant regrows, the canopy stays intact. For designers prioritising responsibly specified materials, the case for rattan is straightforward: biodegradable, renewable, durable through years of use, and a lighter footprint than plastic, metal or even most solid timbers.

Rattan, cane and wicker are often used interchangeably; they shouldn’t be. Rattan is the plant — a fast-growing tropical climbing palm whose solid stem provides the frames. Cane is the stem’s outer skin, peeled and woven into the webbing that fills chair backs and panels. Wicker is not a material at all but the weaving technique, applicable to rattan, willow or synthetic fibres alike.

From a cane-webbed headboard for a boutique hotel suite to a rattan conservatory sofa for a private residence, we tailor each commission to the brief. We work closely with architects, interior designers and procurement teams from concept through manufacture, ensuring the finished piece is a true reflection of the scheme.

The process begins with a consultation — we listen to the vision, the functional requirements, the wear the piece will see. Once the concept is developed, we move to material selection: the right weave, the right rattan stock, the right finish for the aesthetic and durability the piece demands. Our craftsmen then combine time-honoured methods with modern joinery techniques, treating every commission as a unique work and attending to the detail at every step — from the intricacy of the weave to the perfection of the finish.

The range we cover is broad: bespoke joinery doors, headboards, lounge chairs, conservatory sofas, screens, bar fronts. Whether the destination is a luxury hotel lobby or a private residence, every piece meets the same standards of craftsmanship and design.

From the airy hexagon of French cane to the dense weft of raffia matting, our library covers the range of woven surfaces in regular use. Select a swatch to see it full size; below the gallery, the named weaves are described in detail.

• French cane (rattan webbing) – the open hexagonal weave of café chairs and cane-backed seating. Airy, light-passing, the most popular cane for headboards, chair backs and screens.
• Jumbo weave – the same hexagonal logic at a bolder scale. Used where texture is the point: statement headboards, accent chairs, cabinet inserts that need to read across a room.
• Square mesh (radio weave) – a crisp grid pattern. Highly versatile — from conservatory sofas to kitchen and living-room cabinetry inserts.
• Close-woven raffia matting – densely woven for a richer, more textile-like surface. Excellent for headboards and decorative panels that want presence rather than transparency.
• Fine-weave close-woven cane – a tight, delicate weave for finely scaled furniture and decorative inserts. Reads as a soft surface rather than an open one.
• Bamboo matting – relaxed and tropical, used in both residential and hospitality work for feature walls and outdoor furniture.
• L-shaped close-woven cane – an angular, geometric modern weave; striking against contemporary joinery and cabinetry.

Natural rattan — the most widely used. A flexible yet sturdy construction material for chairs, sofas, tables and frames; well suited to bespoke garden furniture for its outdoor tolerance combined with elegance.

Wicker rattan — wicker is a weaving technique, not a material; wicker furniture made from rattan offers timeless style with modern durability, ranging from traditional to contemporary in feel.

Durable and weather-resistant — paired with weatherproof timbers like teak or iroko, rattan becomes an obvious choice for outdoor bespoke furniture. Its ability to handle outdoor conditions without deteriorating is what makes it the leading material for luxury bespoke garden pieces.

The appeal of working with rattan and cane lies in their adaptability to different design aesthetics — from modern minimalism to tropical luxury, the possibilities are wide. Woven patterns such as natural rattan cane webbing add both texture and visual interest, and their lightweight nature makes bespoke pieces easy to handle without sacrificing structural integrity.

For designers looking to create truly unique pieces, rattan and cane offer all but limitless design possibilities: custom shapes, sizes and patterns are achievable through careful weaving and craftsmanship. A cane-webbed headboard, a bespoke chair with an intricate woven panel, a screen with a custom geometric weave — the flexibility of the material allows the design to lead.

Cane webbing headboards for hotels and bedrooms, lounge and dining seating, and — increasingly — within joinery: woven door panels and cabinet fronts that lighten a run of cabinetry and let air and light move through it. Outdoors, rattan paired with teak or iroko frames builds garden and terrace furniture that takes the weather without losing its manners. Weave samples are available through our sampling service, and we advise on the right weave for the wear each piece will see.

Rattan and cane offer both aesthetic beauty and functional durability, making them ideal for bespoke furniture projects in residential and hospitality settings — boutique hotel, luxury resort or private residence alike. At Make Bespoke Studio, we combine traditional techniques with current design thinking to produce custom pieces that meet the brief precisely. From intricate cane headboards to durable rattan garden furniture, every commission is made with attention to detail, ensuring each piece is as functional as it is beautiful.

If you’re an interior designer or architect looking to lift a scheme with natural, sustainable materials, our team can help — let’s shape your vision into bespoke cane and rattan furniture that stands the test of time.

An open, woven surface that brings natural lightness to joinery, furniture and upholstered panels alike.

• Cabinet and wardrobe door inserts
• Headboard and bedhead panels
• Chair and bench backs
• Decorative wall panels
• Bedside cabinet fronts
• Room divider screens

Rattan, like cane, comes in a variety of forms, each with its unique qualities and uses. Let’s explore the most commonly used types of rattan in bespoke furniture making.

The most widely used rattan, natural rattan offers a flexible yet sturdy construction material. It’s often used in both indoor and outdoor furniture, including chairs, sofas, and tables. Rattan is particularly well-suited for bespoke garden furniture, as it withstands outdoor conditions while maintaining its elegant look.

Wicker refers to the weaving technique, not the material itself. Wicker furniture made from rattan is a classic choice, offering timeless style with modern durability. This versatile style can range from traditional to contemporary, making it suitable for a variety of design aesthetics.

Rattan is not only beautiful but also durable and weather-resistant. When paired with weatherproof materials like teak or iroko solid wood, rattan becomes an ideal choice for bespoke outdoor furniture. Its ability to handle outdoor conditions without deteriorating makes it a popular material for luxury bespoke garden furniture.

The beauty of working with rattan and cane lies in their adaptability to different design aesthetics. From modern minimalism to tropical luxury, the possibilities are endless.

Woven patterns, such as Natural Rattan Cane Webbing, offer intricate designs that add both texture and visual interest to a space. Woven furniture is a hallmark of rattan craftsmanship, and its lightweight nature makes it perfect for creating bespoke furniture pieces that are easy to move while maintaining their structural integrity.

For designers looking to create truly unique pieces, rattan and cane offer limitless design possibilities. Custom shapes, sizes, and patterns can be achieved through careful weaving and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a cane webbing headboard or a bespoke chair with intricate patterns, the flexibility of these materials allows for innovative and eye-catching designs.

The versatility of cane and rattan extends beyond just chairs and sofas. At Make Bespoke Studio, we’ve seen these materials utilised in a wide range of applications, from bespoke headboards to bespoke joinery doors and even large-scale commercial projects.

Bespoke cane furniture such as headboards and lounge chairs are highly sought after in luxury residential projects. These pieces bring a natural elegance to bedrooms and living spaces, adding warmth and texture that elevate the overall design.

Cane and rattan can also be incorporated into bespoke joinery, such as door panels or cabinet fronts. This offers a more organic alternative to solid wood or metal, creating a lighter and more textured look.

When used outdoors, cane and rattan—especially when paired with weather-resistant finishes—can transform patios, conservatories, and gardens into luxurious retreats. The natural durability of these materials, combined with their lightweight structure, makes them an excellent choice for bespoke garden furniture.

Rattan and cane are extraordinary materials that offer both aesthetic beauty and functional durability, making them ideal for bespoke furniture projects in residential and hospitality settings. Whether you are designing for a boutique hotel, a luxury resort, or a private residence, these materials can bring a sense of nature, texture, and craftsmanship to any space. At Make Bespoke Studio, we combine traditional techniques with innovative design to create custom furniture pieces that meet your unique needs. From intricate cane headboards to durable rattan garden furniture, our bespoke range is crafted with the highest attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is as functional as it is beautiful.

If you're an interior designer or architect looking to elevate your projects with natural, sustainable materials, our team is here to help. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life with bespoke cane and rattan furniture that stands the test of time.