Everything you need to know about cane webbing
- In furniture, cane webbing refers to two things: the process of caning a seat and the rattan cane webbing used to do so.
- The name comes from weaving on a frame using rattan cane.
- Tight weaving for chair seats (for strength), looser weaving for ornamental objects.
- Its history dates back to the 17th century, when the Dutch brought rattan from Malacca to Europe.
- Cane webbing inspired the Thonet No. 14 chair, an icon of industrial furniture design.
Where does cane webbing come from? The revival of cane-webbed furniture, chairs, entryway furniture, pendant lights and decorations
Cane webbing arrived in Europe in the 17th century, brought from Malacca by the Dutch under the name rattan cane. Having become emblematic of the Belle Époque style, it is now making a strong comeback in both furniture and decorative objects.
If you are passionate about authentic furniture that combines contemporary design with an ancestral technique, you will have noticed the scale of this phenomenon: cane webbing has made a strong comeback both in furniture and in decorative objects! And it comes in every style and every form. Much to the delight of aesthetes who love quality design…
Because the history of cane webbing is also the story of the great travelers of the 17th century, a time when the Dutch established a trading post in Malacca, on a peninsula in Southeast Asia. With the discovery of rattan, they launched a flourishing trade and imported the famous rattan cane to Europe. Over the centuries, this material inspired cabinetmakers and artisans, eventually becoming emblematic of a delicate Belle Époque decorative style.
Its success was such that the regular octagons of French cane webbing invaded interiors, sometimes in fashion and sometimes less prominent, eventually inspiring the celebrated Thonet chair, the No. 14 bistro chair, an icon of industrial furniture design. Associated with the idea of comfort, cane webbing was widely used for the seats of a wide variety of styles. And it is undeniably known for its durability!
When you place your brand-new cane-webbed headboard or your cane-webbed chest of drawers, remember that they are the result of a long and beautiful craft tradition that gives your furniture or décor even greater value!
Cane webbing: what is the definition? What is meant by cane webbing?
In furniture, cane webbing refers to two things (an action and the material used in that action):
- cane webbing refers to the process of “caning,” that is, covering the seat and back of a chair with interwoven cane strips,
- but cane webbing also refers to the raw material, the cane webbing used to make the seat or decorate a piece of furniture (chairs, headboards, pendant lights...)
In other words, the term cane webbing refers both to a traditional upholstery technique and to the resulting rattan cane webbing. The context of the sentence indicates which of the two meanings is intended.
How is cane webbing made?
Cane webbing is made by weaving rattan cane strips on a frame. There are two finishes: tight, durable weaving for chair seats, or looser weaving reserved for ornamental objects.
The name cane webbing comes from weaving on a frame using rattan cane, hence the name “cane webbing.” Cane webbing can take several forms, depending on the desired finish. It can feature tight weaving that provides excellent strength (for chair seats, for example), or looser weaving, in which case cane webbing is reserved for more ornamental objects.
What we love about cane webbing is, of course, its very natural appearance, which brings a soft charm and a touch of Bohemian style to our décor! And it is quite simply everywhere, in every style: we love it in rustic, purely vintage or retro settings, and it is not uncommon to see it featured in Scandinavian-inspired interiors as well!
Its secret to winning over every style? A traditional technique that has managed to adapt, because the cane webbing trend is not limited to ancestral weaving. Indeed, manufacturers and designers from different schools have embraced cane webbing, helping it evolve and take its place in our interiors: we know it on our chairs, our bedside tables, our
FAQ: cane webbing questions
What is chair caning?
Chair caning is the process of “caning” the seat, that is, covering the seat and back of the chair with interwoven rattan cane strips woven on a frame.
Is cane webbing durable?
Yes. Associated with the idea of comfort, cane webbing has been widely used for the seats of a wide variety of styles, and it is undeniably known for its durability. Tight weaving provides excellent strength.
Which decorating styles work well with cane webbing?
Cane webbing comes in every style: rustic, vintage or retro, and it is not uncommon to see it featured in Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Its natural appearance brings a soft charm and a touch of bohemian style.
Which famous chair was inspired by cane webbing?
The Thonet No. 14 chair, also known as the bistro chair, an icon of industrial furniture design. The regular octagons of French cane webbing invaded interiors until they inspired it.
