Wicker Is Back. (Well, It Never Really Went Away.)

Walk into a breezy Florida bungalow, a coastal cottage, or a sun-splashed condo—and chances are you’ll spot wicker or rattan somewhere. That’s because, as tastes shifted, the woven look of wicker and rattan continued to adapt—lightweight, durable, and effortlessly casual.

First things first: wicker vs. rattan (they’re not the same).

“Wicker” refers to a weaving technique—the lattice-style pattern—while “rattan” is the natural vine (a palm) often used as the material. You can have rattan furniture woven in a wicker pattern, but wicker can also be made from other materials (including reed, cane, or modern synthetics).

A quick history

In America, industrialists like Cyrus Wakefield helped popularize rattan and wicker in the 19th century, and the look has resurfaced generation after generation because it’s strong, light, and adaptable indoors and out.

Painted, natural, and everything in between. Part of Wicker’s magic is finish flexibility.

Leave wicker natural to showcase warm, honeyed texture—or paint woven pieces crisp white, sea-glass blue, or jet black for an instant style shift.

(Pro tip: painted wicker reads fresh and coastal; natural finishes feel organic and timeless.)

The technique works across reeds, cane webbing, and wrapped joints —hallmarks of quality construction.

The designer stamp: Henry Link, Tommy Bahama, and Ralph Lauren.

Collectors love Henry Link—particularly tropical collections like Bali Hai—because the brand married casual wicker with sturdy case goods and resort styling. The Henry Link name traces to mid-20th-century American furniture manufacturing, with a dedicated wicker program launching in the 1980s; vintage pieces remain sought-after today.

For a modern resort vibe, Tommy Bahama Home (by Lexington) keeps the category stylish with wrapped rattan frames, rich finishes, and performance fabrics—perfect for indoor/outdoor living.

And Ralph Lauren Home has long riffed on classic cabana and coastal silhouettes with woven rattan and wicker chairs and accents—proof that the material is as luxe as it is laid-back.

Why it fits Florida (like flip-flops and sunsets).

Florida décor leans airy, bright, and indoor-outdoor. Wicker and rattan bring:

• Texture without heaviness. Open weave = visual lightness that plays beautifully with sun and sea tones.

• Durability and easy living. Natural rattan is strong and flexible; modern resin wicker can handle humidity on covered lanais (use outdoor-rated pieces outside).

• Timeless versatility. Wicker layers with slipcovered sofas, sisal rugs, bleached woods, and brass—equally at home in coastal, tropical, boho, or “quiet luxury” rooms.How to choose great pieces (quick buyer’s checklist).

• Tight, even weave with smooth, wrapped joints and no gaps.- Solid frames (rattan poles or quality hardwood) and level sit.

• Right finish for the space: UV-resistant/resin for outdoors; natural or painted for interiors.- Mix materials: a rattan lounge chair with linen cushions, a caned headboard, or a wicker side table adds texture without clutter.

Bottom line: Wicker isn’t a fad—it’s a craft.

Whether you fall for a vintage Henry Link dresser, a Tommy Bahama rattan lounge chair, or a contemporary Ralph Lauren woven piece, you’re investing in comfort, character, and a style that’s always in season—especially under Florida skies.