Antique Cane Furniture
Not unlike wicker, cane furniture has a similar design and style that suits a certain folk and a very humid region of the world. And cane furniture has been around for hundreds of years, ever since plantations in island countries harvested sugar cane for the colonies. If you are curious what the furniture looked like all those many years ago, and perhaps want some for yourself, take a look at our collection of antique cane furniture.
Rounded Antique Cane Chairs
$387.5 $900
Rounded Antique Cane Chairs
Birch Lane™
$387.5 $900
This set includes two chairs. Each chair features a light brown solid oak frame that has been heavily distressed for an antique look. The foam-stuffed seats are upholstered in cream linen, whereas the backs have a cane rattan design.
Designer Advice:
These chairs would be perfect for a coastal décor scheme. Pair with a distressed oak table for a cohesive look. For extra pizzazz, a soft blue rug would look stunning and fit in with the coastal theme perfectly. Accentuate the cane backs with woven accessories such as placemats or fruit baskets dotted around your dining area or kitchen.
Roses Antique Cane Bed
Roses Antique Cane Bed
This stunning daybed is from the 1980s and features a French style. The intricately carved rose detail decorates each side of the daybed, which has cane sides. The base of the bed is off-white with some marking due to its age.
Designer Advice:
An ideal accompaniment to any French country décor scheme, this daybed is great for smaller rooms. It will still accommodate guests but won’t take up precious space. You could also use this daybed in a study. Pair with warm neutrals like taupe, and place a cream rug with a rose pattern underneath to emphasize the rose detail.
Elegant Antique Cane Back Sofa
Elegant Antique Cane Back Sofa
Originally from the early 20th century, this cane-back sofa can comfortably seat three. It is in good vintage condition, with a few stains and tears on the bench cushion. The dark brown frame features curved legs and arms and outlines the cane back.
Victorian Classic Cane Furniture
Victorian Classic Cane Furniture
A stunning and unique piece of furniture, this chair is originally from the 19th century. It features carved floral motifs at the back, turned stretchers, and splayed legs, with a glossy dark brown frame. It is in great vintage condition.
Rocking Chair Old Cane Furniture
Rocking Chair Old Cane Furniture
Made from wood and cane, this furniture set contains a cane-back rocking chair and a table with a cane top. Each piece features a rich and glossy wood base. The seat has also been replaced for better durability. Overall, the chair and the table have no major flaws.
Buying Guide
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
The warm and inviting appearance of antique cane furniture has brought a resurge of popularity of this old fashioned style. Cane weaving dates back to the late 17th century. Cane was used to keep parasites and bugs away because they could not burrow into the loose weaves.
Green living has prompted an increase in furniture that is natural and easy to clean. Transitional styles have also given way to an antique look to add charm.
- Cane - Cane comes from the vine of the rattan plant. The outer shiny skin is strong enough to hold hundreds of pounds. When cut into strips it is used in weaving of baskets, cane on chairs and other household items.
- Polyethylene Wicker - A synthetic form of cane is polyethylene wicker. It will be obvious that you do not have antique cane furniture when this material is used. However, it provides a nice mimicked recreation of the beauty of cane.
- Wood - Solid wood provides a base for cane that is stretched and secured. Often a hardwood like mahogany or walnut bring a sturdy and long lasting piece of furniture.
- Oriental - The Far East introduced many styles of cane furniture that are still popular today. Dining room chairs with cane backing, wicker patio furniture and stylish rattan coffee tables with banana legs deliver sophisticated living with hand woven cane that is durable. Drum tables made of Polyethylene Wicker are stunning when used on a patio. They are weather resistant and can easily hold the weight of plants of small statues.
- Contemporary - Bentwood Chairs use heated cane to manipulate the shape of cane into curves and dips for chairs and rockers. Used with a solid wood frame of hardwood, the straight or curved design make them suitable with contemporary or minimalist styles. Designers first became interested in this style in the 1840s and it has remained a classic ever since.
If you have antique cane furniture, you probably have a good understanding of the historical value of the piece. Cane must be cared for and kept away from dry heat. Natural cane can become brittle and break. Seats and backs made of natural cane should be treated regularly with lemon oil, orange oil or mineral oil in order to keep the strips flexible and able to bear weight. Never use antique cane furniture as a step stool. They are made for even distribution of weight.
Sagging cane can occur from lots of wear. There is a way to bring life back to a limp cane seat. Turn the chair upside down and apply a wet warm cloth to the bulge. Leave in place overnight. Remove the cloth and allow the cane to dry completely. The fibers will shrink and tighten the strands for a more uniform look and feel. Always have your chair repaired by an experienced cane installer if rips or cuts accidentally occur.
