It hangs out on coastal grandmas’ porches, shapes sculptural boho light fixtures, and adds a touch of whimsy to high-end dining rooms. Wicker is the ultimate design chameleon. While it might feel like the newest “it” trend to hit your Instagram feed, this weaving technique has been silently styling our homes since the Stone Age.
From the Neolithic baskets of our ancestors to the Victorian parlors of England, wicker has crossed oceans and centuries to land right back in the spotlight. But if you think it’s just for sunrooms and shabby chic cottages, think again. We spoke to top interior designers to uncover how to take this heritage craft and make it the coolest piece in your modern home.
A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane
To understand where wicker is going, it helps to know where it’s been. By the Victorian era, it was a staple in English homes, and shortly after, it crossed the Atlantic to cement its place in American design.
Back in 1976, during a massive wicker wave, The New York Times reported a surge in prices. Back then, you could snag a bamboo armchair for $39 and a matching bookcase for $ $79. Fast forward to today, and that vintage find in your grandma’s attic? It could be worth thousands in antique stores. The modern revival isn’t cheap either, with quality woven armchairs averaging upwards of $300.
If you’re one of the lucky ones sitting on a treasure trove of family heirlooms or a flea market gem, don’t you dare toss it. With a few thoughtful updates, you can blend those vintage pieces into a space that looks anything but dated.
Wait, Is It Wicker or Rattan?
Let’s clear up the confusion right now: Wicker is the weave, not the material.
Think of wicker as the style of construction, not the substance itself. Rattan is a natural material often used for wicker weaving, but so are bamboo, willow, reed, and synthetic materials like resin and HDPE plastic (which make it durable enough for the outdoors).
Is Wicker Officially Back?
While some proclaim wicker’s grand return, others argue it never left the building.
“Wicker is classic,” says Lauren Wills Grover, principal at Wills Design Associates in Houston. “It has become a staple in most projects for an added natural element and a hint of nostalgia.”
That nostalgia is key. In a world of cold concrete and stark minimalism, wicker brings warmth. Plus, thanks to those synthetic materials, it’s now easier to clean and more weather-resistant than ever, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor durability.
So, how do you style it without turning your home into a theme park? Hattie Sparks Collins, owner of Hattie Sparks in New Orleans, sums it up perfectly: “Wicker should be treated like a quiet guest at a dinner party; it shouldn’t scream for attention, but it brings warmth and personality.”
Wicker Trend Modern Styling Tips: 4 Ways to Modernize
Ready to give your space a dose of quiet charisma? Here is how the pros are doing it right now.
1. Put It Where It Doesn’t Belong
The secret to a fresh look is surprise. Don’t just relegate wicker to the patio.
“I love using wicker where you wouldn’t expect texture at all, like tucked away in a powder bath or as a pendant light in a more formal dining room,” Collins reveals.
The magic happens when traditional materials meet modern shapes. Think a chunky, sculptural chair, an oversized decorative basket, or a whimsical animal-shaped lamp base. Lauren Wills takes this to the next level: “My favorite is to source and place wicker animals in rooms, whether as a side table or as a sculpture that we turn into a lamp.”
2. Contrast is Your Best Friend
Wicker loves company. To keep it from looking too rustic or “cottagecore,” pair it with unlikely allies.
“I like pairing wicker with materials that give it a little contrast like lacquered wood, plaster, or anything with a polished finish,” says Collins. “It looks great next to soft upholstery, worn leather, or even something glam like a vintage crystal lamp.”
That juxtaposition of natural weave against a sleek, modern surface is what gives a room depth and soul.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Got a tired old wicker chair? Paint it.
“A pop of color on a piece of wicker furniture is fun,” advises Wills. “I suggest painting before spending the time to stain it. It is easier to prep and just about anyone can DIY it.”
When choosing a hue, think rich and saturated. “Saturated blues, leafy greens, or terracotta make it stand out,” Collins adds. She notes that these tones play wonderfully in contemporary spaces alongside layered prints, botanicals, or polished velvet.
4. Balance, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of the matching three-piece wicker set. Your woven pieces should be the grounding element, not the entire story.
“Don’t go full cottagecore,” Collins warns. “Wicker works best when mixed with other textures and styles because it needs a little contrast to shine.”
Let it be the textural relief in a room full of sleek surfaces. To be the natural element in a modern space. Let it be the quiet guest that everyone remembers.
Whether it’s a $39 thrift-store treasure or a high-end designer piece, wicker proves that true style is forever. It’s not just back; it’s been here all along, waiting for us to see it in a new light.
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