The Art of Cannage
Cannage — the timeless technique we still love!
Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this classic craft we love to incorporate into our projects. From its history to how it fits into modern interiors, including care tips and crafting techniques — we’re revealing it all!
I. The history of cannage
Source : Bernard Touillon
What is cannage? Cannage is a weaving technique using natural plant fibers—specifically rattan cane—mainly applied to create the seat or backrest of a chair. Rattan cane is a plant known for its flexibility and exceptional strength, making it ideal for this traditional craft.
Cannage was imported from Asia by our English and Dutch neighbors in the 1660s. Its popularity grew in the 1700s when it began to be used in royal court furniture, thanks to its many advantages—namely, its strength and lightness.
By the mid-19th century, cane furniture became very popular and achieved great success in France due to its comfort and durability. You have likely heard of the famous Bistro Chair No. 14 by Michael Thonet, created in 1859. Made from bentwood with a woven cane seat, it became a major icon of industrial furniture design. With over 50 million units sold worldwide between 1859 and 1910, it continues to be popular globally today and significantly contributed to the success of this technique.
Indeed, this designer revolutionized the furniture industry by pioneering a new method: steam bending wood, which enabled mass production. This chair quickly became widespread, filling cafés across Europe. Later, other famous designs followed, such as Marcel Breuer’s Cesca B32 chair and Charlotte Perriand’s Rio table.
Charlotte Perriand designed this coffee table in 1962 while she was in Brazil. It features a distinctive asymmetrical and rounded form, captivating us with its caning that adds a simple yet elegant design touch. This particular piece is a reissue by Cassina from 2015.
Did you know? When fashion takes inspiration from cannage!
If you’re interested in fashion, you may have noticed the diamond pattern that makes up the Dior logo—but did you know this design is inspired by cane furniture? In 1947, Christian Dior presented his first collection, and during the show, he chose to seat guests on Napoleon III-style chairs featuring rattan cane weaving that echoed the characteristics of the garments he had created. Six years later, he drew inspiration again from these rattan cane chairs to design the packaging for his new fragrance, L’Eau Fraîche.
The Dior Fall-Winter 1961-1962 Collection Inspired by Dior’s Signature Cannage
COURTESY OF DIOR
II. Cannage techniques
Source : wicker woman
There are different types of cannage: solid checkerboard cannage, openwork cannage (such as the daisy pattern), and marquise or French cannage. The latter, mainly used in Europe, involves weaving six strands of rattan bark to form regular hexagons.
Traditional hand-woven cannage is the most widespread and well-known technique. It consists of a six-strand weave, with strand widths varying between 1.6 mm and 3 mm.
It takes place in three steps :
1. First, the assembly involves interlacing two vertical strands with two horizontal strands, forming a surface of “small squares.”
2. Next comes the filling, which consists of weaving a strand diagonally to create the typical hexagonal pattern of cannage.
3. Finally, the finishing step involves applying a spline—a wider edge strand that conceals the holes in the frame.
After these steps, there is also the option to apply wax or stain.
Nowadays, weaving techniques have evolved significantly, and it is now rare for rattan to be hand-woven. Instead, it is woven by machines and is often of lower quality compared to handcrafted pieces. This industrial method is known as “mechanical cane weaving” or “pre-woven roll cane edging.”
At Studio Bisson, we love to find makers who still use traditional handcrafting techniques, and once again, Portugal and its artisans do not disappoint us!
III. Cannage in our interiors today
In interior design, cannage has been making a comeback for some time now, taking center stage in our homes. It’s the perfect ally if you’re aiming for a clean, minimalist style that respects the environment.
It captivates us with its natural color and openwork patterns, bringing a retro vibe to our interiors, while also fitting perfectly in more modern and contemporary spaces!
Studio Bisson Project: Boa Vista Social Club
We embrace it by incorporating it into our furniture—not just in seating, but also in tables, shelves, countertops, mirrors, and even chandeliers! Its light and delicate appearance allows a return to essentials and natural materials. It embodies simplicity, which we find very appealing. Widely adopted by top interior designers, it fits perfectly with Japandi and Wabi-Sabi styles. The desire to return to traditional and artisanal craftsmanship has greatly contributed to its growing popularity.
However, we avoid an all-cannage look, which could overwhelm the room. To incorporate it into our decor, we like to pair it with other textures such as fabric, glass, or metal. Of course, we also love combining it with wood, which offers many possibilities. Light wood creates a classic, retro feel, while dark wood gives a more modern and design-oriented look. In the bedroom, for example, we incorporate cannage through a headboard to bring softness and elegance to the space.
Source : Céragrès / Famitalia
IV. Our selection of cane furniture
As you can see, cannage is a trend we fully embrace! So, we’ve put together a small selection of cane furniture to share with you today!
Références :
The Wiener chair – Gabriella Asztalos
The Allegory desk - Gebrüder Thonet Viennat
Console buffet Moscobal
The Aramak pendant light
The Cane Sofa – Red Edition
V. Cannage care and maintenance
Cannage requires proper care, so here are some tips to help you maintain your precious rattan furniture.
Ideally, avoid placing your furniture in overly humid spaces, as moisture can cause the cannage to warp. Since cannage is made from natural fibers extracted from rattan bark, these fibers can deform, dry out, or break over time. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent this and extend its lifespan.
First, regularly dust the surface to remove dust trapped between the fibers. To prevent the cannage from dulling, darkening, or yellowing, and to restore its shine, clean it with a sponge dipped in warm water mixed with washing soda (sodium carbonate). Like all natural materials, rattan cannage needs nourishment, so apply liquid wax or linseed oil with a cloth to a clean, dry surface.
If the cannage loosens—for example, on seating surfaces—turn the chair upside down and spray the back of the cannage with a mist sprayer, then place a damp cloth on it and let it rest for a few hours. The moisture will soften the fibers, which will tighten again as they dry.
If any strands break, they can be repaired by gluing the fibers back in place using a special adhesive.
Bonus : easy DIY for applying cane roll :
• Cut the cane to the desired shape
• Soak the cane in warm water for at least 15 minutes
• Staple the cane to your frame, stretching the material as much as possible (preferably on the inner side so the staples are not visible)
As it dries, the cane will contract and tighten!
And there you have it — now cannage holds no more secrets for you!