woven rattan

What is woven rattan?

Woven rattan is made from the outer skin of rattan palm stems, split and woven into an open lattice — commonly a hexagonal pattern. It is lightweight, airy, and full of texture, bringing a handcrafted, tropical-modernist sensibility. The interplay of solid strands and negative space makes it a graphic material in photography.

When to use it: Use rattan for chair seats, room dividers, or storage baskets when you want a airy, organic feel. Backlighting is a powerful tool — it transforms the weave into a shadow projector. Pair with smooth, cool surfaces like concrete or white walls to create a pleasing textural tension.

Pro tip: To avoid rattan looking flat, light it from behind at a 45° angle and place a matte reflector in front to bounce back just enough detail into the cane strands without killing the silhouette.