How to Care for Antique Cane and Rattan Furniture

Cane usually refers to the outer skin of rattan used in woven seating; rattan can also form structural bent frames. Materials are flexible when properly conditioned but become brittle through age, heat and low humidity.

First assessment

Distinguish hand caning through holes, pre-woven cane in a groove and structural rattan. Check binding, joints and hidden metal fasteners.

Inspect broken intersections and edge holes.
Check spline and groove on machine cane.
Assess rattan frame splits and binding.
Look for paint or varnish instability.
Check seat tension without pressing hard.

Photograph condition before cleaning or movement. Identify all materials and test whether surfaces are stable. Stop if paint, gilding, fibres, veneer or finish begin to move.

Safe treatment and handling

Dust gently and maintain stable moderate humidity. Keep weight off broken cane. Replacement should match the original weaving system and pattern while retaining sound material.

Work from the least interventive option. Use clean tools, controlled suction and barriers that prevent abrasion. Improve environment and remove the cause of damage before attempting cosmetic improvement.

Do not do this

Soaking or spraying cane routinely.
Oiling rattan.
Sitting on a seat with broken strands.
Replacing hand cane with sheet cane.
Painting over active splits.

Monitoring and prevention

Avoid radiators and intense sun. Monitor seat edges, bindings and frame joints.

Seek professional help for active mould, sewage contamination, fire residues, suspected pesticides, rare textiles, unstable paint or major structural failure.

Sources

Follow preventive-conservation guidance from the [Canadian Conservation Institute](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html), [National Park Service Conserve O Grams](https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/cons_toc.html), and object-based research in the [V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture).