What Is Wicker?

If you're a collector of beautifully crafted home decor, chances are you've heard the term 'wicker' floating around. But what does it actually mean?

Wicker is one of the most long-standing types of craftsmanship, with no signs of wavering popularity. This versatile technique slots in seamlessly with any home decor preference, adding a subtle hint of luxury to a room. Art in its own right.

Wicker Grey Wash Hamper - shop now. 

What is wicker? 

Contrary to popular belief, wicker itself is not a material. It's a technique.

Wicker refers to the method by which an object is woven, rather than what it's made from. Wickerwork is highly versatile, and it can be designed and tailored to showcase a variety of styles, from delicate open weaves to tightly bound, sturdy patterns.

There are two broad categories of wicker: natural and synthetic. Synthetic wicker is commonly used for outdoor furniture, since it's built to withstand the weather, whereas natural wicker is prized for its warmth and texture, and is what we work with here at Wovenhill. 

Oval Grey Wash Log Basket with Wooden Handles - shop now. 

Where does wicker come from?

Wicker has been around for quite some time, with the first recorded wicker pieces dating back to 3,000 BC in ancient Egypt. The word 'wicker' is thought to be of Scandinavian origin, from 'wika', meaning to bend.

The craft spread through ancient Rome, and later became especially fashionable during the Victorian era, when elaborate wicker furniture was seen as a mark of taste and refinement. That association with quality has never really faded.

Its use of raw, natural materials paired with delicate craftsmanship gives wicker a look that's both rustic and refined at once. It works just as well in a modern, minimal room as it does in a traditional cottage one, which is probably why it's held its popularity for thousands of years rather than fading with a passing trend.

Bamboo Oval Log Basket with Wheels and Hoop Handles - shop now.

What is wicker made of?

Wicker can be woven from a range of natural and synthetic materials, and the one used makes a real difference to how a piece looks, feels and holds up over time.

Natural wicker materials

Rattan. A strong, flexible palm most associated with wicker furniture and baskets. It has a warm, honey-toned finish and takes stains and colour washes well, and it's the material behind most of our own baskets, trunks and hampers.

Kubu rattan. A distinctive, grey-washed rattan, traditionally soaked to achieve its weathered, driftwood-like tone. Popular for pieces with a relaxed, coastal feel.

Willow. Lightweight and slightly more delicate than rattan, willow is often used for rustic-style baskets and traditional picnic hampers.

Reed. Taken from the inner core of the rattan plant, reed is smooth, easy to work with, and often used in more decorative pieces.

Cane. The outer skin of the rattan plant, thin and durable, commonly used in open-weave patterns.

Seagrass. Naturally moisture-resistant with a soft texture, seagrass has a green tone when new that fades to a warm beige over time.

Water hyacinth. A fast-growing, sustainable aquatic plant used in thick, braided weaves, producing sturdy, textured baskets.

Comparing common wicker materials

Which material should you choose?

If you're buying for everyday use, a busy hallway basket, a log basket that gets filled and emptied all winter, or a trunk that doubles as extra seating, rattan or Kubu rattan is the sturdier long-term choice. For a laundry basket, seek out seagrass specifically. Its breathable weave helps clothes stay fresher between washes, rather than trapping damp and odour the way a sealed container would. If you want a lighter, more decorative piece that won't take heavy daily wear, willow or water hyacinth both bring a softer, more textured look at a lower cost.

Synthetic wicker materials

Synthetic wicker (sometimes called resin or all-weather wicker) is woven from man-made materials such as polyethene or PVC, designed to withstand sun and rain without fading or cracking. It's most commonly seen in outdoor garden furniture rather than indoor storage, since it trades some of natural wicker's warmth for weather resistance.

At Wovenhill, we work exclusively with natural materials, including rattan, Kubu rattan, seagrass and water hyacinth, chosen for their durability, warmth, and eco-friendly credentials.

Are wicker baskets eco-friendly?

If you’re an eco-conscious consumer, a wicker basket would be a perfect choice. This is because wicker solutions are most commonly created using natural materials that are renewable and ethically sourced. 

Common alternatives tend to be made from plastic, which, of course, is not a great option to invest in if you care about the environment. Plus, plastic storage solutions are likely to warp and even break prematurely, which makes them more costly in the long run. 

At Wovenhill, our wicker basket range is eco-friendly, as we only use sustainable and ethically sourced materials to handcraft our selection. 

Kubu Rattan Rectangular Log Basket with Hoop Handles - shop now.

Benefits of wicker 

Wicker's staying power comes down to more than just looks.

Timeless style. From boho to traditional interiors, wicker's natural texture works with almost any decor style, so it won't date the way a more trend-led material might.

Texture and warmth. The woven pattern adds depth and visual interest, softening a room in a way that smooth, manufactured surfaces can't. It's a useful counterbalance in a space with a lot of hard flooring or minimalist furniture.

Durability. Well-made natural wicker, properly cared for, can hold up to decades of everyday use, so it's rarely a false economy even if it costs more upfront than plastic storage.

Lightweight and easy to move. Unlike solid wood or metal storage, wicker baskets and trunks are easy to lift and reposition, handy if you like to rearrange a room or need to carry a full laundry basket up and down stairs.

Eco-friendly. Natural wicker is made from renewable, biodegradable plant materials, a sustainable alternative to plastic storage, which tends to warp, crack, and end up in landfill far sooner.

Breathable. The open weave allows air to circulate freely around whatever's stored inside, which is why it works so well for laundry hampers. It helps prevent the damp, musty smell that a sealed plastic bin can trap in.

Kubu Rattan Storage Hamper - shop now.

How to style wicker in your home

Wicker's versatility means it earns its place in pretty much any room.

Living room. A lidded storage trunk doubles as a coffee table and a home for throws, remotes or board games, while a log basket keeps firewood tidy beside the fire.

Hallway. A shelf basket or two makes a natural catch-all for shoes, scarves and post, without looking like clutter.

Bedroom. Smaller woven baskets are ideal for out-of-season clothing, spare bedding, or general overflow storage under a shelf or bench.

Utility room or bathroom. A woven laundry hamper keeps washing contained and breathable, so clothes stay fresher for longer between loads.

Kitchen. Shallow trays and baskets bring warmth to open shelving and are a practical way to group pantry items or fruit and veg.

How to care for wicker

Wicker Grey Wash Hamper - shop now.

Frequently asked questions

Is wicker the same as rattan?

No. Wicker is the weaving technique, while rattan is one of the natural materials most commonly used to create it. Not all wicker is made from rattan, and not all rattan is woven into wicker.

Is wicker furniture eco-friendly?

Natural wicker is made from renewable, biodegradable plant materials like rattan, seagrass, and water hyacinth, making it a far more sustainable choice than plastic alternatives.

Can wicker be used outdoors?

Natural wicker is best suited to indoor use, since prolonged exposure to damp and direct sun can cause it to crack over time. Synthetic wicker is the better choice for outdoor furniture.

How long does wicker last?

Well-made natural wicker, cared for properly, can last for decades. The quality of the weave and the conditions it's kept in both play a big part in its lifespan

Kubu Woven Oblong Lined Log Baskets with Hoop Handles - shop now.

 We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our article on wicker, as well as discovering a few wicker baskets available to purchase at Wovenhill.

If none of the wicker baskets featured above match what you’re looking for, be sure to check out the rest of our website to browse our wider range of premium-quality wicker baskets. 

Shop wicker baskets at Wovenhill today.