Cane furniture is experiencing a resurgence in home décor, valued for its natural textures and versatility across various styles. Once popular in the 1960s and 1970s, it fell out of favor due to limited design options but is now appreciated for being lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly. Residents in Dhaka highlight its role in bringing a sense of nature to urban living.
Cane furniture, which evokes images of resorts and holidays, is returning strongly to contemporary interiors. It fits seamlessly into retro, boho, coastal, or traditional designs, enhancing spaces with added color, texture, and interest. After dominating homes in the 1960s and 1970s, its popularity waned because of perceived datedness and lack of variety compared to colorful modern pieces.
The revival stems from its timeless appeal and adaptability. In 2021, global design trends emphasized texture and natural materials, qualities cane embodies while also being versatile, low-maintenance, affordable, and environmentally sound. Art enthusiasts use it indoors and outdoors to introduce 'naturalness' amid technology-dominated environments.
In Dhaka, where urban life feels constricting amid concrete structures, locals appreciate its earthy tones. Asif Rahman, a banker, noted, “Living here, my mind desires natural touch every day. For me, to some extent, cane furniture with natural textures and earthy tones fulfils that desire by adding a playful and relaxed vibe to my household.” He added that it recalls his village childhood.
Sabrina Shelly, a homemaker in Dhanmondi, said, “Wooden furniture is already there to make my interior look good. A few pieces of cane furniture bring variation, which I like the most.” She described her cane sofa and bamboo table as elegant as pricier alternatives.
Businesses are responding with diverse designs and colors. Raw materials come mainly from Indonesia and Vietnam, as local cane lacks quality for premium items. Prices vary: dining sets from Tk 25,000 to Tk 1.5 lakh, sofas from Tk 28,000 to Tk 2 lakh, chairs from Tk 3,000 to Tk 20,000, and hanging chairs from Tk 5,000 to Tk 20,000. Products carry up to 10-year guarantees.
Bangladesh could boost exports of such natural-material goods, and experts suggest government support to expand the sector and diversify exports.
Styling ideas include cane sofas in living rooms with bright cushions, white chairs around dining tables for contrast, bedheads in bedrooms for an organic feel, and hanging chairs outdoors for a resort vibe. Maintenance involves regular dusting, soapy water cleaning, and avoiding direct heat or sunlight to prevent brittleness.
