The Old-School Furniture Design Trend Making A Big Comeback In 2026

With the world outside moving at seemingly breakneck speeds, it's no surprise that many are looking toward household spaces to help them stay grounded and in control. Aesthetics remain a top concern, of course, but today's interiors are making a priority of comfort, calm, and recognizable layouts. And what better way to achieve them than through throwbacks to those safe and familiar looks of yesteryear? It isn't just about retreating to full-blown retro arrangements, though; these days, we're finding new solutions for modern sensibilities through classic elements, with cane being one old-school and unexpected furniture trend that's coming back in a big way in 2026.

Caned furniture, featuring woven rattan strips covering seating surfaces and furniture panels, is essential to diverse styles of decades past. You may already have some in your home if you lean toward bohemian, mid-century, or coastal schemes. Within current trends, we're discovering how truly timeless this sustainable material can be. Take your pick of any interior design buzzwords — lived-in, earthy, warm, textural — and cane nails every note. 

According to a 1stDibs designer survey, 27% of experts cited rattan and wicker as key trends going into 2026. Cane is seeing its popularity as a versatile decorative addition progressing in step. Especially as more designs move toward softer curved forms, layered textures, meaningful handcrafted pieces, and natural details like wood, cane offers a near-perfect complement throughout the home.

Caned furniture's rise in 2026 follows a recent popularity push occurring within the last decade. More than the typical cyclical resurgence often seen with old-fashioned trends, this upswing is a testament to the material's flexibility in updated layouts. Seats and backs for accent chairs are a tried-and-true touch, but cane could pop up practically anywhere. Dining room chairs, whether modern or traditional, embrace cane's airy pattern, and designers equally enjoy the character the weave brings to the bedroom. As designer Birdie Fortescue explained to Homes & Gardens, "Rattan headboards are loved for their natural texture, lightness, and the sense of craftsmanship they bring to a room."

Where there's storage, cane catches the eye without seeming outdated or out of touch. Cabinets in the kitchen, living room, and beyond benefit from cane fronts to stay interesting and on trend in 2026. A couple of years ago, Pinterest predicted this unique design trend to take over cabinetry exactly as it has, but it can go even further to lighten, soften, and personalize spaces. Cane works in larger panels for bookshelf backings and screens, particularly as warm layered textures become more immersive and central to an overall design.

Caned furniture is also about slowing down. You can test the waters and start small with cane baskets, accent tables, and lamp shades to see how the material might fit in your home. If it strikes you, it's a wonderful material for DIYing. IKEA fans may already know how to turn the BILLY bookcase into a trendy woven cane storage cabinet, but layering webbing into panels is a relatively easy update to many cabinet door or drawer fronts. Give it some thought, and you'll likely find a perfect place for caned furniture in almost any style.