Everyone owned it in the '80s, and now it's the thrift store find we all want in our homes

Walk into any thrift store in America, and you’re likely to see it: a wicker chair, with its warm, honey-toned weave, perhaps a rattan side table or a woven pendant lamp. Perhaps you’ve just blown right past these pieces before. But if you have been doing that lately, it’s time to look again. Rattan and wicker are officially back and what used to look dated now looks very, very desirable.

What is the difference between rattan and wicker?
These two words are thrown around as though they are interchangeable, but they are not. Rattan is a material, a vine-like palm that grows in tropical parts of Asia, Africa and Australia. But wicker is a weaving style used to make furniture and decor from materials such as rattan, bamboo, or even synthetic materials like vinyl and resin. So wicker is the how; rattan is the what. A piece can be both wicker-woven rattan or just one.

That distinction is important when you thrift because some wicker items are made from more durable natural rattan, while others are made from resin or vinyl, which holds up better outdoors.

Why everyone's suddenly obsessed again
Rattan and wicker furniture has been around for generations, peaked in the 1950s, faded through the ‘80s into a more mass-produced aesthetic, and then got quietly shelved. But there’s been a change in the last couple of years. People want homes that feel warm, textured, and real, not cold and sterile. Natural materials are a big part of it.

Wicker and rattan furniture was one of the top five furniture and lighting trends for 2026, according to the 1stDibs Interior Designer Trends Survey, which polled 468 design professionals around the world, with 27% of designers mentioning it. That’s not a bug. That’s a clear message from industry insiders that this trend has staying power.

One of the reasons these materials work so well is their flexibility across aesthetics. Rattan chairs feel just as at home in a boho Brooklyn apartment as in a minimalist Austin studio or a coastal cottage in the Carolinas. It’s a smart investment because the material doesn’t lock you into one look even if you evolve in your style.

It's not just about aesthetics; sustainability counts too
Millennials and Gen Z aren’t just decorating. They’re making conscious decisions. According to Coherent Market Insights, 73 percent of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Rattan ticks that box: it is a renewable natural material and doesn’t require the energy-heavy production processes of plastic or metal furniture.

And thrifting rattan pushes that sustainability logic even further. Buying secondhand keeps perfectly good pieces out of landfill and avoids the environmental costs of manufacturing something new altogether.

The smart way to thrift rattan
It's exactly why the thrift store angle is so appealing: brand-new rattan furniture can run up to $1,000 or more for one piece. But there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you pack up your vehicle.

First, look closely at areas that are woven. Rattan that's been sat on, moved around and lived in for decades will show wear and tear: frayed edges, loose weaves or cracked sections. Minor cosmetic wear is totally fine and part of the charm, but structural damage is a different story. Rattan repairs can be expensive and difficult to find.

Secondly, consider placement. Rattan and natural wicker aren’t waterproof unless mixed with synthetics, so pieces intended for a bathroom or covered porch should be examined for what they’re made of.

Look for plant stands, baskets, bar stools, coffee tables and pendant lights in addition to chairs. These smaller pieces are everywhere in thrift stores right now and can totally change the feel of a room without costing much.

The ‘80s called. They want their wicker back, and this time, we want it too.