My Friends Thought I Was Mad for Keeping My Grandmother’s Vintage Wicker Garden Furniture – But Now It’s the Most On-Trend Detail on My Patio (and Designers Agree)
Wicker (in both its vintage and modern forms) is the material of the season, adding undeniable character and heritage charm to outdoor spaces
They say what goes around always comes back around. I've found that to be true in design, at least, as nearly everything I've inherited from my Grandmother is now more in vogue than my newly-bought decor – the latest being her wicker patio furniture.
As an outdoor furniture style with undeniable heritage appeal, wicker has long been an outdoor decorating trend that many have adopted for their patios, backyards, and porches – my grandmother included. But as modern styles like teak wood and powder-coated aluminum grew in popularity, wicker took a backseat in backyard design.
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There's something so nostalgic about wicker furniture on a front porch – its charming texture, its soft curvature, and its lived-in design just invites you to sit back and relax.
But what's causing this resurgence of vintage-inspired wicker outdoor furniture that we're seeing in backyards in 2026? According to interior designer Lauren Saab, it's all about the heritage feel it can give to a patio. 'People are craving history over hype,' she tells me. 'Wicker carries that collected, passed down feeling, like it has always been there, which gives a space depth you cannot fake with brand new, overly polished pieces.'
And if furniture can be nostalgic, then wicker carries memories like none other. 'It brings people back to a feeling – gardens, porches, time spent outside in a slower, more intentional way,' designer Darci Hether explains of wicker. 'For me, it always reminds me of the Victorian wicker set my grandmother had in her garden. That connection gives it so much more meaning than just a design choice.'
Sentimental feelings aside, wicker brings character to outdoor spaces through its textural appeal, too. According to Lauren, its tactile weave adds an unmatched level of softness to outdoor spaces. 'In a world of hard lines and metal frames, [wicker] brings in texture and shape in a way that feels more relaxed and lived-in, which instantly makes an outdoor space more inviting,' she remarks.
Darci shares a similar opinion. 'Wicker creates this effortless, lived-in charm, like the space has evolved over time rather than being installed all at once. There’s a softness and a romance to it that makes you want to linger a little longer,' she muses.
As a furniture style that invites you to sit down and stay awhile, wicker just makes sense for patios and porches – places designed for ultimate relaxation.
Serena and Lily always has a chic collection of wicker outdoor furniture with a vintage-inspired look, including these Kiawah Rocking Chairs that feel like they belong on your grandmother's front porch.
If you, like me, have inherited a collection of vintage-style wicker outdoor furniture – consider yourself lucky. Nowadays, it's hard to find true vintage wicker outdoor furniture that's actually in usable condition. And if it is, it's probably pretty expensive. However, that's not to say it's impossible to find vintage wicker furniture for your garden. Online marketplaces are packed with covetable finds – if you know how to shop. Try searching with terms like 'vintage wicker patio furnishings' or 'antique wicker outdoor decor' to find picks like this pristine wicker side table from eBay or this stunning wicker sofa from Chairish.
But if you'd prefer something newly made with vintage-inspired appeal, lots of our favorite brands here at Homes & Gardens have released outdoor collections for spring and summer 2026 that are filled with wicker pieces that nail the aged look. McGee & Co.'s new outdoor line, for instance, has lots of vintage-inspired wicker pieces, including the Haviland Sofa and the Haviland Coffee Table. Even Pottery Barn's latest outdoor arrivals features woven wicker pieces that look just as characterful as your grandmother's vintage wicker, including the Huntington Swivel Ottoman and the Huntington Swivel Armchair.
Below, find a collection of some of my favorite wicker outdoor furniture pieces that can add undeniable character to your outdoor space this spring and summer. These picks are so charming, I'm sure they'd get my Grandmother's stamp of approval.
What Exactly is Wicker?
Contrary to popular belief, wicker isn't a material itself. It's actually a type of weave used to make durable outdoor furniture, planters, or even baskets. Wicker can be made with rattan, reed, or synthetic materials. Polywicker is very popular without outdoor furniture because you can get that same rustic texture but it's more hardwearing and easier to maintain.
How Should I Care For Wicker Outdoor Furniture?
'Like any natural material, excessive sun exposure and moisture change wicker's structure,' interior designer Sophie deDomenico explains. 'Good practices include dry wiping twice a month, covering when not in use, and only treating with mild soap and lightly washing with a gentle soap and water on occasion.' Cleaning your wicker furniture will ensure longevity and lasting stylistic appeal.
Sophie also recommends indoor off-season storage for natural wicker furniture – if you have the space. If that's not possible, or if you live in a warm climate year-round, she recommends investing in high-quality covers to protect your wicker furniture when it's not in use for extended periods of time.
Wicker furniture can also be made with synthetic materials that mimic the look of natural rattan. According to Lauren Saab, 'synthetic wicker holds up far better, giving you the look without the fragility.' If you don't have the time or ability to maintain natural wicker furniture, synthetic wicker is a great alternative that's equally as stylish.
By nature, wicker outdoor furniture yields a charming, characterful, and heritage-inspired look. It can make your patio feel classically American, as if it belongs on a beachfront property tucked into New England's cape region. But if you're looking for vintage-inspired outdoor furniture with a European flair, check out the wrought iron outdoor furniture trend instead – and equally hardwearing and timeless outdoor furniture style that feels fit for a Tuscan villa.
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