Rattan

• Wardrobe shutters? Sandwich the cane between two sheets of glass. It stays clean, won’t sag or snag, and still lets you see the weave.

• Soak natural cane before fitting. A few minutes in warm water makes it pliable; it tightens as it dries, so you get a taut panel.

• Seal it. A coat of clear matte lacquer keeps out dust and moisture and stops it from yellowing too fast.

• Near water, go synthetic. For bathrooms and kitchen fronts, pick PE rattan instead of natural cane.

Easy DIYs with a rattan roll: cabinet and drawer fronts, a headboard panel, a lampshade wrap, a room divider, or refreshing an old photo frame or tray.