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You may find links and product references in our articles. We sell natural and dyed rye straw for marquetry, basketry, chair caning, and thatching. This allows you to explore our various shades of straw and also be redirected to some of our specialized partners.
Rye straw is far more than a simple agricultural byproduct. Behind its shiny reflections and fine texture lies immense potential — both for French craftsmanship and eco-construction. For generations, families like the Rodot family in Saône-et-Loire have preserved this artisanal know-how by cultivating and preparing this unique material. But what is rye straw used for today? Let’s explore its many uses, from age-old traditions to contemporary design.
Contents
1 - Straw marquetry, a refined art
One of the best-known uses is rye straw for marquetry. Since the 17th century, it has fascinated marquetry artists and cabinetmakers with its natural shine and flexibility. Handcrafted straw marquetry allows objects, boxes, and even entire pieces of furniture to be covered in straw. Unlike wood or rattan, straw subtly reflects light, offering a finish that is both warm and luxurious.
Today, designers and architects are rediscovering this technique to create timeless, high-end works. Atelier Lison de Caunes, founded by the granddaughter of decorator André Groult, is a world reference in this field. She collaborates with contemporary designers and prestigious luxury houses such as Cartier and Hermès, restoring rye straw to its former glory.
2 - A decorative material for interiors
Beyond marquetry, rye straw is used as a natural decorative material in interior design. It can be applied as a straw wall covering, bringing elegant texture and authenticity to modern spaces. Some creators also use it to design straw-covered furniture, where each carefully aligned stalk becomes a work of art in itself.
This dyed or colored straw, obtained through artisanal processes, offers an infinite palette of shades — from radiant gold to deep black, with bold tones in between. It’s a true medium of expression for those passionate about high-end interior design.
Interior designers like Jean-Michel Frank in the 1930s used straw wall coverings to create luxurious and refined atmospheres. Today, workshops such as Atelier Lison de Caunes and Atelier Mériguet-Carrère still produce custom-made straw-covered furniture for exclusive interior design projects.
3 - Weaving, basketry, and chair caning
Rye straw is also highly valued in basketry and chair caning. Thanks to its flexibility and strength, it is perfect for weaving. Basketry artisans create baskets, placemats, and decorative accessories full of authentic charm.
This woven straw embodies the connection between nature and home — a simple material transformed with patience into useful and aesthetic objects. In a world that increasingly values authenticity and natural materials, this traditional craft is making a strong comeback.
The uses of rye straw don’t stop there!
4 - Tradition and construction: thatching
Another ancestral use of rye straw is thatching — that is, straw roofing. Although less common today, this type of roof remains sought after in parts of Europe for its charm and performance. Yes, it still exists!
Thatch provides excellent natural insulation and fits perfectly into sustainable design and eco-architecture projects. In addition to its traditional aesthetic, it perfectly illustrates the philosophy of bio-based, durable materials: using what the earth provides, without artifice.
5 - Straw as an ecological insulator
In the field of eco-construction, rye straw also stands out as an ecological insulator. When compressed and integrated into walls, it improves the energy efficiency of buildings while reducing their carbon footprint.
This 100% natural material appeals to architects and builders who want to combine performance, environmental respect, and comfort.
In eco-building, pioneering architects such as Tom Rijven, known for his straw-bale houses across Europe, demonstrate the effectiveness of this bio-based, sustainable material. Landmark projects, such as straw-bale schools built by the association Les Compaillons, highlight the potential of straw as an ecological insulator.
A material that has reinvented itself
The uses of rye straw are endless!
Rye straw is much more than a simple plant fiber. It transcends time, balancing tradition and modernity, and finds its place in handcrafted straw marquetry, high-end furniture, and eco-construction. Ecological, elegant, and durable, it reflects artisanal know-how and continues to inspire new creations. Did you know all its uses?