Inspect a woven seat before bringing it home
Look at the weave, its edges and the chair frame before deciding that a woven seat is ready for use.
A woven seat gives a chair an airy appearance, but lightness of appearance should not be confused with condition. In a secondhand chair, the weave and the surrounding frame both need attention. A beautiful pattern in the middle cannot compensate for damage where the seat meets the frame.
Ask what the material is and whether it has been repaired. Cane, rush, paper cord and synthetic weaving may look related in a photograph but require different care and repair methods. If the seller cannot identify the material, keep that uncertainty in mind rather than selecting a treatment based on appearance.
Look closely at the full seat, including its perimeter and underside where accessible. Broken strands, sagging, gaps and previous repairs deserve clear photographs. Do not test a questionable seat by putting your full weight on it. A repair specialist can help determine whether it is ready for use and what restoration would involve.
The frame is a separate question. Check for loose joints, cracks, movement and missing parts. A sound-looking weave does not make an unstable chair suitable for sitting. Follow the manufacturer's load and use information where available, and do not assume a decorative antique is intended for daily dining use.
Include repair in the decision
Reweaving can be skilled work, and the cost depends on the material, method and condition of the chair. Obtain an estimate before treating a damaged bargain as an inexpensive purchase. Ask what will be replaced and how the result may differ visually from the old material. An older patina may not be reproducible simply because the pattern can be recreated.
For a sound chair, use the care method recommended for the particular weave and frame. Avoid internet shortcuts involving soaking, oils or household mixtures unless they are specifically appropriate. A cushion may make a seat more comfortable, but it is not a structural repair and should not hide damage that needs attention.
A woven chair can work as an occasional accent if its condition and intended use support that role. If it is only safe as a display object, make that limitation clear within the household rather than leaving it beside a table where someone will naturally sit. The attractive lightness of the chair is best enjoyed when its practical limits are understood.