Our guide to finding the right (eco-friendly) outdoor furniture

Our guide to finding the right (eco-friendly) outdoor furniture

By alicia gilbert

Our guide to finding the right (eco-friendly) outdoor furniture

Those of us who live near the sea understand how harsh maritime weather can be. In the Winter we take the full force of storms. Cornwall is known for its temperate climate, Winters are mild, and we rarely experience ice and snow. But we do get a lot of rain, and often that rain comes in from the sea, so also brings salt with it. The general humidity in Cornwall and the southwest is high. Picking garden furniture that can withstand the elements can be a challenge. 

Plastic furniture is not a great choice from an environmental point of view. It’s often not very attractive, is hot and sticky to sit on, isn’t easy to store and blows away in strong winds.

Wooden furniture can be heavy to move and will need regular cleaning, painting or oiling to keep it looking good. It can deteriorate and rot over time if not cared for. Teak garden furniture can become black and dirt engrained if not maintained. Often styles and colours are limited.

So that leaves us with garden furniture made from metal. For hassle free, outdoor furniture that can be left outside all year around, and will withstand harsh maritime environments, we highly recommend Fermob’s aluminium, powder-coated collections. We are proud to be the only retailer in Cornwall to represent the brand. With many years experience we are able to provide personal advice to help you find the right garden furniture for your outside space. Our focus is on deliveries to Cornwall and Devon, but do get in touch if you live further afield for a delivery quotation.

Fermob are a French company who produce some of the finest classic and contemporary garden furniture on the market today. They use production methods which focus on sustainability and respect for the environment. Their outdoor furniture is made to last and can be left outside throughout the year with minimal maintenance.

Metal is an eco-friendly choice for outdoor furniture. Steel and aluminium are recycled on a global scale, with 98% of metals being recycled worldwide. This makes aluminium furniture not just recyclable but also actually recycled.

Fermob’s best-selling Luxembourg garden furniture collection was originally designed for the Luxembourg garden in Paris by Frederic Sofia in 2004. Made from aluminium, the design is lightweight, yet also strong and robust. Fermob’s Luxembourg outdoor furniture collection has soft flowing lines and works well in both modern and more traditional surroundings. The collection includes chairs with and without arms, with additional comfort provided by weather resistant seat pads should you wish. The table features soft curved corners and a slatted top. Perfect for entertaining, the rectangular table is available in 3 sizes, seating 6,8 or 10 people comfortably. If space is at a premium the Luxembourg Table is also available with a square 80cm x 80cm top which can seat 4.

For balconies why not choose a classic design that was made in the late 1800's? A contemporary of the Eiffel Tower, Fermob's Bistro design is instantly recognisable as French cafe style furniture. An icon of French design, the timeless table and slatted chairs fold away in an instant.

Fermob's powder coating is UV resistant and available in 25 beautiful colours so there is something for every taste. For a classic, timeless green why not go for “Rosemary”, or for the more adventurous there’s always Fermob’s new colour “Marshmallow” (think old-fashioned Palma Violet sweets). With so many colours to choose from you can really add drama or create interest in your outdoor space, no matter how small.