Sustainability Meets Style with Fermob — Just in Time For Summer!

With Memorial Day weekend comes the promise of summer. It’s time to dust off those patios and porches and spruce up your outdoor space for entertaining friends and family. I think we can all agree that after a long cold winter of social distancing, an outdoor furniture refresh should be at the top of the to-do list!

This week I’m highlighting Fermob, my favorite for its quality, style, and sustainability. 

Fermob: a Modern Brand With French Roots

By now you have probably seen Fermob’s iconic Bistro chair in your favorite city park or cafe, adding a splash of color and a French look to public spaces around the world. But do you know the history of this chair? 

Its roots are based in late 19th century France, when a young entrepreneur named Edouard Leclerc designed and patented a practical chair that could be easily folded and moved wherever one needed a place to sit. It was beloved by the lemonade sellers along the banks of the Seine, as the folding chair meant they wouldn’t have to pay taxes on a fixed outdoor seating area — they could simply fold up their chairs and stow them away every evening.

Fermob the company was born in Thoissey, a small town just north of Lyon, by an iron welder and his son. The word “Fermob” is a blend of the French word for iron (fer) and furniture (mobilier). Their first offerings were inspired by the now iconic bistro chairs, though the company has since expanded to include over 30 collections to choose from!

Here are a few of my favorites.

The Bistro Collection

Fermob’s Bistro collection was directly inspired by the original bistro chair with its practicality and classic style. This is the line that I was first drawn to 20 years ago, when the company began selling in the US. I’ve been carrying it in my store ever since.

The original Bistro collection is available in 24 colors! You have endless options for mixing and matching to get the perfect combination, or stick with one color for a more streamlined look.

The Luxembourg Collection

Modeled on the famous chairs from the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, this collection embodies the spirit of Fermob with its stylish practicality. The lines of the pieces are curved, which softens the edges a bit and makes for more comfortable seating.

It’s available in the same 24 colors as the Bistro collection. I’m partial to one of the newest shades, Ice Mint, a cool green that fits perfectly with a coastal aesthetic.

The Surprising Collection

This collection has a fun retro modern feel. The low armchairs are available in all steel or a teak and steel combination with a relaxed back and a footrest that invites long afternoons lounging in the sun.

As with the Bistro and Luxembourg collections, Surprising is available in an array of colors to suit anyone’s taste.

Fermob’s Commitment to Sustainability

Fermob is an excellent example of how good design can be compatible with sustainability. Not only are their pieces timeless and practical, but the company is also committed to high environmental standards.

Here’s how Fermob embraces sustainable style:

• The metal frames, though made to last, are made of recyclable steel and aluminum
• They use no- or low-VOC paints
• The fabrics used for cushions are 100% recycled
• Fermob is a member of Eco-Emballages, a program designed to reduce packaging waste
• Fermob maintains ISO 14001 certification, a third-party verified program that ensures commitment to high environmental standards

I love how Fermob shows that you don’t need to sacrifice style for sustainability. They’ve demonstrated that the two go hand-in-hand!

You can find the above collections and more pieces from Fermob in our Southampton, NY store and on our website here

Why not treat yourself to some stylish, eco-friendly outdoor furniture this summer? 

Which collection is your favorite? I’d love to know.

Happy summer!

Shannon