Fermob French bistro chair

This chair is a continuation of a model that was patented in France in 1889. At the time, the dainty, yet sturdy, folding "Simplex" model helped lemonade vendors along the Seine River in Paris increase their revenues, because the mobile seating saved them the business tax expense they would have otherwise had to pay for a catered outdoor patio. Today, the bistro chair with its slim silhouette is a sought-after piece of balcony and garden furniture. Flattened twists in the frame below the backrest stabilize the construction, and the crossbar - the part most stressed when the folding mechanism is operated - is made of one piece and fastened in a way that eliminates the need for welds, rivets or screw connections (potential weak points, in other words). The slats of the seat and backrest are slightly curved and allow comfortable sitting, and the four feet are equipped with plastic caps to protect against paint damage and scratching.

Many companies boast of combining tradition and progress under their umbrella, but only a few have the history and potential. One of them is Fermob in France. Flâneurs have turned to Fermob’s outdoor furniture for a rest in French parks, gardens and restaurants since 1889. Indeed, Fermob’s famous bistro furniture has seen almost no change in over 100 years. Nonetheless, the company’s choice of materials and production processes have always been at the cutting edge of technology – for example, in lacquering. Fermob diligently works for the optimum rust and colour protection in umpteen work steps. The idea is that a process providing rust protection for cars in years should be equally effective when it comes to furniture. In the first place, Fermob chooses steel and aluminium of first-class quality. Then the French manufacturer ensures that the furniture made from these first-class materials does not have to be repainted in decades by applying a high protection treatment. In 13 steps, an in-house-developed process provides the metal furniture with improved corrosion resistance. Fermob uses electrostatic powder coating in the following, yielding a dual benefit: the powder penetrates even into the tiniest cracks, and the fresh colours are resistant to UV radiation. The subsequent sealing takes place at high temperatures. A so-called cathodic electrophoretic deposition completes the process. Featuring a finish in aqueous electrodeposition, Fermob furniture may overwinter outside without further ado or any additional protection.

Please note that the furniture must never be covered with plastic. To clean it, it is sufficient to wash it with soap and water.