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The dictionary cites the first definition of the word “tête-à-tête” to mean: a private conversation, usually between two people. To furniture owners and antique enthusiasts, it is the second definition that is the more popular of the two: A sofa shaped like an S so two people are able to converse face to face. The classic form consists of two parallel seats with a shared armrest between them, allowing users to sit directly across from one another so as to be able to converse face to face (or head to head as the French translation would have it).
The tête-à-tête is one piece of furniture from long ago that, like the chaise lounge, managed to escape being relegated to oblivion, but instead evolved with the changing trends in furniture design. Also known as the courting bench, kissing bench, conversation bench and the vis-à-vis, the tête-à-tête has taken many forms over three centuries.
The origin of the seat finds its roots in early eighteenth century France. A regular fixture in fashionable homes across Europe, the chic two-seater was also popular during Victorian times. Most models during this time kept pretty strictly to the S-shaped design, but furniture designers would make each seat unique, covered in ornate fabrics and with legs carved from expensive woods.
Today, the tête-à-tête enjoys a much looser interpretation of the original design as a result of years of evolution in furniture design, popular trends, and the innovation of new materials, such as polyresin.
Modern versions of the seat can be applied to any number of benches or chairs in which two identical seats, perhaps angled toward one another, are connected by some common table or area. The common theme seems to be that so long as one side is a mirror image of the other and it is a seat for two people, the general idea is still there.
Perhaps the reason behind this loosening of definition is that the traditional S-shape tends to connote a feeling of elegance or extravagance, while the modern versions are more casual and fit in more easily with contemporary styles of décor. Whatever the reasoning, the tête-à-tête is available in a multitude of styles and materials. It can be a unique and fun addition to one’s home or patio.
View the many styles of the Tête-à-Tête.
Keeping wooden patio furniture in top condition is a year-round job that requires attention, no matter how sturdy your chairs and tables seem to be. However, even the greatest amount of elbow grease cannot control some aspects of furniture that resides outdoors. This includes the problem of insects, those creepy crawlers that always seem to find their way into the deepest recesses of your home and life, no matter how clean a house you keep.
Paramount of these pesky pests when it comes to wood furniture in particular is the termite, a wood-boring insect that, when its numbers are great enough, can reduce furniture, decks and even the frames of homes to sawdust. However, other insects, like ants and moths can also prove to harmful to furniture so all must be accounted for.
The most common treatment for bugs is some sort of commercial chemical. Though these are proven effective in eliminating insects, a lot of people dislike the use of toxic materials, especially when children, plants and pets are concerned. At the same time, chemicals can be expensive and in the end, unnecessary. There are some simple ways to take care of insects or avoid them altogether, using a combination of common sense and household tricks.
Proper Care
The first way to keep bugs at bay is to prevent them from coming in the first place. This means maintaining furniture so it does not seem as inviting a shelter for them. Prolonged moisture, exposure to sun and neglect will all contribute to the appearance of mold, cracks, holes and warping. These cracks and imperfections in the furniture make perfect homes for unwanted visitors.
To keep furniture in a good condition, follow some basic steps:
Household tips and tricks
Aside from basic maintenance there are some simple and cheap ways to prevent infestation, using items you can find around the house. Two of these tricks include using dryer sheets and vinegar.
The first way is by keeping everyday dryer sheets with your furniture. This is especially effective during the winter, when dining sets and other furniture are either in indoor storage or underneath tarps. Place a few sheets on top of furniture or underneath tarps and replace as the scent fades. The idea behind this method is that as good as dryer sheets smell to humans, they smell all the worse to insects, especially ants and bees. And when it’s cold outside, ants love nothing better than the cozy area underneath tarps and inside warmer sheds and garages.
The second method involves vinegar. Ants, mosquitoes and other insects are said to also detest the smell of vinegar, so a little well-placed liquid can further protect furniture. One way is to mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray in the vicinity of furniture or wherever ants have been noticed. One thing about vinegar, though, is that it quickly evaporates, and along with it the smell. A more lasting solution is to keep a bowl of apple vinegar in a bowl near furniture. If you don’t particularly want to smell vinegar when you’re outside enjoying your furniture, just bring the bowl out when furniture is not being used. As a side note, a mixture of vinegar, ammonia and baking soda is a great way to remove stubborn mildew.
Natural Protection
Then there are some woods that do the work for you, by producing natural materials that resist the onslaught of insects. Cedar and teak are the two best examples of this. Western Red Cedar, in particular, contains two agents, Thujaplicans and water-soluble phenolics, which repel decay-producing fungi, moths, termites, carpenter ants, bees and ambrosia beetles. As the tree ages, these substances are produced in greater quantities, so older trees are even better protected than their younger counterparts. It is actually the same chemicals in cedar that kill termites that give the wood its pleasant, characteristic aroma.
In the case of teak, the insect-repelling resin is called Galih (Cambium/heartwood). This resin is extremely water-resistant and protects the wood from fungi, bacteria, and insects, especially termites. In fact, teak oil is so popular and effective in insect control and keeping wood healthier, a good deal of wooden patio furniture made from other species of wood are coated with teak oil as a protective measure.
