Outdoor Furniture Plus' Blog

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:

1. Allow damp furniture to dry completely before putting on tarps, and do not keep wood exposed to excessive periods of moisture
2. Keep furniture well oiled to prevent the wood from drying out
3. Dust and clean off furniture each season to prevent dirt and other build-up

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.

When it comes to the art of design and decorating there are very slight differences between the ideas of theme, aesthetic, mood, ambience and whatever else you can come up with.  The problem is that for most people, the word “themed” so-and-so immediately elicits ideas of kitsch, or tackiness. Indeed, executed poorly such can all too easily be the result.

With furniture, it’s okay to exhibit your personality and sense of style, but don’t let it overwhelm your home. Too much attention to detail can look forced. On the other end, there should be a definite general motif in mind to keep a semblance of balance. For example, bright red shag carpeting might not work with a traditional Shaker-style dining set (or maybe it could!) The word I cannot stress enough is balance. And once you get a feel for your space it’s a lot easier to come upon a harmonious arrangement that works without your having to try too hard.

Here are a few examples of “themes” that could prove the much-needed makeover for your patio:

Beach Combers

If you already live by the ocean, well then you’re just plain lucky. For the rest of us landlocked folk, achieving that beachy design might be the closest we ever get to the real thing! Start out with loungers for sunbathing and go from there. Add a fire pit for a suburban beach bonfire, or some inspired accessories such as tiki torches. If you’re really sweating it, consider investing in a sauna. They’re not as expensive as most people think. All things considered, you’ll be a beach bum in no time.

Southern Manor

Like Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, you can have your own beloved home to cherish, even if it isn’t a giant mansion, or anywhere near the Mason-Dixon line for that matter. The key to achieving this look can be summed up in one word: wicker. Wicker is the choice material for traditional, southern patio furniture, but take warning; it’s not as durable as hardwood furniture so be careful. Wicker does best in covered areas and sunrooms, away from rain and direct sunlight. Some other pieces you may consider are a porch or arbor swing, or something like an old-fashioned courting bench for a classic touch.

Secret Garden

This one doesn’t apply directly to the patio, but it’s fun nevertheless. There are a plethora of accessories available for sprucing up gardens. Some, like bridges and manmade ponds are more subtle, but permanent additions. Other, such as gazing balls, sundials and lanterns offer bright spots of color and can be moved around at will. To attract some of the surrounding wildlife, install a hanging or freestanding bird feeder. With all of the new toys for your garden, your flowers might get jealous!

In the end, the point is to create a space that’s as unique as you are. Don’t feel trapped by boring furniture, be creative and explore your options. What are some of your favorite themed spaces?

Depending on what part of the country you live, you’re probably beginning to see the first definite signs of springtime. For those with patios and deck areas, it’s time to start thinking about removing the tarps and taking your patio furniture out of storage.

If you’re lucky enough to have the room to store all of your outdoor furniture indoors, there will be less maintenance than if it was left outdoors, even when covered by a tarp. It’s similar to keeping your car in a garage during winter, versus keeping it outside.

The first obvious step in taking furniture out of storage is removing any protective coverings, plastic tarps or otherwise. Once removed, fold up but make sure tarps are dry. Damp tarps have a hard time drying in storage areas and tend to develop a musty smell over time.

The next step is to dust everything, from loungers to Adirondack chairs, dining tables and umbrellas. A dry dusting cloth works best.

Next, you will want to check for signs of disrepair. Common maladies that befall wooden furniture over time include moldy, warped, or cracked wood. Mold can easily accumulate underneath tarps when furniture is not completely dry, or if the tarp is not securely tied down, making the perfect, dark and damp breeding ground mold thrives in.

Similar, plastic furniture can also warp or crack over time, especially as it contracts and expands under drastic temperature fluctuations or when exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold.

As far as metal furniture, the main enemy will always be rust. This also applies to the metal chains on swings, and the hardware in other types of furniture. Luckily, most furniture these days is made with a rust-proof coating or from rust-resistant metals like zinc, but prolonged exposure and especially exposure to saltwater can increase oxidation.

After you’ve assessed any damage and tended to it accordingly, you will want to wash furniture with warm water and a washcloth. Special furniture cleaners are great, but can be expensive; dishwashing soap works about as well, and is especially good at removing grease stains. Wash any machine washable canvas covers separately, then hose everything and allow to dry fully.

For wooden furniture, you might also need to apply protective oil. Be aware that some woods, like teak produce their own oils and therefore do not requiring as much regular oiling. In fact, over-oiling can be deleterious to furniture, causing the wood to turn black. In general, though, with woods like cedar, oiling once to a few times per year depending on your area’s climate and weather should be about right. If you live in an especially arid part of the country dominated by deserts, you may need to oil more than someone living in a temperature or humid region.

Since Spring is also the time for new beginnings, it’s a perfect time of the year to experiment with new stains and paints. Sometimes all it takes is a new coat to breathe life into a worn piece of furniture. Just make sure to adequately sand, dry and follow all of the instructions on paint containers to ensure the best results.

Now that the holidays are over and the wintry permafrost has begun to lessen its hold on North America, it’s time for outdoor enthusiasts to begin planning their Spring and Summer gardens. You may have even done some planting over the autumn and winter months with bulbs and heartier plants. Depending on what time of year you want to cultivate your gardens, different plants and procedures are required.

This year, though, don’t fall into the trap of planting the same old things you do each year. Try some new varieties of flowers and shrubs in your planters and planter boxes. Let’s look at some of the more popular flowers from this year and last, and also at which plants will thrive during this time of the year.

Flowers are some of the most beautiful and fun plants to cultivate and work with on your planter bench, but it’s just simply not the optimal time of year for the majority of bright blooms. That being said, there are still plenty of vibrant choices available for early spring gardening. These plants differ in that they are low maintenance and can take a good deal of shade as well as a light frost, but look no less stunning than summer bloomers. Here are some cool weather alternatives:

Early Spring Diascia

Diascia is in the Scrophularlacease family, which includes the popular snapdragon. Better known as twinspur, Diascia produces tube-shaped flowers and features distinct, heart-shaped leaves. It has an open growth habit and tolerates cooler temperatures, shade and mild frost.

Some other popular early spring flowers include the following:

-Hydrangea arboescens

-Syringa

-Alcea Old Barnyard Mix

-Caryopteris “Longwood Blue”

-Echinacea “Coconut Lime”

-Muhlenbergia capillaris “Pink Muhly Grass”

-Passiflora “Sherry”

-Hosta “Aphrodite”

-Rosa “Zephirine Drouhin”

-Digitalis Giant Shirley Mix

-Asclepias tuberosa

-Acer palmatum “Oridono Nishiski”

One nice thing about using planter boxes for year-round gardening is that they are like a mobile plot of land. Not only can you move your plants indoors if it gets unbearably cold, but even throughout the warmer months you can move planters to area with more or less direct sunlight, away from wind, into covered areas, etc. By having such mobility, it’s much easier to keep plants healthy and growing no matter what the weather.

And once the weather gets nice enough for all types of plants, look out for some exciting new flower varieties to appear this year. These include:

Tiger Eye (Rudbeckia): large, daisy-like flowers with golden petals and dark brown central cones that grow up to 18 inches.

Pretty Much Picasso (Petunia): petunias are great for novice gardeners and this variety boasts pink and lavender trumpets with green edges.

Snow Princess (Alyssum): This long-lasting flower will bloom from May to past first frost. It resembles a big ball of snow, with an abundance of tightly packed white blossoms.

Zahara Starlight Rose (Zinnia): The white and red petals of this zinnia are lovely, and the plant thrives in a variety of climates, growing to about one foot high.

Jade Princess (Ornamental Millet): This interesting newcomer grows to about two feet in height, with light colored leaves, and brownish foxtail seed heads, reminiscent of a corn plant but much more striking.

Lemon Cream and Apricot Twist (Calendula): Unlike typical calendulas that don’t fare too well in extremely hot weather, the Lemon Cream and Apricot Twist flowers are more resilient, attract pollinators and offer creamy orange and yellow shades.

Trusty Rusty (Coleus): This especially bright, red and gold Coleus is a great center piece for outdoor pots and planters, growing to about two feet high by two feet wide.