Outdoor Furniture History

Human beings have enjoyed outdoor furniture throughout history. From the earliest civilizations to modern times, we've relied on comfortable outdoor furniture to help us relax in our outdoor spaces. Let's explore the rich and fascinating history of outdoor furniture, covering everything from its origins to modern design innovations.

Origins of Outdoor Furniture: From Antiquity to the Modern Era

Outdoor furniture has a long and surprisingly complex history dating back to the beginnings of civilization itself. While materials and styles have changed, in many ways, the fundamentals of outdoor furniture have remained the same.

Ancient Egyptian Furniture

Ancient Egyptians incorporated their love of luxury into their outdoor furniture designs. They created chairs and sofas adorned with ornate carvings and embellished with gold and precious stones. These furnishings were available to the wealthy and were seen as a symbol of power and status.

Greek and Roman Contributions

The Greeks and Romans were known for their use of stone and marble to create outdoor furniture. They designed benches, tables, and chairs for outdoor spaces such as gardens and amphitheaters. These designs were often simple and elegant, with a focus on functionality. The Adirondack chair, popular today, is a perfect example of a design that has roots in ancient Greece.

Influences from the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages saw a decline in outdoor furniture design as the focus shifted more to indoor furnishings. However, there were some notable contributions made during this era. The use of wood and iron to create outdoor furniture became popular, and the furniture was often emblazoned with images of crests and coats of arms. This medieval design still influences outdoor furniture design today.

Renaissance Era Advancements

The Renaissance saw a renewed focus on outdoor living, and this had a profound impact on outdoor furniture design. Furniture makers began to experiment with different materials and incorporated intricate patterns and designs inspired by art from the era. Victorian-era furniture design, which is still popular today, was heavily influenced by the Renaissance.

18th and 19th Century European Designs

European designers during the 18th and 19th centuries placed a new emphasis on outdoor space, and outdoor furniture became more accessible to everyone. Wicker furnishings made a comeback during this era, with European designers incorporating new techniques to create elaborate designs. This period saw the introduction of the English garden, which inspired outdoor furniture designs incorporating English outdoor furniture.

Mid-Century American Contributions

The mid-20th century saw a shift in outdoor furniture design, with designers in America leading the way. Modern wicker furniture became popular, with designs that integrated synthetic resin. Patio Productions became a popular brand during this era, famous for its modern designs. Sales items began to incorporate retro and vintage designs from previous periods, leading to a resurgence in the popularity of furniture designs from the Victorian era and even earlier.

Influential Outdoor Furniture Designers and Brands

When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are a few names that immediately come to mind: from iconic designers to well-known brands. However, there are so many more outstanding designers and brands that are taking the industry by storm.

Designers

Patricia Urquiola gained prominence for her incredible use of materials in creating iconic pieces of furniture. As an Italian designer, she has influenced the global market with her unconventional use of shapes and colors. Known for her work with Spanish outdoor furniture brands such as Kettal and Gandiablasco, Urquiola's designs offer a unique blend of heritage and modernity.

Philippe Starck is a French designer who has been hailed as one of the most famous designers in the world. Starck is known for his playful and imaginative designs, earning him numerous accolades in the industry. His outdoor furniture designs are bold and innovative, with some of his most notable work including the luxurious Louis Ghost Chair for the Italian brand Kartell.

Marcel Wanders is a Dutch designer known for his creative and imaginative style, heavily influenced by his travels around the world. Wanders creates bold and colorful pieces of outdoor furniture that make an instant impression, making him one of the most promising designers in the market. One of his most notable works is the stunning Canasta collection for the Spanish brand B&B Italia.

Brands

Dedon is a luxury outdoor furniture brand that has become synonymous with handmade craftsmanship. Based in Germany, the brand specializes in using premium quality materials such as Egyptian wicker to create stunningly beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture. Their range of products includes lounge chairs, bistro tables, coffee tables, and more, all designed to add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Fermob is a French outdoor furniture brand that has been at the forefront of the industry for over 130 years. The brand offers a range of modern wicker furnishings that are perfect for patio productions. Their collections are inspired by various historical eras, including medieval gardens, and English outdoor furniture. Fermob has also made its mark in the industry through its use of innovative materials such as synthetic resin wicker and plastic resin.

Emu is an Italian outdoor furniture brand that has been in existence for over 69 years. The brand is well-known for its exceptional product showcase, which includes lounge chairs, Adirondack chairs, and much more. Emu's furniture design is both elegant and functional, with a strong focus on minimalist and modern designs. The brand's extensive product range is perfect for those who want to bring a touch of sophistication to their outdoor spaces.

The Impact of Material Innovations on Outdoor Furniture History

Throughout history, outdoor furniture has undergone many changes, from the Victorian era's intricate metalwork to modern wicker furniture. One major influence on these changes has been the development of new materials. New materials have allowed for new designs and made furniture more affordable, durable, and comfortable to use.

Early Traditional Materials

Before the advent of modern manufactured materials, outdoor furniture was made from natural wood, stone, metal, and other natural materials. These materials, while strong and durable, were often heavy, expensive, and prone to weathering. For example, Victorian garden furniture was often made of wrought iron, which was heavy and susceptible to rust.

Introduction of Synthetic Materials

The introduction of synthetic materials in the 20th century led to revolutionary changes in outdoor furniture design. Synthetic wicker, for example, allowed for more intricate designs and greater flexibility in furniture size and shape. At the same time, it was more durable and weather-resistant than natural wicker, making it ideal for outdoor use.

Another important development was the introduction of synthetic resin, which is now widely used in outdoor furniture. Synthetic resin is strong, abrasion-resistant, and resistant to UV rays, moisture, and scratches. It is perfect for patio productions and backyard furniture, as it requires little maintenance while offering unparalleled durability and style.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options

Today, outdoor furniture manufacturers are also embracing sustainable and eco-friendly options. These materials offer not only environmental benefits but also durability and style. Egyptian wicker, for example, is a more sustainable alternative to traditional wicker. Made from palm fronds, it is easy to grow and harvest and offers the same strength and flexibility as natural wicker.

Another sustainable option gaining popularity is modern wicker furniture made from recycled materials, such as plastic. This type of furniture is not only eco-friendly but also comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the benefits of wicker furnishings without harming the environment.

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Iconic Outdoor Furniture Designs Through the Ages

Different eras and cultures have produced iconic outdoor furniture pieces that have become staples in modern design. Let's take a look at some of the most famous outdoor furniture designs throughout history.

Medieval Garden Benches

In medieval times, gardens played an important role in the daily life of the landholding gentry, and turf benches were designed to be practical and comfortable. They were made of stone, wood, and metal, and their shapes and sizes varied depending on the location and purpose of the garden. One of the most notable medieval garden bench designs is the "stone bench," which was made of carved stone slabs and was common in large gardens and public spaces.

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Victorian Wicker Furniture

The Victorian era brought wicker furniture into the mainstream, and the Victorian style continues to be a popular choice for outdoor furniture today. Victorian wicker furniture was made of natural materials like rattan and bamboo, and it was intricately woven to create intricate patterns and designs. Rattan garden furniture and other Victorian chairs and sofas often feature high backs and ornate arms and legs, and they look great on patios and in gardens.

Adirondack Chairs

The Adirondack chair is an iconic piece of American outdoor furniture that has been around since the early s. It was first designed by Thomas Lee, a carpenter from the Adirondack Mountains, and it quickly became popular throughout the country. Adirondack chairs are made of wood and feature a slatted back and seat, angled arms, and wide legs. They're beloved for their simple, rustic style and comfortable design, and they're still widely used in backyards, patios, and gardens today.

Modern Wicker Furniture

Modern wicker furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces, and it's come a long way from the original Victorian designs. Today's wicker furniture is made of synthetic materials like resin and plastic, which make it more durable and weather-resistant. Modern wicker chairs, sofas, and dining tables often feature clean lines and simple designs, making them versatile enough to fit into any outdoor space. Some brands that carry wicker furniture options include:

Futuristic Plastic Resin Furniture

Plastic resin furniture has been a staple of modern outdoor design since the s. This furniture is made of molded plastic and can be designed in a variety of shapes and styles. Plastic resin chairs and tables often have a futuristic look, with streamlined shapes and bold colors. They're a great choice for modern outdoor spaces and are often used in pool areas and other water features.

The Influence of Cultural and Architectural Movements on Outdoor Furniture

From the medieval garden to the English garden and beyond, outdoor furniture has come a long way, thanks to the influence of cultural and architectural movements that have inspired designers to create. Here are some of the most enduring examples of the influence of cultural and architectural movements on outdoor furniture.

Egyptian Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture was a specialty of ancient Egyptian craftspeople, often used outdoors in gardens and patios. Egyptian wicker furniture was created using natural materials such as reed, bamboo, and willow. These materials were lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. The fundamentals of Egyptian wicker can still be seen in modern wicker furniture designs today.

English Garden Furniture

The English garden was a product of the Victorian era, and it was characterized by its lush greenery, beautiful flowers, and surrounding walls. English outdoor furniture was designed to complement the garden and the surrounding architecture, and it was often made of wrought iron or teak wood. Victorian-era designers loved intricate details and patterns, and this was reflected in the design of outdoor furniture as well. The English garden model still influences outdoor design today.

Modern Wicker Furniture

In the s, modern wicker furniture became popular, thanks to designers such as Henry and Josephine DuPont. This type of furniture was made of synthetic resin wicker, which was durable and weather-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use. Modern wicker furniture featured clean lines and simple designs, which were a reflection of the modernist movement that was popular at the time.

Synthetic Wicker Furniture

In the s, synthetic wicker furniture became popular, thanks to advances in materials technology. Synthetic resin wicker was created to mimic the natural look and feel of wicker but with greater durability, resistance to weather, and insect-repellent qualities. The synthetic resin wicker used in outdoor furniture also allowed for greater design flexibility, allowing for creative designs that were previously impossible with natural materials.

Bistro Tables and Adirondack Chairs

Bistro tables and Adirondack chairs are examples of outdoor furniture categories that have been influenced by cultural and architectural movements. Bistro tables were originally created in France for small cafes, but they soon became popular across Europe and America. Adirondack chairs were popularized in the early s in upstate New York and have since become an iconic symbol of outdoor relaxation.

FAQs

Where did patio furniture originate?

The earliest patios can be found in ancient Roman gardens, where outdoor areas were adorned with comfortable seating and tables for dining and socializing. These patios are believed to have been adopted from Persian culture.

What is the oldest garden furniture?

The oldest garden furniture that has been found dates back to ancient Egypt. Wooden garden furniture has been found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs dating back to BC.

What year did wicker furniture come out?

Wicker furniture was first produced by the ancient Egyptians in around B.C., using reeds and swamp grasses. The popularity of wicker furniture has continued throughout history, with its peak coming during the Victorian era in the late 19th century.

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