Conservatory furniture

VfM4meplse

Why does it all appear to be craftedfrom wicker / cane? I get that it's lightweight so "ideal" for a warm environment, but even with cushions I find it to be very uncomfortable to sit on. What am I missing?

pollypenny

We were careful to choose furniture with smooth arms, rather than woven.

Bought out of season, so a a bargain.

VfM4meplse

pollypenny wrote: »

We were careful to choose furniture with smooth arms, rather than woven.

Bought out of season, so a a bargain.

Does it look good? I find it so twee.

But then I am only just waking up to how hot a conservatory can and does get

onomatopoeia99

VfM4meplse wrote: »

But then I am only just waking up to how hot a conservatory can and does get

This would be why people put lightweight, insulated, solid roofs on them (and LABC be damned :rotfl:)

The ramshackle glass box on the side of my house only gets used for storage and as a tumble dryer replacement in summer, because washing doesn't half dry fast at 50C ambient.

VfM4meplse

I thought I would share my new-found knowledge about conservatory furniture. Firstly, bought new it's expensive so you'd want to hang onto it for a long time. Secondly, the second hand market for sellers is based on luck. It's so bulky that it takes up a disproportionate amount of space. Most people can't give it away because guess what, it costs money to transport / dispose of. Lastly, it's expensive to refurbish professionally, (both the fame and the cushions) so now I'm wondering what next. One way or another, money needs to be spent on it.

Bottom line, even a freebie set is going to cost money unless it's in mint condition. There's a better chance of gaining a freebie sofa that needs no maintenance, so don't even go there unless you really love it!

On that basis I'd rather buy decent seating that will last for years without further time / attention / cost.

Silvertabby

Our sofa and chair are in a 'chesterfield' design, with wicker frames and thick seat and back cushions.

Well comfy.

Not particularly lightweight, nor were they from the cheap end of the market - but we like them and they'll last for years.

coffeehound

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Why does it all appear to be craftedfrom wicker / cane? I get that it's lightweight so "ideal" for a warm environment, but even with cushions I find it to be very uncomfortable to sit on. What am I missing?

I guess the open weave is good for ventilation? But then we put cushions on top...

Furts

Mine is made of bamboo from the look of it. Why? Because this is cheap and readily available in the Far East where the furniture is made. The Bamboo would be useless if used outside but is ideal in a conservatory. Why? Because unlike a dark hardwood it will not fade. Also unlike laminated timber there is no risk of heat lifting the laminate. or if some foil finish then lifting of the foil.

Now the comfort part of your question. My furniture has lovely cushions on it and you could easily doze off by snuggling into them.

Now the cost and quality bit. Mine is brilliant here - it was FOC on Facebook. Somebody wanted to move flats so said "free to collector." It all had to be dismantled - but it is allen key bolted crudely together. With some effort it came apart and later went back together.

VfM4meplse

Furts wrote: »

Now the cost and quality bit. Mine is brilliant here - it was FOC on Facebook. Somebody wanted to move flats so said "free to collector." It all had to be dismantled - but it is allen key bolted crudely together. With some effort it came apart and later went back together.

Mine was also "gifted" - but is going to cost a lot to get it back to good order

Hence I either invest and hang onto it for years, or cut my losses now.

pollypenny

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Does it look good? I find it so twee.

But then I am only just waking up to how hot a conservatory can and does get

Oops, I have only just seen this!

Yes, it looks good. The cushions are deep and plain cream, so we have put slightly darker throws on them, with cream and duck egg cushions.

You realise I am talking about two different types of cushions here!

A couple of ikea lack tables, which are very light and easy to move about make it a super place. To think I argued against a conservatory for years!