Firmin willow armchair without cushion

The Firmin willow chair

The Firmin armchair is emblematic of the specificity of willow: a flexible fibre that can be woven by hand, but rigid enough to do without a wooden structure. The Firmin armchair is in fact made as a double basket. The base is an upside down basket (you can see the typical "radial" weaving of the basket bottoms on the seat of the chair), the seat part is a sort of other basket, this time upright. The whole is very solid and visually harmonious. The second special feature of the Firmin chair is its exceptional high-back comfort and its small size, particularly in terms of width (only 56 cm overall), which is ideal for small spaces (narrow balconies for example). On the other hand, people with a large body may feel a little cramped. Matches the Colette and Mélina willow tables.

Willow, rattan, what's the difference?

Rattan is a tropical plant (85% comes from Indonesia) related to the palm family which produces a "cane" that is easy to bend (with steam). Rattan allows for tighter curves and finer weaves than willow, but being less rigid, it requires a heavier frame.

Willow grows easily throughout Europe. It does not require any plant protection products or fertilisers. The harvest is completely regenerated each year, so it is a very easily renewable resource. Peeled hot ("buff" willow with natural copper tones) or cold ("white" willow), it is most often presented untreated, the willow fibre leaving its smooth and satiny surface to appear "au naturel".

Characteristics and options:

Overall dimensions: height 110 x width 56 x length 70, seat at 39 cm, armrests at 68 cm. Seat depth 47 cm, seat width 43 cm. Weight 4.5 kg. Woven structure in natural buff willow (no varnish or stain). Made in Europe. The Firmin willow chair is sold here without, but it is also available with its matching cushion in several fabric variants.

A wicker chair can be used on a veranda, in a conservatory, or outside in good weather and occasionally, but it cannot be considered as garden furniture. It is not made to withstand bad weather, humidity, frost, or too long exposure to the sun. Also, the Firmin armchair is hand-woven. Dimensional differences of 1 to 2 cm can be observed, no two are exactly the same.

Maintenance: dust with a damp cloth, avoid commercial cleaning products. In case of heavy soiling, clean with a sponge and soap.