When French design company Fermob designed its Bistro Chair in 1889, the mission was simple: Create a durable seat that could easily be folded away to forgo paying for France’s terrace license. But, over a century later, Fermob’s Bistro Chair has proven to be a lot more than a practical seat to kick back, relax, and enjoy a wonderful view; it has become an integral part of design history.
“Other designs exist on the market, but Fermob’s metal, colorful version is the only one on the market that offers that much comfort, thanks to the product improvement,” explains Bernard Reybier, Fermob chairman of the board and president of the VIA / French Design. “We reached the ultimate design, and this [is] why we say that Bistro is an iconic product.”
However, there’s more to Fermob’s storied-yet-timeless Bistro Chair than meets the eye. Read on to learn some lesser-known details about the seat that accompanies every standout view.
1. It’s Flexible and Eco-Friendly
According to Reybier, the Bistro Chair’s metal frame is both well-appointed and practical. “Metal is a versatile material, which gives a lot of possibilities,” he explains. “Indeed, with metal, you get more flexibility than wood or plastic.” Another thing to love, Reybier says, is that 90 percent of the chair’s material is recyclable, making it a shoo-in for Mother Nature’s seal of approval.
2. There are So Many Colors to Choose From
With over twenty color options to choose from, Fermob has a Bistro Chair to cater to every design style and palette. Not only does the brand create its own shades, but it’s often updating its color chart. “The brand offers a consistent, timeless palette of tones, with endless scope for mixing and matching hues across all its product ranges,” Reybier adds. From monochrome options to bright pops of color, Fermob’s rainbow offerings do not disappoint.
3. Some Modern Upgrades Have Been Made
Fermob’s Bistro Chair might’ve made its debut over 100 years ago, but it’s received some considerable upgrades since then. Highlights include automated riveting for optimal resilience, curved slats for improved comfort, and anticorrosion treatment with the help of UV-resistant powder coating. Plus, a patented on-piece cross beam and electrogalvanized steel axle bar ensure that this piece will hold up nicely over time.
4. The Chair is a Global Hit
Since its debut in 1889, Fermob’s Bistro Chair has been seen everywhere from Tokyo to London. “The Bistro chair is a French creation,” Reybier explains. “It has been distributed in the US since the very beginning for Pottery Barn and William Sonoma at first, then with Fermob USA in 1991.” Turns out, the international hype isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Reybier shares that over 194,000 Bistro chairs were purchased between 2021 and 2022.
5. Fermob’s Bistro Chair is a New York Icon
Speaking of its worldwide appeal, the Bistro Chair has a big presence in the Big Apple. In fact, the famed furniture can be spotted in tourist destinations like Times Square, Little Island, and Herald Square. But perhaps its biggest presence is in the city’s Bryant Park revival. “The Bryant Park Foundation made the decision to stay close to the historical Bryant Park chair to match the color of the trees,” Reybier shares. “Therefore, they chose the Bistro chair in an exclusive [green] specifically chosen for the park that blends perfectly in the greenery of the park.” According to the brand, there are approximately just as many Bistro Chairs in New York City than yellow cabs.
Learn more about the Bistro chair at fermob.com.
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