Bring the outdoors in!

July 2006

Hurrah! Here comes the sun and (fingers crossed) we will be blessed with long sunny days and balmy evenings which will allow us to spend some time in the great outdoors... well, there or thereabouts!

Conservatories are a great way of spending time just close enough to the outside to enjoy the summer weather but they also give us the option of being able to stay away from those grey clouds that are always nearby.

Once sneered upon as being slightly 'naff' conservatories have come a long way and are much more affordable than they used to be.

One reason is that they come in far more shapes and sizes than in previous years and because of that, the furniture made for them has progressed too.

Conservatory furniture used to be primarily available in two options - cane or white plastic, unless of course you were lucky enough to be able to afford something bespoke. Now however, as Fishpools prove, conservatory furniture can be extremely stylish.

For a great alternative to cane and wicker opt for something that is a little bit different.

Fishpools have a beautiful collection of conservatory furniture that gives you a feel of the Mediterranean... even if our British weather doesn't! The intricately detailed Tripoli and Patra table and chair sets, with their terracotta tiled tops and sculptured metal base, will help your imagination run wild and bring back memories of spending time al fresco in sunnier climes. They come in either four seat option or, for a more intimate affair, a two seat option.

Many people do use regular indoor furniture but really, for your conservatory, you should have a different take on this look. Opt for a big, rustic oak style table then add a different edge by using an eclectic range of chairs to make the look a bit more summery and colourful. Fishpool's range of Airchairs, which come in a range of moulded plastic colours, are a perfect option. There's also the design classic Louis Ghost chair by Philippe Stark that can be used alongside the Air. And for a complete contrast add a selection of wooden chairs and benches too - making enough room for a summer get-together with friends and family.

But probably the most popular and the most extensive range of conservatory furniture is cane. Fishpools has ranges of cane furniture suitable for most sizes and styles of conservatories.

The dark tones of the Zambia range of sofa and chairs offer a stylish alternative to the more regular, lighter shades of conservatory furniture. The squared shape of the spacious sofa will give you plenty of room if you have extra guests round and the combination of colours for the covers means you may be able to keep those inevitable wine spills at bay!

For a grander style of seat choose the beautiful Vanessa chair. It's elegant curves and high back makes it a perfect choice for sitting in on a sunny afternoon while sipping a Pimms and reading your favourite book.

Whatever style you choose you can be sure to find a big enough choice at Fishpools and with staff on hand to help you make those selection dilemmas a little easier, you'll be left with even more time to enjoy your new conservatory furniture.

Date published: July 2006. Please ask in store for the latest prices and details.

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