Having bought vintage furniture years ago that I still love, I rarely buy a new piece unless I really need it (and/or see something SO spectacular, I can’t resist). And what I needed when I moved into my Harlem space was a table for the terrace. I fell in love with the Fermob Tertio table because it’s stylish enough to use INSIDE as well (emulating the brilliant interior designer Andrée Putman’s use of vintage garden chairs in her utterly chic dining room.)
It has the same lines as a mid-century table I saw years ago.
I wanted the table in white, envisioning it working in various spots in my space, including as a bed table, and spot for reading.
Since it was summer, I wanted the table right away and discovered that many colors of Fermob have to be special ordered. I originally bought a handsome black version, but eventually swapped it for the lighter-looking white.
The Tertio table has been worth every penny. I’ve since bought other Fermob pieces, including a rectangular folding table from Fermob’s most recognizable, classic bistro line with a folding stand similar to the one below…
…as well as the classic folding chairs, which grace many a French interior.
…and come in an array of colors…
Because all my pieces fold, they can be stashed in unlikely places, perfect for my constantly changing life. I store this handy little vintage table picked up at a flea market years ago behind the terrace door, held in place by a bungee cord. Since the door is always open when my friends and I sit out there, no one knows it’s there.
Established in the 1950’s, Fermob continues to innovate, collaborating with interesting designers (including Andrée Putman). I am smitten with their Origami table, below.
It works fine in an entranceway, at the foot of a bed, as a dining bench…as do their other benches (which go curiously well with antiques of all kinds).
The Believe bench and table in a LOUD color are pretty swell as well…
Fermob is not cheap. Used pieces can sometimes be found on Ebay and Etsy under search word “Fermob” or “French bistro furniture”. Look closely when buying a copy.
If you are thinking of buying Fermob for outdoors, now’s the time as some pieces take two or three months to deliver.
I used a Fermob table and chairs as a tiny kitchen table in my old apartment and loved it so!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tannazie/5085420958/in/datetaken/
Great article and lovely images. You can also buy Fermob here https://www.worm.co.uk/categories/fermob where stocks might allow for quicker shipping.
I love pieces that are double-duty indoor-outdoor, and that table indeed is lovely inside as well.
On a related note, who is the designer of that gorgeous wood chair next to your Fermob table??
The designer of the 50’s Plycraft “Ant Chair” is Norman Cherner. I picked my first one up for about $40 in a flea market many years ago, not knowing what it was but loving the lines. After that, I’d grab them when I’d see them….gradually the price began to skyrocket.
There are new licensed versions available that are slightly different (a bit clunkier), but since they’re expensive, I’d opt for buying vintage via Ebay or second-hand stores if you can find them.
Another example of how wonderful they work indoors. A really good investment.