Plastic Garden Furniture

In gardens, there things to be said against using plastic and things in its favour. Lets start with the negative, because they are the dominant consideration:

• the symbolic associations of plastic are altogether unfavourable: plastic makes us think of litter, fast food and the disposable society
• plastic furniture tends to be made in garishly unpleasant colours
• plastic does not develop a patina with the passing of the years: it often decays as a result of exposure to ultra-violet light

So what can be said in favour of plastic?

• plastic is light and cheap
• in the shorter term, plastic is durable and does not require painting
• the colours used to make plastic do not have to be vile. It is possible to obtain a surprisingly good plastic imitation of a clay, which is less subject to breakage and has better moisture-retention properties.

The The Philippe Starck "Bubble Club Sofa" is a real success; it can be used indoor or outdoor and is available in pale green or earth red colour.