Adirondack Is Back – The Hottest New (Old) Fad In Outdoor Furniture!
It’s not a huge surprise that a classic American design such as the Adirondack Chair has made such a comeback in the last two years. This retro trend is quickly spreading because people all over North America are electing to spend more and more free time relaxing and kicking back in their thoughtfully created outside living area. I remember as a young kid, sinking completely back into one of these comfortable old chairs, my legs swinging just barely over the edge, while my grandpa and I peeled apples from the trees and discussed the apple pie mounded with quickly melting ice cream that we knew my granny would have waiting for us after supper. With a cool lemonade on the wide arm rest, the breeze was warm and soft. When Grandpa told stories it seemed like time flew by. It’s really no big mystery why we love to relax outside, whether that is out on the porch where you can watch the neighborhood go by, out on the patio, in your garden area, or on the deck. What better way to do that than to sit back in a deep seated, high backed, wonderful Adirondack chair and just leave your cares behind.
So where did this little part of American culture come from? Well, the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, of course. This furniture design was customary among the various mountain hide aways and resorts that were so popular in those days. By the 40’s they were just about everywhere. The furniture design started to spread to the south and was going west quickly. As the Adirondack style began to grow in popularity, and made its way around the country, influences regionally began showing up. The furniture design was utilized in a variety of outdoor furniture styles including; gliders, benches, rocking chairs, porch swings, and because of our Canadian neighbors, a conversation piece they call the “tete a tete” which means literally; “head to head”. This fanciful little design incorporates a couple of chairs and a table between them built as a single piece. What a great way to spend a warm Summer afternoon with somebody who loves you!
You’re going to be happy and amazed to find a large assortment of Adirondack furniture out there right now. The original style has not only withstood the winds of time, but the whole Adirondack craze has exploded with a wonderful collection of colors, styles, finishes, and material. Traditional Adirondack style furniture is built from wood that is known for resisting bugs and decay such as cherry, white or red cedar, oak, or cypress. The wood that is selected will vary by location around the country as do individual furniture styles. A popular new extra in classic Adirondack style is outdoor furnishings constructed from polymer “lumber” that’s made from recycled plastic packaging, old milk cartons, and other things. This isn’t only an environmentally friendly way to get your furniture, but you’ll also have advantages with easy care, durableness, longevity, and your colors won’t eventually fade since the pigments are mixed all the way through the plastic with UV inhibitors for protection.
