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4 Top Tips to Create a Hygge Home

Natural Rattan Porto Occasional Chair

Hygge – pronounced hoo-ga is a Danish life-style concept, creating joy, well-being and cosiness in every aspect of life. It is a state of mind to be present in your environment, using your home to reflect that life is filled with family, friends and nostalgia. The idea of Hygge is to create a home that is full of love, cheerfulness and most importantly comfort. 

In this blog we look at the four top tips to create a Hygge home. 

1. Choose a Natural Colour Scheme 

Too much colour can become distracting, evoking unsettling sensations for mind and body. Sticking to a neutral colour scheme will create a unified and balanced feel throughout the house. Natural furniture is also a great way to bring a Nordic touch to your interior, adding warm tones to your home. 

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Natural Beijing Coffee Table

2. Less is More 

Rattan furniture can be both subtle and functional and will bring nature into your home. The Hygge trend is dominated by white or neutral walls when used throughout the house can produce a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Accessorise with your favourite books, candles, or a simple vase. 

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Set of Two Natural Planters

3. Add Cosy Blankets and Cushions 

To encompass the true meaning of Hygge you will need to invest in an abundance of cosy blankets and cushions, these can be added to any space to create comfort. Soft textures like cashmere will allow you to indulge your senses. 

Styling tip: Change up your throws depending on the season. During spring/summer go for linen blankets and in the autumn/winter chunky knitted blankets are perfect for cuddling up on the sofa. 

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Natural Porto Occasional Chair

4. Nostalgic Memories 

Bring in your own personal touches. This design trend does not need to be perfect, add in your own trinkets, photographs, and keepsakes that make you feel happy.  

Our selection of wicker furniture will be a great addition to any Hygge interior, shop the range here. 

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How to incorporate rattan into your home

How to incorporate rattan into your home

No longer resigned to conservatories and summer houses, rattan furniture has had a resurgence in the last two years and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down.  

For its durable and versatile qualities, the material has earned its rightful place in our homes providing elegance and sophistication as well as a casual laid-back look that works wonderfully with all interior design themes.  

However, if you haven’t yet brought this natural vine-like material – grown sustainably in tropical rainforests into your home, we’ve put together a few ideas to get you started. 

Natural Beijing Coffee Table
Natural Beijing Coffee Table

Bring a touch of nature into your living room 

Lightweight and durable, rattan furniture is a great addition to any living space, whether that be country chic or modern minimalism, you’ll find a stunning wicker piece that will match all tastes and styles. Whether it be a Nordic living room or a bohemian staircase the paired-back, casual feel of rattan furniture will bring a touch of nature to your home. 

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Natural Shanghai Chair

Add texture to your bedroom 

The intricate weaving and cane detailing of rattan furniture will bring texture and allure to any bedroom interior. Place a statement chair in a unused corner to create an unusual reading space or as a finishing touch to a vintage dressing table. As the material is extremely lightweight, you’ll be able to move the furniture easily from one room to another, if needed. 

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Natural Moon Chair

Use wicker baskets to create nifty storage 

Available in a range of sizes wicker weave baskets can be used to create extra storage in any room of the house. Larger baskets can be used in living rooms to store blankets and cushions or in bathrooms to store towels and toiletries. Baskets can even be used in children’s bedroom to store away toys and accessories. 

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Set of 2 Black Storage Baskets

Create a statement with sculptural pieces 

Sleek and timeless designs, adding a sculpted chair to your living space will create drama and intrigue. Look for striking contours and organic forms that work best with luscious house plants, botanical prints and other wicker pieces, such as mirrors, tables and footstools. Sculptural rattan furniture can be both beautiful and functional. 

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Natural Teardrop Chair

Team rattan furniture with modern interiors  

Rattan furniture can produce a remarkable focal point without being too intrusive in a modern space. The traditional wicker weave of rattan furniture provides textural contrast in rooms that are dominated by white walls, smooth surfaces and exposed wood or brick. For more of a visual impact look for furniture with shapely silhouettes and curved designs. 

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Natural Porto Bar Stool

Create a vibrant space for the kids to play  

As a natural material, rattan is easy to clean making it ideal for a children’s room. Both, durable and fun rattan chairs are available in a range of funky colours that will brighten up a children’s bedroom or playroom. You can also add a fluffy blanket to create a cosy reading area. 

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Kids Wicker Loom Chair in White

Our woven rattan furniture is hand-crafted from natural, sustainable material and is easy to maintain. Look at the collection here.  

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A Mancunian Family Affair

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This past year, more than ever, has shown us the true meaning of family and friendship, and with World Family Day just around the corner on Saturday 15th May we look at the 102-year history of Desser and Co – a Manchester based family business.  

The story of Desser and Co starts back in the dark days of the First World War, where a British soldier named Issac Desser served on the front line in Belgium. It was here that Issac encountered a Flemish craftsman who was producing several types of basketware and the foundation of Desser and Co was born. 

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On his return from the war, Issac began a small business operating from the front parlour of his Mother-in-law’s house. Here, Issac’s wife, Anne and her family helped packing goods to despatch to customers. Realising the commercial potential, Issac began importing the baskets from Belgium to sell to retail outlets across the United Kingdom.  

When the family moved to a new house near to Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester, the business went with them and Issac was soon joined by his brother Simon – and in 1919, Desser & Co was formed. Following this in 1932 Issac’s son Morris also joined the company. 

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After the Second World War, Simon’s son-in-law Ronnie Stewart joined the family business, which was now housed at Lord Street, Cheetham Hill. However, shortly after this move Simon passed away.  

The family business continued to grow, necessitating another move to a large but still cramped basement on Robert Street. By this time, Morris’ son Gordon began working for the family business followed by Ronnie’s two sons Michael and Barry. Further expansion signalled another move in the early Seventies to an impressive purpose-built warehouse and showroom on Bradstone Road, Cheetham Hill, where the company is still based, today!  

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In 1975, sadly, Issac Desser passed away, working at his company until his 80th year. Proceeding him, in 1987, Simon Desser (Issac’s Great Grandson) joined the business kicking off the fourth generation of the family business followed by Mark Stewart in 1997 and then David Stewart in 2017 (both Ronnie’s Grandsons).  

Unfortunately, sadness descended on the family once more with the passing of Morris in 1997, Ronnie Steward in 2000 and Simon Desser in 2018.  

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The family and business have shared many hardships throughout its 102-year history but with its Mancunian spirit and the will to succeed, has kept the family business alive. The Great Grandsons – Mark and David have great ambitions for the company for many more years to come.  

Not only does Desser and Co celebrated four generations of a family run business, but many also committed employees have been with the company for over 30 years, bringing family members of their own into the business – making it a true family affair! 

All this from one man who had a simple idea whilst serving on the front line for his country. 

Anything is possible.  

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How to clean your indoor rattan furniture

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Natural materials are big news in interior design right now and rattan furniture has seen an explosion in popularity throughout 2020 and 2021. Apart from making a style statement in your home, rattan furniture is a lightweight, durable and sustainable material. The hardwearing properties of the vine-like plant, grown in tropical rainforests will last a lifetime if cared for properly. 

However, as a porous material, rattan will suffer from damp if stored in a moist environment. Care to keep it clean and free of dust will ensure your furniture will last for many years to come.  

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The Chelsea Natural suite in Texture Blue fabric

How often should I clean my rattan furniture? 

The traditional weaving technique used to construct rattan furniture means there are many nooks and crannies for dust to gather. Therefore, the furniture should be dusted with a soft cloth or vacuumed with an upholstery brush on a weekly basis. A more thorough clean using a damp cloth should take place monthly, ensuring any food or drink stains are cleaned away immediately. 

What equipment will I need to clean my rattan furniture? 

  • Duster 
  • Soft cloths 
  • Vacuum with upholstery brush 
  • Toothbursh 
  • Two clean buckets 
  • Warm water 
  • Washing up liquid 
  • Chlorine bleach 
  • Boiled linseed oil 
clifton suite
The Clifton Natural suite in Athena Check fabric

Cleaning instructions – weekly 

  1. Dust the furniture 

Using a duster or a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush, dust over the furniture to remove any dirt that may have formed in the weave. To remove stubborn build-up, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove dirt from corners or the joins of the furniture. 

  1. Cleaning stains 

With a damp cloth (using a solution of warm water and washing up liquid) wipe away any stains as soon as possible. Do not try to rub these stains with pressure as this will push the matter deeper into the weave of the furniture, then leave to air-dry.  

Cleaning instructions – monthly 

  1. How to make the cleaning solution 

Mix four cups of warm water and a tablespoon of washing up liquid in a bowl or bucket. Stirring the solution until suds form on the surface. 

Fill an additional bucket with fresh water to rise off the furniture using a clean cloth. 

  1. How to clean the rattan furniture 

Using the cleaning solution run a damp cloth over the furniture, starting at the top then down over the rattan piece. Ensure you are rising the cloth, frequently in the fresh water and wring until slightly damp.  

Again, if you have any dirt build-up in the weave of the furniture, use a toothbrush but do not over-saturate the piece with water. 

  1. Allow the furniture to dry 

Allow the furniture to air-dry. If there’s excess water, use a soft cloth to dry the piece. 

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The Camden suite in Pimlico fabric

Cleaning instructions – yearly 

Each year, remove the cushions, inspected the furniture for issues and condition the rattan. Before you begin the thorough yearly cleaning, follow the steps for weekly and monthly cleaning first. 

  1. Inspect Rattan for issues 

Remove the cushions from the furniture and look for any splits or breakages in the structure. If you’ve stored your furniture in a damp space, check the legs for mold or mildew. 

  1. Clean off any mold or mildew 

To remove any mildew, make a solution of equal parts of chlorine bleach and water. Wearing rubber gloves, dip a soft cloth in the bleach solution and apply to the affected area only. Do not saturate the rattan and move the piece into a sunny spot to dry as quickly as possible. 

  1. Condition the Rattan 

Once you’ve followed all the cleaning steps and allowed your rattan furniture to dry completely. Dip a clean, soft cloth into boiled linseed oil to condition the rattan – boiled linseed oil is used over regular linseed oil as it dries faster and can be bought at most DIY stores. 

To prevent any drip marks, start at the top of the piece and wipe downwards over the furniture. The oil will add moisture to the fibres, helping to prevent breakages. Allow the furniture to dry for at least 48 hours before replacing cushions. 

Looking to add to your collection of rattan furniture or making your first purchase? Check out our range of sustainable, luxury furniture. 

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4 Top Tips on How to Clean your Outdoor Rattan Furniture

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There are many benefits for choosing artificial rattan garden furniture for your outdoor space, including its durability and long lifespan. However, this furniture still needs to be maintained and cared for to extend its lifespan further.  In this blog, we’re going to look at the four top tips that will keep your PE rattan furniture looking great for years to come.  

How often should I clean my outdoor PE rattan furniture? 

To keep your PE rattan furniture looking great we recommend cleaning your set at least twice a year. Once before you store the furniture away for the winter months and then again when you get your set out for spring/summer. You could also give your set a good wipe down part way through the summer to just keep it fresh!  

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Winchester Mink Rattan Outdoor Dining Set with a Tan Poly Fibre Table

How do I clean my outdoor PE rattan furniture? 

  1. Prepare your furniture 

Firstly, remove all cushions and either wipe these down with a damp soapy cloth or dry cleaning is a great option for more stubborn marks. Then place the furniture in a sunny space in the garden, that you don’t mind getting wet. 

  1. Remove any dirt or dust 

Using the soft bristle brush or cloth wipe over the furniture to remove or dislodge any dirt or dust – concentrating on corners and any hidden spots.  However, try not to be too aggressive, as this could damage the finish of the furniture. 

  1. Get cleaning 

Next, fill a clean bucket with two litres of warm water and ¼ cup of washing up liquid, using a soft cloth, wipe over the sofa frame, chairs and table – you can be very generous here and give your furniture a real soaking. If you spot any mould, simply add a small amount of white vinegar to the warm water solution and it will be gone in a jiffy.  

  1. Drying time 

Lastly, allow the furniture to fully dry out in the sun or a slightly breezy day will do! This should only take a few hours then you can replace the cushions and look forward to the summer.  

Care tips 

PE Rattan may be tough and durable, but it also needs to be treated with care: 

  • Never use a jet wash to clean your outdoor furniture the pressure of the water will weaken the material, and holes may appear. 
  • For stubborn stains or marks, try using a steam cleaner – test it on a small, unseen piece of the furniture first and don’t hold the steamer over the same spot for too long. 
  • Don’t be too vigorous when rubbing on the slats as this will damage the rattan. 
dakota grey 3seater lounge set glass coffee table set
Dakota Grey 3 Seater Rattan Outdoor Lounge Set with a Glass Top Table

Can I keep my PE rattan garden set outside all year? 

As a fabulous material, PE rattan furniture can withstand most things the British weather can throw at it. However, to keep your outdoor set at its best, use a waterproof cover during the colder months to protect it from autumn gales and winter rain. This will reduce the need for a deep clean once spring arrives.  

How should I care for my outdoor cushions? 

Most outdoor sets are designed with waterproof and UV resistant fabrics, meaning they can cope with a summer shower or two. To keep the water repellent properties of the cushions, occasionally wipe over the material with a damp cloth to lift off any dirt or dust, avoid scrubbing the fabric and do not use any harsh cleaning chemicals.  

When the upholstery needs a deep clean, use professional dry-cleaning services. Once cleaned, the fabric can be re-proofed offering the same water repellent properties.  

atlanta grey slate table set
Atlanta Grey Rattan Outdoor Corner Dining Set with a Slate Poly Fibre Table

Looking to upgrade your garden furniture? Check out our range of luxury garden patio furniture.  

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Is rattan furniture sustainable?

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With Earth Day taking place on Friday 22nd April, we decided to look at the eco-friendly benefits of buying rattan furniture over other materials such as wood or plastic.  

This year’s theme – Restore our Earth not only reminds us of the harm that climate change is having on our planet but also looks at the rejection that we must adapt to the impact of climate change as the only option to combat the issue. Instead, we need to focus on natural system processes and emerging green technologies to restore the world’s ecosystem and rid our oceans of plastic waste.  

What makes rattan so sustainable?

Rattan, a tree climbing vine-like plant can only exist growing amongst established trees in the tropical terrains of Asia, Africa, and Australia and is harvested without interrupting the structure or balance of the rainforest. 

Typically used for furniture, the super vine not only benefits the rainforest but the atmosphere as well, converting CO2 into clean air. As a superior eco-friendly material, rattan has the ability to renew itself within five to seven years.  

The production of sustainable rattan not only ensures long-term supply of the material, but also acts as a safeguard for ecosystem processes, endangered animal habitats and the livelihood of rural communities that have become reliant on this plant. 

Compared to wood, rattan grows exceptionally quickly, at a rate of 2cm per day, this means the vine is fully grown and ready for harvest within two years – a process that can take up to 30 years when growing wood. Once harvested, the tip of the vine is re-planted so the plant can grow again and protect the forest from degradation.  

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How is rattan harvested?

Rattan is much easier to harvest than other types of wood and is done by hand using a few simple tools, leaving the surrounding rainforest intact. This is essential for the re-growth of rattan that needs other trees and plants to climb up and grow.  

The vine is cut into 13-foot lengths and left to dry in the sun without the use of industrial machinery. Once the drying process is complete the rattan is stored for seasoning and graded before being shipped to furniture manufacturers. The vine is remarkably flexible, an ideal property for making intricate designs for tables, chairs, and sofas.  

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Does rattan produce waste?

Unlike other materials that can produce a lot of waste during the manufacturing process, every part of the rattan vine is used to make durable, luxury furniture. The outer skin of the vine is peeled back and used for weaving items such as baskets, chair seats and tabletops while the solid core of the cane is cut into sections and steamed, making it easier to manipulate into shape. Containing nothing but recyclable fibres, rattan doesn’t emit harmful gases into the atmosphere, helping to reduce our carbon footprint. 

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Is rattan biodegradable?

Unlike synthetic furniture, natural rattan is 100% biodegradable meaning it will naturally decompose without causing harm to the environment. However, you should be mindful of any finishes that may have been applied to your furniture during the manufacturing process and make sure you dispose of any old or unwanted furniture at your local recycling centre.

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What is Desser and Co’s commitment to sourcing sustainable rattan?

At Desser and Co we take great care in sourcing all our natural, quality rattan in Indonesia, working closely with local factories and growers to protect its stunning landscape. Rattan farming provides a sustainable income to some of the poorest people living on the fringes of the forests, helping generate employment and build communities. 

So, you can buy Desser’s conservatory and wicker furniture knowing that it is produced in an ethical and sustainable way – we promote Fair Trade and follow a low carbon emission business plan. 

References: 

https://greatermekong.panda.org/our_solutions/projects/sustainablerattan/factsinformation/

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-rattan-furniture-made-from-2736315

Earth Day 2021
Choose rattan over plastic for your balcony or terrace
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What is the difference between rattan and wicker?

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Do you know your rattan from your wicker? Rattan furniture is bang on trend right now for its versatility in a range of interior decorating styles. From super-modern city apartments to suburban semis, you will find stylish rattan furniture to complement any space.  

But let’s not get in a tangle! Before we look at the benefits of rattan furniture, we need to clear up the confusion between rattan and wicker. Rattan, a naturally grown, vine-like plant fibre is lightweight, durable and flexible. It’s native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa that can be bent into a variety of delicate shapes. Where wicker is a type of weave used for making products woven from a variety of pliable plant materials. 

A brief history of wicker

So, let’s start at the very beginning, wicker was first discovered buried with the pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Inspired by this technique, the Romans adopted the practice of basket weaving, which soon spread across the entire Roman Empire. 

The rise of trade with Asia saw the explosion of wicker goods in Northern Europe during the 19th century. Rattan furniture soon spread across the British Empire, from India to the West Indies, and then to England, where the Victorians were captivated with rattan’s civilised exoticism. 

Learn more about Desser’s history with rattan dating back over 100 years.

So, why is rattan so popular? Let’s look at some of the benefits of this versatile material that has lasted the test of time. 

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Dijon Natural Wash Cane set

 Why is rattan furniture so timeless?

Admittingly, rattan is a traditional material used to create woven pieces of furniture. However, it has evolved to create a contemporary aesthetic with the introduction of minimalistic colours and patterns on the upholstery, modern rattan looks very different to the furniture of the past and is undeniably a fashion-forward piece of decor. 

The blend of traditional techniques and contemporary styling means that rattan furniture is in the fortunate place of working with all types of decor. Whether you have a minimalist loft or a mid-century modern barn, rattan furniture will complement any interior concept, adding texture and an eclectic twist. 

Is rattan furniture great value for money?

As a premium material, rattan isn’t cheap, but compared to other materials it is an economical buy. Not only does the rattan market offer a competitive price, but the material is also long-lasting. Rattan’s durability means it won’t need to be replaced as often as other types of furniture, making it a worthwhile investment.  

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Beijing Two-seater Sofa

How lightweight is rattan furniture?

As a lightweight material, rattan has a smaller carbon footprint when shipping the vine from its native Southeast Asia to other parts of the world. This also provides many benefits in your home – rattan furniture is easy to move from room to room. 

Is rattan furniture durable?

The ideology that rattan furniture is associated with occasional use in conservatories, isn’t the case. Modern rattan furniture is far more robust and is capable of withstanding heavy and regular use and is suitable as lounge furniture in spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms. 

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Opera Light Oak collection

Is Rattan Sustainable?

Rattan grows similarly to a weed, growing up tree trucks in the rainforest. The material used to manufacture furniture grows seven times faster than wood from a tree, with rattan vines growing up to 200 meters in length. Harvesting is done by hand with the tip of the vine being replanted to repeat the process. 

To produce our natural rattan furniture, we work with partners that promote Fair Trade ethics, meaning that rattan farmers are always paid a fair wage for their work. Our strict rattan sourcing policies ensure that farmers and factories in some of the world’s poorest countries are supported. 

If you’re looking to invest in a piece of rattan furniture visit our collection of modern designs inspired by traditional wicker making. Made from natural rattan, we have a huge array of items including chairs, sofas, baskets and planters to choose from.  

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What Is AquaClean Fabric and Why Do You Need It?

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We’ve all been in that situation, you’ve had a glass of red wine, and spilled it all over your lovely sofa, or maybe your kids decided the sofa needed a felt tip makeover?  Or the dog has decided to place its muddy pawprint everywhere. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way for you to clean up the mess with minimal work and no chemicals…  

Thanks to AquaClean, scrubbing your sofas is a thing of the past! 

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What is AquaClean? 

AquaClean is a patented and effective material that makes cleaning off any mess from your cushions easier than before. It doesn’t matter what you’ve split; ink, wine, sauce, mud, chocolate or cream, all you need to do is get a damp cloth and some water and wipe away the dirt. Within a matter of seconds, your furniture will look as good as new! 

This is infinitely better than using chemicals, which can be harmful to your fabric, and may even be dangerous if you have young children or pets. 

Unlike many of easy-clean materials, AquaClean is soft and feels like a sofa made from natural fibres, here at Desser we have 10 lovely options to choose from! 

How it works 

Many of the other easy-clean fabrics on the market are essentially just a regular fabric with a layer of plastic on the outside. Whilst this does make cleaning easier, it also has plenty of downsides. 

AquaClean works differently. The protective layer forms part of the fabrics itself, each thread is wrapped up in a substance that repels the dirt, meaning that it doesn’t soak into the fabric – which is why you just need a damp cloth to get rid of any stains! Sounds good right?! 

Protects against Bacteria – Aquaclean with SafeFront®

Not only is Aquaclean great to remove stains, it is also made with SafeFront technology. SAFE FRONT® protects as standard against enveloped viruses and bacteria, effectively reducing its activity by more than 91% against untreated fabrics. This shield maintains optimal levels of hygiene on your sofa by acting permanently. SAFE FRONT® has been proved to be a great help against mite allergies since 1999.

AquaClean Fabric at Desser & Co 

You have a choice of multiple AquaClean fabrics here at Desser, available on any of our conservatory ranges all you need to do is select which shade you want and our in-house upholsterers will do the rest.  

All cushions and upholstery is done by hand in our UK workshop where we have a vigorous quality checks to ensure only our best work leaves the building and to top things off, we will deliver your fully assembled furniture FREE of charge (UK Mainland only). 

Conclusion

Your sofa is often the most used piece of furniture in your home, and can often start to look tired and worn easily. We believe that AquaClean fabric paired with our premium cushions and hand upholstered furniture is the recipe for a long lasting wicker rattan suite. 

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The Perfect Home Décor Accessories to Make Your Home Look Complete

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Do you ever look at a space in your home and think “this room doesn’t quite look finished”, and you just cant quite put your finger on why? Hopefully the following article will help you identify the problem and provide you with some ideas on how to complete your home.

The Problem: Empty and boring walls 

The best way to make a wall more interesting is to put something on it or in front of it. Our Etagre shelving is available in a small and large size – you have to admit that this is so much nicer than your boring square shelving! 

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Natural Rattan Etagere

Our extensive range of mirrors are ideal for filling your walls with something interesting to look at (including yourself I guess!) Place one by itself or go crazy and have a collection. 

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Wide selection of mirrors

The Problem: Your home always looks messy, even when you’ve tidied!

Maybe the problem you have is storage, or lack of.

As much as we try, our home will be filled with things that aren’t ‘insta worthy’, but are a necessity to keep. Luckily, this can be solved with ample storage so you can hide things away when they’re not in use. 

Our rattan sideboard/cupboard looks amazing in any space. We have seen our customers use it in the kitchen, hallway, lounge and even the bathroom. It has a shelf and plenty of room to store all those household necessities. 

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Natural Rattan Cabinet

Our baskets are the perfect option for clearing away things that you need easy access too. Things like toys, blankets and even logs for the fire. 

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Set of two baskets

Pro tip: Fill empty corners with plants

We all love a house plant, which is why we stock some amazing planters. Available in both black and natural, you can place these in any room or space and fill any unwanted gaps in your décor. There are both real and fake options available.

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Set of two planters

We’ve got loads more good stuff available with FREE UK mainland delivery – what are you waiting for?! Happy decorating! 

If you need any help purchasing our products, or have any questions please email [email protected]

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How To Choose The Right Furniture For Your Conservatory

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What furniture should I have in my conservatory?

mercer conservatory sale

It is the finishing touch that will push your conservatory from ordinary to extraordinary. As well as style, you also need to consider function when it comes to choosing the right conservatory furniture.

You invested time, money and energy into creating the perfect conservatory and there is one final hurdle to jump – choosing the right conservatory furniture. 

As well as your own likes and dislikes there are four key areas to consider…

#1 MATERIAL

Conservatories are light-filled spaces but sunlight and heat are a harsh combination. Wood will dry out and some fabrics can be sun-bleached within weeks.

Rattan and wicker furniture are two options that have long been used in the conservatory because as a natural material from tropical climes, its composition means it is perfect for this kind of heat and sunlight intensive room.

But if you still think of conservatory furniture and rattan chairs as being old fashioned then you need to take another look.

dijon-conservatory-suite
Dijon Natural in Athena Stripe
snug
The Snug Chair in Floral Lilac

#2 FUNCTION

How you plan on using your conservatory is key to choosing the right pieces.

For example, if you plan on using it as a lounging space, a place your retreat to at the end of the day to watch the sunset, as well as rattan sofas, consider something like a rattan daybed.  

#3 DESIGN

With an Edwardian or Victorian style home, choose furniture that blends well with these more traditional designs – essentially, you want to create symmetry and cohesion between the space and its appearance and the furniture you choose. Traditional shapes and designs work well, as does opting for upholstery fabric colours and patterns that complement the overall finish. 

Modern cutting edge conservatory design, however, is for a minimalist, barely-there frame giving the appearance of a more-or-less completely glass structure. If this is the case, opt for slimline, minimal rattan furniture for the conservatory. Make a statement with black rattan chairs or sofas, using geometric patterns in mustard yellow and grey for scatter cushions and rugs. 

mercer conservatory sale
The Mercer Suite in Smooth Blush
bali light oak suite in smooth beige fabric
Bali Light Oak in Smooth Beige

#4 FORM

Like other rooms in your home, you will have constraints on space. But even a larger room packed with ‘big’ or tall furniture can look cluttered and dense.

The solution is to look at the form – or its dimensions and structure – of the piece you intend to buy.

Furniture that is tall and wide will leave less floor space open to view and that means the room will look smaller.

In a conservatory that has ample proportions, this isn’t a problem. In a smaller conservatory, opt for furniture that is slim in its looks and features. 

Don’t assume that a rattan sofa is the only solution for the conservatory! 

Traditionally, a rattan sofa with matching armchairs was the solution when it came to conservatory furniture. This may work for some conservatories but not all.  For example, would a pair of loft chairs be a more versatile solution? 

Today, there are many more options and solutions when it comes to fabric patterns and colours too.

An opportunity to stamp your personality on things, when you have chosen the style and shape of your Desser sofa, you have a range of 30+ fabrics to make it your own. Adding accents with scatter cushions is not a problem either, as you can customise these with your own choice of fabric too.

What furniture should I have in my conservatory?

It is the finishing touch that will push your conservatory from ordinary to extraordinary. As well as style, you also need to consider function when it comes to choosing the right conservatory furniture.

You invested time, money and energy into creating the perfect conservatory and there is one final hurdle to jump – choosing the right conservatory furniture. 

As well as your own likes and dislikes there are four key areas to consider…

#1 MATERIAL

Conservatories are light-filled spaces but sunlight and heat are a harsh combination. Wood will dry out and some fabrics can be sun-bleached within weeks. Rattan and wicker furniture are two options that have long been used in the conservatory because as a natural material from tropical climes, its composition means it is perfect for this kind of heat and sunlight intensive room.

But if you still think of conservatory furniture and rattan chairs as being old fashioned then you need to take another look.

dijon
The Dijon Natural suite in Athena Stripe fabric

#2 FUNCTION

How you plan on using your conservatory is key to choosing the right pieces. For example, if you plan on using it as a lounging space, a place your retreat to at the end of the day to watch the sunset, as well as rattan sofas, consider something like a rattan daybed.  

snug
The Snug Chair in Flora Lilac fabric

#3 DESIGN

With an Edwardian or Victorian style home, choose furniture that blends well with these more traditional designs – essentially, you want to create symmetry and cohesion between the space and its appearance and the furniture you choose. Traditional shapes and designs work well, as does opting for upholstery fabric colours and patterns that complement the overall finish. 

Modern cutting edge conservatory design, however, is for a minimalist, barely-there frame giving the appearance of a more-or-less completely glass structure. If this is the case, opt for slimline, minimal rattan furniture for the conservatory. Make a statement with black rattan chairs or sofas, using geometric patterns in mustard yellow and grey for scatter cushions and rugs. 

mercer
The Mercer suite in Smooth Blush fabric

#4 FORM 

Like other rooms in your home, you will have constraints on space. But even a larger room packed with ‘big’ or tall furniture can look cluttered and dense.

The solution is to look at the form – or its dimensions and structure – of the piece you intend buying. Furniture that is tall and wide will leave less floor space open to view and that means the room will look smaller.

In a conservatory that has ample proportions, this isn’t a problem. In a smaller conservatory, opt for furniture that is slim in its looks and features. 

bali light oak suite in smooth beige fabric
Bali Light Oak suite in Smooth Beige fabric

Don’t assume that a rattan sofa is the only solution for the conservatory 

Traditionally, a rattan sofa with matching armchairs was the solution when it came to conservatory furniture. This may work for some conservatories but not all.  For example, would a pair of loft chairs be a more versatile solution? 

Today, there are many more options and solutions when it comes to fabric patterns and colours too.

An opportunity to stamp your personality on things, when you have chosen the style and shape of your Desser sofa, you have a range of 30+ fabrics to make it your own. Adding accents with scatter cushions is not a problem either, as you can customise these with your own choice of fabric too.