In honor of Valentines day and with dreams of warmer weather, I found an outdoor loveseat made from sustainable materials for eco-minded couples. Contrary to it’s name, the loveseat was originally created to accommodate the large dresses of the 18th and 19th centuries. Later called “the courting chair,” the loveseat typically has two cushions to provide a visual boundary and an appropriate level of distance for young couples. Today a loveseat is any seat that is large enough for two people, and is a convenient size for apartment dwellers. I for one, plan to spend this Valentines day on my loveseat with some good takeout.

Ripples Sustainable Patio Loveseat. Designed by Fine Garden Products.

Last week’s article on the Voyage Bed by Kenneth Cobonpue showed off the lightness of rattan, a sustainable material found in the tropics. Like bamboo, rattan is a fast growing plant that is considered to be rapidly renewable and therefore sustainable. Rattan can actually help protect the forests it grows in by providing a profitable reason to keep the forest in tact. The Ripples Sustainable Patio Loveseat by Fine Garden Products uses rattan to create a solid piece of furniture that reminds me of a densely woven basket. The rattan has been hand bonded and is combined with reclaimed wood gathered from the jungle floor in Thailand. The loveseat comes in a dark and light version, each with their own distinct rattan design. The light loveseat has a linear pattern that accentuates the grass aspect of the rattan. Tightly wrapped circles are the theme of the dark loveseat, with incorporated openings that help lighten the feel of the large backrest. Outdoor furniture features rattan and other hearty vines, another example is the Moebius Double Armchair by Onxy, which is a woven outdoor chair for two people who may not necessarily be in love.