Buy Once, Buy Well

Recently two people in the public eye, both poles apart, have been quoted as having very much the same philosophy.

Buy Once, Buy Well

"I have always believed in the 'buy once, buy well' philosophy," the Prince of Wales tells the Telegraph newspaper in an interview.

 Buy less, choose well, make it last

These wise words were spoken by iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood. In a live interview, Westwood spoke about capitalism and the need to change our spending behaviour and address the ethical and environmental issues of the fashion industry, this however could be aimed at any manner of industry and products.

We would like to wholeheartedly agree with, and echo, their thoughts. We are of course well aware that there are many swings seats available in the market today that cost far less than ours do. 

But are they able to offer you a lifespan of ten plus years?

Are they made from sustainable timbers?

Do they keep a small team of local artisans in healthy employment?

Do they mellow and just get better with age?

We believe when you invest in a piece of Sitting Spiritually furniture all of the above apply, and do approach your commission with us as that, an investment in an extremely high quality, bespoke British product.  As a purchaser of our furniture we always welcome interested customers to our workshops so they can have full view of our production processes.

Added to this, our seats have been ergonomically designed to ensure a perfect fit to support the back and ensure maximum comfort.  Sitting on one of our swing seats is a real experience in comfort and relaxation, and that hasn’t happened by accident, we have spent years listening to our customers and gently tweaking the designs into what they are today, in addtion, making sure the seats are wide enough to generously fit their size.  Not only are our garden swings seats a thing of true beauty, but also the last word in comfort & style.

Also, often from customer's suggestions, something becomes a best seller.  In 2013, for instance, somebody loved the Swirl Back Swing Seat, but made a special request could we possibly, instead of  the circle cut out, make a heart cut out for them.  We were very happy to oblige and so many people saw it and wanted the same, it has become an incredibly popular choice today.  See the photo of that first one below, it has appeared many many times since then.

When buying from a small, independent, high-quality, brand you are also often supporting a local company who is investing in artisan skills, and has  a conscious approach to its business and giving back to the local community.

A big factor that plays into our furniture’s longevity is how it is looked after. Paying attention to our care instructions is key to making your garden furniture last and this is why, with every commission, we include, on delivery, a comprehensive care package to ensure your piece has a long life with you and your family.

We're confident that when looked after properly, our garden furniture will stand the test of time and age beautifully. Our very first seat we made over 18 years ago is a testament to that. Standing proud in the Sitting Spiritually garden, it looks as exquisite now as it did in its very first year of being made.

The most important part of our products is the raw material – the wood itself. Firstly, care is taken to source the wood, all of which comes under the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).  We only select the best grade wood at Sitting Spiritually, and we, as makers, are part of the quality selection process.  When we receive a wood delivery, our first job is to carefully inspect the timber to ensure that we start with the best grade of material. This means we look over it for large knots, or any evidence of sapwood, splitting or shakes (shakes are a lengthwise separation along the grain, usually between the growth rings of the tree).

That's why we offer a 5 year guarantee on all new commissions. It provides you with the peace of mind that you are investing in a quality piece of furniture that will be with you for a long time.

We hope all this shows you the committment and love we put into our products, right from your first point of contact with us, to your final delivery into your garden, we assure you of the very best care and attention, and who could say that about a mass produced piece?

So in the words of the grand doyenne of fashion, remember......

If you would like to contribute a guest blog, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@sittingspiritually.co.uk