Embracing The Cafe Furniture Replica

Some might say reproduction while some might say rip off. Call it what you like but replica designer cafe furniture is here to stay. In fact you don’t have to go far to see commercial grade cafe furniture replicas on a grand scale. From Tolix Stools to Bentwood Chairs through to iconic Toledo Drafting Stools and Philip Starck Ghost Chairs, they’re all easily and readily available. So what’s the attraction and why are they so prevalent in Australia?

Availability

The obvious answer is cost, but it isn’t the full picture. Availability and ease of purchase means that you don’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for. Let’s take the Tolix Stool for example. In the 1930’s Xavier Pauchard designed his now iconic stool for the masses. As a result the company turned out hundreds of thousands between 1934 and 1959. However finding an original in 2016 isn’t straight forward but finding a replica piece – well that’s a different story and one that starts with a simple click of a mouse. It’s true – the onset of the internet has made replica cafe furniture easily and readily available.

Competition

Another reason for the surge in replica furniture is that huge competition has lead to café’s, restaurants, and bistros, in Australia having to stand out from the crowd and be unique. Melbourne for example is known as the cafe capital of the southern hemisphere while Brisbane isn’t far behind. One way to do this is through trendy design. The problem is that being trendy can also cost money and often one of the first pieces that establishment owners give the push to when the budget is squeezed is expensive furniture. So how do you get the same design impact using quality furniture but on a cheaper scale? Replica cafe furniture of course!

So what are you getting for your money? – After all you don’t want to be throwing your replica furniture out with the rubbish in three or four year’s time?

AFRDI Tested

As long as you look for commercial grade replica furniture that has the AFRDI tested seal of approval then you should be okay. The Australasian Furnishing Research and Development Institute is a not-for-profit organisation set up to test furniture so that buyers can purchase with confidence. In essence products go through a rigorous testing routine that goes way beyond that of normal wear and tear. The AFRDI certification is recognised by a blue tick so watch out for it when you buy.

If you’re looking for a replica Tolix Stool or chair to complete that industrial look, or that replica Bentwood chair to give a rustic homely feel, then we can help. At Cafe Furniture Melbourne we have a wide variety of commercial grade replica furniture in stock at seriously competitive prices. Check out our website to find out more. Alternatively, if you’re in the Campbellfield area of Melbourne, then why not pop into our showroom where you try before you buy.