Over the past few years, we have seen the importance of sustainability in industries such as fashion and hospitality. And now, more and more people are considering sustainable furniture, home decor and taking part in supporting the environment. As humans, we have a desire to constantly buy new items and furniture pieces for our home and throw or neglect the ones that we don’t use anymore. Doing so, we don’t even realise how much that actually impacts our environment. There are countless options to choose from out there, but it is important that you choose something that is best for your family and the environment.
Sustainable furniture is made from materials that have been recycled or they can be repurposed to make new pieces of furniture. Introducing sustainable furniture and making sure that it is functional can be easier said than done. From materials to finishes, colours and designs, to how the product was manufactured, there are many things you should consider.
In honour of Earth Day, we have come up with a few tips to help you incorporate sustainable furniture into your interior!
Image: Homestolove
USING RECYCLED AND RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Durable, strong, and enhancing the environment, bamboo will add elegance to your interior. It is known as a sustainable material for furniture as well as architecture. Bamboo comes in a wide variety of styles, finishes and sizes and can produce products that are high in value. Unlike hardwoods, it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and is more resistant to damage, fitting the eco-friendly bill like a glove!
The concept of using recycled wood has become much more popular over the past few years. Many people are drawn to use reclaimed timber because the products and materials might have an interesting story behind it. Every piece has its own unique style and shape, giving depth and character to your interior decor. The raw aesthetic of these sustainable furniture pieces such as exposed desks, dining tables and coffee tables adds a beautifully aged feeling (and you’re saving the environment while doing it!)
USING NON-TOXIC LACQUERS
When you buy a piece of furniture, you may not even be aware of all the harmful substances that it’s releasing into the air. Do you know that ‘new car smell’? It’s actually manufacturers using toxic and unnatural products to treat or finish a product. Even though that smell may seem enticing, it can actually cause harm to the environment as well as your health. This is why it is important to use water-based lacquers to add the finishing touches to wood furniture. Be conscious of what you are bringing into your home, especially if you have kids and/ or pets.
Image: UrbanOutfitters
TEXTILE RECYCLING
Although textile recycling has an old history, it has recently become extremely important in the fashion industry and slowly, in homeware too. Recycling textile can provide many solutions to economic, environmental and social issues. Your interior can achieve great beauty and a sense of uniqueness by minimising textile waste and reusing fabrics for furniture upholstery and even other house accessories. This requires less processing and fewer resources and makes your living room look chic while doing it!
Choosing the correct pieces of sustainable furniture that are made from responsibly sourced materials is key to having a good home environment. Do your research and try to shop for furniture that won’t be harmful for the environment.
Wondering how you can make your current home more sustainable with modifications? Get in touch with our team on 1800 184 284 or book a call today for free, expert advice!
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
1800 184 284
