Eco-consciousness, a trend that has gained considerable popularity across the world in the past decade, can be applied to all aspects of life. From cleaning products to the food you eat, you can choose to create a smaller environmental footprint. One area you may not think of when considering green alternatives is home décor. Everyone wants a house that feels welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing, but there’s no need to sacrifice the environment in order to create that atmosphere.
We’ve scoured the internet and come up with some great eco-friendly home décor choices that you may want to embrace. Whether you only use one of these tips or all of them, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re making environmentally friendly choices.
Do a Deep Dive Into the Definition of Sustainable Materials and Practices
One of the most substantial ways to make eco-friendly home décor choices is to use sustainable materials and practices. The problem is that not everyone is fully aware of what this means. What counts as a sustainable material in home décor? How can you ensure sustainable practices are behind the items you choose? The best answer for both of these questions is to do due diligence before you start shopping.
The good news for homeowners is that there are several sustainable materials that work with all different types of décor styles, from modern to farmhouse cozy. A few examples include bamboo, recycled glass, reclaimed or recycled wood, genuine leather, recycled plastic, recycled metal, wool, and linen. Just like the various styles for fashion and the many solutions on the market for online entertainment, there are myriad options for eco-products catering to different styles and budgets. This makes it easier than ever before to create a sustainable home.
While choosing sustainable materials is a great start, ensuring these materials are produced using ethical practices is equally important. You should look for words such as “reclaimed” or “recycled” in the item’s description. Sustainability also applies to the construction process of furniture or other items and whether that company is using environmentally friendly practices. This can be challenging because trusting a company’s claims requires careful scrutiny.
Using Secondhand Pieces Means You Aren’t Adding to Your Environmental Footprint
For homeowners who have never visited a secondhand shop, you’ve been missing out. Secondhand shops are known for hidden gems and unique pieces that you can’t find elsewhere. It’s common to find antiques, lived-in items, and even pieces that used reclaimed materials. What also makes these shops special is that the items don’t resemble typical pieces in a big box store. Your house won’t look like everyone else’s, which means your personality will shine through.
If you decide to check out these shops, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
● Pay close attention to the bones of the item and look for ways you could refinish, improve, or customize it.
● Does the item fit in with the décor you have in your house?
● Always measure twice because secondhand shops may not allow you to return items.
● Do a little research on pricing before you shop so you don’t overpay for items.
● Don’t hesitate to haggle with the shop owner regarding pricing.
● If you see something you love, it’s best to purchase it then and there. Secondhand shops can move inventory quickly, so there’s a good chance it will be gone by the time you return.
Choose Pieces That Are Built to Last
Sustainable furniture is about more than just the material and fabric used. Sustainability can also refer to the lifespan of the item. When you choose furniture or décor that is well-built with quality materials, it’s going to last a long time. This will allow you to move it around the home to fit different needs or repurpose, refinish, or even reupholster it in the future.
In terms of lifespan, items such as a couch or chair can be made new again by replacing the coils or springs and reupholstering it. The piece just needs to have good bones, meaning the structure is built to last. Purchasing mass-produced items in big box stores rarely results in pieces that are built to last. Chances are that when the piece becomes ready for a refresh, its structure will already be beyond repair.
There’s Also a Health Benefit to Using Eco-Friendly Materials
Although choosing eco-friendly home décor pieces is great for the environment, it can also benefit your health. This fact alone may be all that’s needed to convince you to use eco-friendly materials. By using natural and non-toxic fabrics, you’ll improve the air quality in your home.
A natural non-toxic item you could add to your home décor is indoor plants. Plants do a great job of purifying the air in your house. This is especially important during the seasons your windows are closed and there is no fresh air circulating. When shopping for houseplants, be sure to ask about their light, watering, and fertilizer requirements. Some plants require less maintenance than others, which could influence your decision.
There’s No Need to Feel Boxed in When It Comes to Eco-Friendly Home Décor
These tips make it clear that you’re not limited in terms of eco-friendly home décor options. You can create a magazine-worthy space while helping to protect the environment. The joy of crafting an environmentally friendly aesthetic might even inspire you to redecorate the rest of your house!
