You deserve to have a beautiful and well-furnished home, that’s for sure. However, we live in a period of the constant looming climate crisis, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the environment. The best way to do so is to lead by example. And your home is a perfect place to start your eco-friendly journey. If you plan on furnishing and sprucing up your space, then here are some helpful tips that will make that happen.
If possible, buy second-hand furnishing
Thrift shopping is one of the best ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle. And when it comes to furniture, then options are pretty much endless. There are many online stores, thrift shops, and antique markets that sell amazing and sometimes even valuable items. This can be a fun adventure that will turn your home from ordinary to superb and creative! The concept of green interior decor is gaining tact, and for a good reason: it’s a better way to make your home beautiful, while also helping the environment. If, due to any reason, you cannot find any close thrift stores in your area, then check out the various garage and yard sales in your neighborhood.
Consider your furnishing goals
If you have a clear goal then choosing your furnishing should adhere to that. If you prefer minimalism, then you should look for furniture that supports that interior design style. The same goes for any other type of interior decor. Choosing to furnish should be a careful process, rather than you buying anything that seems nice at first glance. If you buy every single thing then you’re risking cluttering your space which is the total opposite of a sustainable way of living.
Choose natural materials and fabrics
A lot of commercially available furniture is made of toxic materials including plastics. The way they source their materials tends to be unethical too. So if you’re planning to spruce up your home with new furniture pieces, then it’s best to pick those made of natural materials such as reclaimed wood or recycled marble. The same goes for fabrics: wool, cotton, and linen tend to contain fewer chemicals, which makes them a better option both for your household and the environment.
Shop from environmentally-conscious suppliers
This is the best way to make your lifestyle more eco-friendly. When you support a local, small or family-owned business, you’re also helping your local economy, which is always a plus. If you’re looking for a new set of tables and chairs, then check out sustainable Amish dining room furniture as that is a great way to make your space healthier and more environmentally sustainable. When you opt to shop from small businesses, you’re also making an important statement regarding consumption and lifestyle choices.
Go vintage and have fun with it
Vintage and thrift shopping often go hand in hand, so if you’re a fan of all things old, then opting for vintage-inspired decor is a great way when you’re planning on furnishing your home. If you’re a bit crafty, you can always repurpose old stuff, and breathe a new life into each and every piece that you own. Also, there are many businesses or individuals that refinish and repurpose old furniture, so feel free to shop from them. For example, repainting an old chair a vibrant color will make it look fresh and modern,
Try your hand at DIY furnishing
DIY is one of the main concepts of living more sustainably. When you can make things by yourself, typically from scratch, you’re also minimizing the need for buying the same things. And if you see yourself as a crafty and artsy person, then this tip will suit you perfectly. Next time you feel inspired, and have some time, feel free to try something new. Knitting a rug, repurposing an indoor plant pot, repainting an old coffee table, or making a new lampshade are all fun activities that can add a whole new level of a personal approach when it comes to interior decor.
Reduce your use of plastic materials
Plastic is one of the cheapest materials out there, which is why it’s so popular. But, if you’re planning a bit of interior makeover, then plastic should be a firm no. Sure, it’s a more affordable option, but it also cheapens the way your home looks. Instead, swap out the plastic containers for glass jars or wooden boxes. And if you’re concerned about environmental issues, and plastic pollution, then you can take this a step further, and remove the plastic from your life entirely.
The wrap-up
Eco-friendly lifestyle is becoming more prominent, including interior decor and furnishing. Therefore, if you care about green issues, then feel free to implement these tips, so your home will be beautiful, balanced, and environmentally friendly.
