This post will guide you through 20 sustainable decor tips to lower your environmental impact.
Decorating your home should be fun, personal, and a way to create a space where you feel comfortable. But have you ever stopped to think about the environmental footprint of all those trendy decor items?
From mass produced furniture shipped halfway around the world to synthetic fabrics that take centuries to decompose, many of the choices we make at home come at a cost to the planet.
The good news is that creating a beautiful, stylish space and being eco-friendly don’t have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, making sustainable choices often leads to a home filled with character, charm, and thoughtful touches that stand the test of time.
Plus, it can save you money and even spark creative projects that you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.It’s not about going all-in overnight or living in a completely minimalist space.
Small changes, like choosing better materials, reusing what you already have, or supporting eco-conscious brands, can make a big difference. And it’s easier than you think to make these choices without sacrificing style.
If you’re someone who cares about keeping your home beautiful while lowering your environmental footprint, stick around. I’ll be sharing simple, practical, and creative decor tips that will help you do just that without breaking the bank or giving up on the cozy vibe you love.
20 Sustainable Decor Tips to Lower Your Environmental Impact
1. Buy Secondhand Furniture and Decor
Secondhand furniture is often built to last and comes with unique charm. Instead of heading straight to big-box stores, explore thrift shops, flea markets, estate sales, and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Not only will you reduce demand for newly manufactured items, but you’ll also keep perfectly good pieces out of landfills. When buying secondhand, inspect for structural integrity and look for pieces with timeless designs that can fit into multiple decor styles.
Additionally, look for versatile pieces that can be easily refinished or reupholstered to fit your decor style. Incorporating vintage finds can add character and make your space truly unique.
2. Opt for Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Reclaimed wood is sourced from old buildings, barns, or industrial sites. Choosing furniture made from this material helps reduce deforestation and minimizes the environmental footprint associated with harvesting virgin wood.
Reclaimed wood often has a rustic and weathered appearance, adding character to your space. Look for tables, shelves, and headboards made from this sustainable material.
Furniture made from reclaimed wood often has a rustic and weathered appearance, adding character to your space. Dining tables, shelves, bed frames, and coffee tables are popular pieces made from this eco-friendly material. To ensure quality, look for manufacturers who treat and seal the wood to protect it from pests and decay.
3. Choose Natural Fiber Rugs
Synthetic rugs are often made from petroleum-based materials and can release harmful chemicals into your home. Instead, opt for rugs made from natural fibers such as jute, wool, cotton, or sisal.
These materials are biodegradable, durable, and add a warm, earthy vibe to your living space. Just remember to check for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure the materials were produced sustainably.
Jute and sisal rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas due to their durability, while wool rugs provide a plush, cozy feel that’s perfect for living rooms or bedrooms. Be sure to check for sustainable certifications and avoid rugs treated with toxic flame retardants
4. Use LED Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy consumption making it one of the best sustainable decor tips to reduce your environmental impact.
LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. They come in a variety of color temperatures, allowing you to create a cozy or bright ambiance depending on your needs.
Smart LED options can also be controlled through apps, adding convenience to sustainability. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified bulbs to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
5. Decorate with Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only beautify your space but also improve air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies if you’re new to plant care.
For an eco-friendly touch, use biodegradable pots made from coconut husk, bamboo, or recycled materials.
Grouping plants together can also create a natural humidifier effect, which benefits your indoor environment.
6. Upcycle Old Items
Upcycling involves taking old or unused items and giving them a new purpose. For example, turn an old ladder into a bookshelf, mason jars into storage containers, or wooden pallets into coffee tables.
Get creative by painting or staining upcycled furniture to match your existing decor. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also adds a personalized, creative touch to your decor. If you’re not a DIY expert, there are plenty of online tutorials to guide you through the process.
7. Support Local Artisans
Buying locally made decor reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping and supports your local economy.
Look for handmade pottery, woven textiles, or custom furniture crafted by local artisans. These pieces often have a story behind them, making your home feel more meaningful and connected to your community.
Plus, supporting small businesses encourages sustainable and ethical production practices
8. Choose Eco-Friendly Paint
Conventional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release harmful chemicals into the air. Opt for low-VOC or VOC-free paints to reduce indoor air pollution.
Brands like Benjamin Moore and ECOS Paints offer eco-friendly options in a wide range of colors. When painting, ensure proper ventilation and consider using leftover paint for smaller projects.
Additionally, consider milk paint or natural clay-based paints for a truly eco-conscious option
9. Use Sustainable Textiles
When choosing textiles for your home, prioritize natural and organic materials like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and bamboo. These materials are grown without harmful pesticides and are biodegradable.
Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX and GOTS to ensure that the textiles meet high environmental and social standards.
Additionally, opt for fabrics that are dyed with natural, non-toxic dyes to reduce the impact on waterways.
10. Repurpose Glass Containers
Instead of throwing away glass jars and bottles, repurpose them as vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Glass is durable and easy to clean, making it a versatile option for sustainable decor.
For an added touch, decorate the jars with twine or paint to match your home’s aesthetic.
Use them in the kitchen for storing grains and spices or in the bathroom for organizing cotton swabs and other essentials.
This is my favorite best sustainable decor tips to reduce your environmental impact
11. Invest in Timeless Pieces
Trendy decor often goes out of style quickly, leading to more waste. Instead, invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that can adapt to different design trends over the years.
Look for furniture with clean lines and neutral colors that can be accessorized to match your evolving style. Look for well-made pieces not only reduce waste but also provide long-lasting comfort and function.
12. DIY Your Wall Art
Get creative and make your own wall art using sustainable materials. Use reclaimed wood, leftover fabric, or eco-friendly paints to create unique pieces.
This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your home. You can also frame pressed flowers or leaves for an elegant, nature-inspired look.
13. Choose Bamboo Decor
Bamboo is a fast growing, renewable resource that requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow. It’s an excellent choice for decor items like blinds, furniture, and kitchen utensils.
Bamboo has a sleek, modern look and is incredibly durable, making it a versatile option for sustainable decor tips to reduce your environmental impact.
Consider bamboo cutting boards, trays, and decorative accents to enhance your eco-friendly decor.
14. Avoid Plastic Decor Items
Plastic decor contributes to landfill waste and often has a short lifespan. Instead, opt for natural materials like wood, metal, ceramic, or glass.
These materials are not only more durable but also add a touch of elegance to your space.
If you must use plastic, look for items made from recycled materials and ensure they can be recycled at the end of their life.
15. Use Beeswax or Soy Candles
Traditional paraffin candles are made from petroleum and release toxins when burned. Beeswax and soy candles are cleaner alternatives that burn longer and emit less soot.
Look for candles scented with natural essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances.
Beeswax candles also have the added benefit of purifying the air by releasing negative ions
16. Incorporate Vintage Pieces
Vintage furniture and decor are often of higher quality than modern mass-produced items. They add character to your space and help reduce the demand for new manufacturing.
Look for antique markets or online vintage shops to find unique treasures that fit your style. Incorporating vintage pieces can also create a timeless, layered look in your home.
17. Install Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting
Solar powered lights are an eco-friendly way to illuminate your garden or patio. They harness energy from the sun during the day and automatically light up at night.
This not only saves electricity but also reduces your carbon footprint. Go for weather-resistant models with adjustable brightness levels for optimal use.
18. Choose Compostable Planters
Traditional plastic pots contribute to landfill waste. Compostable planters made from materials like coconut husk, rice husk, or compressed paper are a sustainable alternative.
Once they break down, they enrich the soil rather than polluting it. This one definitely is among the best sustainable decor tips to reduce your environmental impact.
19. Buy Furniture with Certifications
When buying new furniture, look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood products and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for textiles.
These certifications ensure that the products are made from responsibly sourced materials and meet high environmental and social standards.
20. Embrace Minimalism
A minimalist approach to decor naturally reduces consumption and waste. Focus on meaningful, high-quality pieces that serve a purpose and bring you joy.
Decluttering your space can also create a more peaceful and functional living environment
By adopting these sustainable decor ideas, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to a healthier planet. Remember, every small change adds up and living sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. Start with a few tips and watch your home transform into a haven that reflects both your values and personal style.
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