Coming home everyday to the same old boring house with dusty décor would make anyone anxious about redesigning immediately. Since you’re conscious of your ethical and environmental impact, however, you want nothing less than eco-friendly home decorating, which not only takes care of waste, but also allows you to maximise your expenses without sacrificing quality.
Now, you’re not alone in wanting to be frugal with your interior decorating—consumers who want to find affordable ways to decorate their homes are fuelling the home décor market, which has been estimated to pull in over $65.2 billion annually, with no sign of slowing.
The case for eco-friendly home decorating
When redecorating your home, however, it’s important to balance upgrades with sustainability. There are a few things you can do to save money—and the environment—while also creating a fresh, new look for your home. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you bring some ‘fast fashion’ to your living space.
1. Be eco-conscious.
Sometimes the fastest way to upgrade your home’s décor is with a new piece of furniture. There are many DIY options for a new statement piece that may seem appealing to your wallet and your crafty side, but large custom projects take time and sometimes more training than you had originally considered.
Many companies provide lasting, quality eco-friendly furniture and décor that use recycled and ethically sourced materials that are also modernly designed. By finding well-made eco-friendly furniture, you’re effectively cutting the likelihood of needing to replace it again in the near future. It’s cheaper in the long run to buy a quality piece now than keep replacing poorly made furniture over a shorter period of time.
What’s more, on top of saving money, buying a quality piece of eco-friendly furniture also saves on waste and landfill space.
2. Recognise that vintage is chic.
If you don’t mind a little wear-and-tear—or even if you prefer it, perhaps to stylise your place with a little rustic charm—consider getting used vintage furniture to give your home a new look.
Vintage décor is popular now, and good pieces are easy to find in places like consignment shops, estate sales, flea markets, and even your attic, where forgotten family heirlooms usually go to collect dust. If the vintage furniture you find has stood the test of time thus far, it’s probably better made than those mass-produced pieces made of particleboard.
Another quick tip is to showcase interesting vintage decorations or collections on your shelves or walls. Utilising vertical space helps to liven up a room without causing clutter around the floor, and you’ll also finally find a use for unconventional items that no longer serve a purpose.
3. Upcycle and repurpose.
Whether you choose to DIY or hire a practiced hand, upcycling and repurposing objects in your house can truly breathe new life into old décor. While it may not be the fastest option, switching up your upholstery on a room’s central piece of furniture may be enough to jazz things up. You can also restain or repaint wooden tables or chairs to cover any damage they’ve taken over the years.
Finding new uses for old objects can be a fun way to challenge your creative side. Turning a piano into a bookshelf or a phone booth into a couch is a little over-the-top for the standard home makeover, but simple projects like using old suitcases or trunks as side tables or turning a sewing machine table into a vanity can be interesting pieces that become talking points for guests.
Plus, when you repurpose things your already own, you’ll keep objects you’d otherwise never use out of the basement or—better yet—out of the dumpster.
4. Donate or sell.
If you can’t stand looking at the chair you sat in as a kid at the dinner table any longer, consider donating it. Many people throw away old furniture because they assume no one will want their trash. If you’re in a populated area, leaving furniture at the end of your driveway is a good way to get rid of old belongings within a couple of days.
People are always looking for ways to bring new life into old pieces. If you don’t live in an area where this is common, take the piece to your closest donation center.
If you’re moving or just want to change your space up but have furniture that’s still in good condition, sell it. People are always moving in and out of different areas, and having to ship furniture can be costly. Buying, selling, and trading locally with others in your neighborhood helps everyone involved without harming the environment.
A final word on eco-friendly home decorating
Trust your instincts when choosing your eco-friendly home décor. Choose furnishings that are a reflection of your personality and style. Whether you decide to breathe new life into old, charming pieces or upgrade to sturdy, long-lasting furnishings, your home will feel fresh and stylish right away. You’ll enjoy your time at home more, and your guests will absolutely love the new look!
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