Seven Fantastic Sustainable Furniture Ideas

What Is Sustainability?

So we have all heard the word sustainability but what does it really mean and how can we be more sustainable?

The definition can depend on who is giving it, but one is the following: “Sustainability consists of fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care and social well-being.”

That said, the idea of sustainability and in particular, sustainable furniture is an ongoing trend that seems to be gaining momentum in the world of interior design and furniture manufacturing.

As online websites and interior design magazines clamour for the new styles and current go to fashions we can now endeavour to find, not just sustainable furniture design but great looking pieces that will enhance any room in our homes.

Which Materials Are Sustainable?

So materials that have been responsibly resourced and environmentally friendly to harvest, manufacture and produce and the list is available to all online.

Some of the most popular are obviously timbers including bamboo and cork but is also includes, believe it or not, recycled plastics and metals. Reclaimed timber is also considered sustainable as giving a new lease of life to any preloved material makes it a sustainable product.

That means the rules and regulations are quite open which leads to us as the customer to be able to source some fine and stylish pieces of furniture ranging from dining tables, bedside tables, coffee tables, chairs, sofas and even soft furnishings.

It is not just about using natural materials, traditional materials and recycled materials it is as much about being environmentally conscious as it is about the manufacturing processes that have gone into creating products and accessories that we want in our homes.

Today we can look at some fantastic ideas for some sustainable furniture available today at stores and online retailers.

Recycled And Upcycled

So, not all sustainable furniture has to be from a new source. Nothing says sustainability more than recycling or upcycling as using materials and whole pieces of furniture that have already had a life makes it environmentally friendly and increases its longevity which is the idea of this new trend after all.

Here we have compiled seven ideas for sustainability for you and some you may not have imagined were possible until now.

1. FSC Certified Wood

The Forest Stewardship Council has approved sustainable materials such as Elm for the use in the production of this dining table. It gives a beautiful tone to the wood and rarely needs any form of maintenance as it is highly durable and in this case extremely aesthetically pleasing.

2. Metal Framed Bed

Again it is not uncommon for metal and in this case recycled metal to be given environmental credentials. This crafted bed incorporates both salvaged wood and recycled metal. Adding a contemporary touch with style and elegance to any bedroom.

3. Plastic As You’ve Never Seen It Before

These recycled plastic sun loungers with a wicker design are not your average outdoor furniture pieces as they have reused valuable resources to create a modern look worthy of any poolside.

4. The Classic Coffee Table

Mixing two raw materials in the production process has given this coffee table an industrial look whilst seriously reducing its impact on the environment. Coupled with light coloured accessories and furniture it pops out to become a focal point of the room.

5. Yes That Is Bamboo

Most of us associate bamboo furniture with the poles attached together with a lashed rope that sit elegantly in a conservatory or poolside bar but this piece of handmade craftsmanship is the stems being flattened to make a statement chair fir for any outdoor space.

6. Recycled Is Just As Good As New

This is a collection of recycled materials that has inadvertently become eco friendly furniture. Mixing old materials and giving them a modern twist has not only giving them a longer lifespan but helped to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint.

7. Don’t Throw It Away, Upcycle It

Giving new life to old furniture with a lick of paint not only keeps it out of landfills but can create an eclectic style in your home. Different materials blended together from metal, plastic and wood will open up a world of stylish possibilities and keep the circular economy going.

Conclusion

The idea of these furniture pieces is not only to lower our environmental impact but to truly create a more sustainable future for our children. As we see more and more furniture manufacturers making pieces with a longer lifespan, and an eco friendly approach we are making a difference to how we are buying and selling that will enhance the generations that follow us.