9 Realistic Eco-Friendly Home Decor Tips to Upgrade Your Space
If you’re anything like me, then you love to decorate your home and want to opt for eco-friendly home decor while doing so. While the most eco-friendly thing to do is not buy or consume anything….. that is just not realistic. So what we can do is opt for more eco-friendly home decor options when it is feasible.
The convenience of shopping for home decor from places like Amazon, Target, and Wayfair does make it tempting, but finding unique eco-friendly home decor is always so much more rewarding and better for the Earth obviously. The EPA estimates that the furniture/furnishings industry creates over 12 million tons of waste each year which is absolutely insane. When shopping for eco-friendly home decor the goal is to buy high-quality and/or second-hand items that you will keep and love for a long time.
This post is all about eco-friendly home decor ideas.
How can I decorate my house sustainably?
The best way to decorate sustainably is to buy second-hand/vintage home decor because you are not contributing to any new home decor being created. There are so many great online resources for second-hand home decor like Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, the Real Real, etc.
The next best way to decorate sustainably is to buy from small businesses and companies that have ethical and sustainable practices. You can usually find these through a Google search and in my post on the best small business home decor stores if you’re interested!
1. Secondhand home decor: You can literally buy anything secondhand.
Thrifting and vintage shopping is one of my favorite hobbies so this is an easy one for me! If you are newer to the idea of buying second-hand or find it kind of weird to buy something that someone else has used then I would start with buying second-hand items that can easily be cleaned like glassware, side tables, candle holders, books, lamps, etc. When you shop second hand you are more likely to find super unique pieces and are forced to slow down and think about what you really like rather than following trendy decor that you see on Pinterest and Instagram.
2. Upcycle bottles for vases or candle holders
My favorite thing to do with an empty bottle is to turn it into a candle holder or flower vase! This is a cheap way to add eco-friendly table decor or shelf decor. You can also use other jars and glasses as food storage, toothbrush holder, etc. Get creative!
3. Eco-friendly table decorations: Plants!!! duh
Plants are a very easy and affordable way to add some life to your space. If you don’t have much of a green thumb you can go for low-maintenance plants like succulents. Having plants in your home is essential to creating a homey/cozy and environmentally friendly living space in my opinion.
4. Support small artists
Buying from smaller brands and artists is a great way to find sustainable home decor. Opting for a handmade and/or quality home decor piece from a small artist/brand will always be better for the environment than buying from a corporation like Target or HomeGoods as these types of companies contribute far more waste than a small business. If you take your time and discover an artist that you truly admire the work of I promise that you will keep that piece of home decor for longer than something you buy from Wayfair.
5. Display functional items like glassware or books as wall decor
Decorate your walls with items that are beautiful and functional. When a home decor item has more purpose than just looking pretty then you will probably enjoy it and keep it longer. I find that open shelving is a great way to display my favorite glassware, mugs, books, pottery, etc. Using these items for wall decor is eco-friendly because instead of buying extra items to decorate your walls, you are using items that you already have available in your home.
6. Reupholster or refinish rather than buy new
When you are getting tired of a pillow or piece of furniture, consider refinishing or reupholstering it before deciding to get rid of/replace it. You will be surprised how just changing the fabric of a chair can make it feel like a whole new exciting piece of furniture!
7. If buying new, buy high-quality pieces
If you are buying new, make sure to buy high-quality home decor that is timeless. Avoid trendy home decor!! It feels like there is a new trend every two seconds and trying to keep up is bad for the environment and your wallet. Try to tune out the influencers and buy pieces that you really like, are built well, and will stand the test of time! This means do not buy a green velvet couch for your first apartment I am begging you!
8. Natural Fibers/Second-hand fabrics
When buying new fabrics, opt for natural fibers like cotton, linen, etc. Buying cheap fabric like polyester look tacky and poorly made anyway. You can find some really nice dish towels, throw blankets, and other house linens second-hand which are great to thrift because they can be washed easily.
9. Take your time. Buy pieces you really love.
When buying home decor, especially if you are buying for a first apartment or house, take your freaking time! Do not go to Home Goods or Ikea and buy a bunch of stuff to fill up your space. Get yourself the basic essentials that you need to be comfortable and build a collection of home decor that you truly love over time. Be intentional with your purchases ๐
If you enjoyed this post then you may also end a post on the 12 best Etsy shops for vintage home decor
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