Easy Green: Stylish Ecofriendly Furniture
Organic fabrics and sustainably harvested wood mean you can feel good about your furniture choices in more ways than one
The world of green design today is filled with beautiful options in styles ranging from posh traditional to sleek and modern. Just because your sofa is ecofriendly doesn't mean it needs to look like it. From sustainable wood to soy cushions, there are many ways a piece of furniture can be green, and here I'll break it down so you know the most important things to look for.
Key terms to know:
Key terms to know:
- FSC certified: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a nonprofit organization promoting responsible management of the world's forests; its certification is widely considered the gold standard for sustainable wood.
- SFI certified: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) also offers certification for wood cut from sustainably managed forests, but there has been a huge controversy in the world of green design over the merits of this certification. You can read more about the controversy on Treehugger.
- Reclaimed or salvaged wood: This wood has already lived one "life" and has been turned into a new piece of furniture. For instance, an old barn floor made into a headboard. Many other materials can be salvaged as well, from textiles to metal and glass.
- Organic: Just as with food, organic fabrics come from plants raised without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
- Natural fibers: They include wool, cotton, jute and sisal and are a good alternative to synthetic materials, which sometimes contain harmful chemicals.
Lee Industries lets you choose everything from soy-based cushions and recycled fiber filling for pillows to organic fabrics. And with FSC- and SFI-certified wood frames, you know you are getting a high-quality product with minimal environmental impact.
Sofa: Lee Industries Sofa 3700-03
Sofa: Lee Industries Sofa 3700-03
Reclaimed materials are another great way to go green. By choosing salvaged or reclaimed wood, you are in essence recycling wood — and often these old wood pieces come with an amazing natural patina. This coffee table from Woodland Creek Furniture could work with many decorating styles; the top is made from an antique door.
People who have never before considered ecofriendly options often want to go greener for the sake of a baby. To that end, Monte is a great source for hip, modern nursery furniture with environmentally responsible practices: From biodegradable glues to FSC-certified wood and soy-based foam cushions, Monte has it covered.
Chair: Monte Modern Luca Glider
Chair: Monte Modern Luca Glider
Vintage Renewal pairs recycled vintage clothes and other textiles with vintage furniture to create unique statement pieces. This is an incredibly green option, because gives materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill a second life.
Rubie Green Upholstery Fabric
If you would like to rescue your own piece of vintage furniture with a fresh covering, I love this floral upholstery fabric from Rubie Green. Not only is it très chic, but it's organic and printed with nontoxic inks.
Vintage Fir Canopy Bed
This stately canopy bed from VivaTerra is proof that green can be totally classic. Made from reclaimed fir, this beauty would fit in with any decor and is built to last a lifetime.
More:
Weekend Detox for Your Home
Nontoxic Paint 101
5 Ecofriendly Paint Companies
More:
Weekend Detox for Your Home
Nontoxic Paint 101
5 Ecofriendly Paint Companies
Chairs: Lee Industries Grand Lounger Skirted Chair