How to Decorate Your Home Sustainably
Our Favorite Tips for DECORATING Your Home Sustainably
A house is more than four walls; it is a place where we take refuge and make ever-lasting memories. That's why we want this space to reflect not just our taste but also our values.
If you're furnishing your new place, renovating an old one, or just sprucing up a room or two and are worried about the environmental costs or want to spend less money on new decor, decorating sustainably can be an excellent option.
But if you don't know how to do that, don't fret; you can do it! There are many ways to do that, and while these sustainable options might take some extra effort, they can save you money and help the environment in the short and long run.
If you want to decorate your home sustainably and need help figuring out where to begin, keep reading to find out. This handy guide will help with your green home decor journey!
Use what you already have
Are you committed to decorating sustainably? Then before you do anything else, make an audit of what you already have. Whether you are starting from scratch with a new place or redecorating doesn't matter. Knowing what you have is always key.
By finding out exactly what you already own and what you may have to get, you can avoid spending money on things you have lying around but forgot about and also find some hidden gems.
Even the objects in your home or storage unit that don't seem so appealing could become your new favorite features with a touch of love and creativity.
To ensure you don't throw away, sell or donate anything you might like after some sourcing up or end up needing later on, look for ways to upcycle and repurpose what you already have. For example, you can use old teapots as vases or stationery organizers, and a spear chair can make for a terrific bedside table.
Give shopping second-hand a try
Do you want to save money, save on emissions and waste and have a house with a unique look to it? Then give thrifting a try. Purchasing vintage or preloved decor is another low-waste and budget-friendly option for decorating your place with existing pieces, as it feeds that good old circular economy.
Depending on your location, you can find second-hand decor and furniture in specialized stores online and offline, at flea markets, or on Facebook Marketplace.
Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing yucky about shopping second-hand, whether for decor or clothes. But if you are new to thrifting, you might want to buy only things you can examine in person and try buying from reputable businesses instead of private sellers.
Also, remember that in the second-hand furniture world, there is a big difference between preloved and antique. While you might like to decorate your place with a mix of both, it is good to keep this distinction in mind when shopping, as antique pieces tend to be pricier.
Borrow from friends and family
Sometimes we don't shop for ourselves but for who we think we should be. So many of us have been here! Some buy sportswear even though they hardly work out, while others buy books that just get added to the TBR pile.
The same goes when shopping for home decor: it's easy to start planning in our heads and get a bit carried away in the process. So if you are considering buying a bar cart even though you only drink beer or a 12-seat dining room table even though you live alone and never host dinner parties, consider another route: borrowing.
That's right! Instead of buying things you might use very sporadically, you can borrow them from friends, family and neighbours. If the people around are not the borrowing type or don't have what you are looking for, you can try downloading a borrowing and lending platform or app. This way, you get what you need just when you need it.
Don't shy away from trash
We know that giving old decor a new life is a great way to decorate your home and do it cheaply and sustainably. But if your budget is super tight and you are looking for just a piece or two to add a little oomph to your place, you might want to keep a look on the curb.
You read that right; your dream piece may be sitting next to a dumpster right at this moment. Plenty of people leave perfectly good furniture in the street for all sorts of reasons, and by simply keeping an eye out for it, you might get a lovely addition to your space for free.
If you are still skeptical about this whole thing, check out the pieces left in the street and caught by the Stooping NYC account on IG. Get your car (or your car-owning friend) and pick up some free stuff!
Find several Ethical & Sustainable Home Decor Brands over on Made Trade & be sure to use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+ *this is an affiliate link but we only add brands we truly love!*
Give business to home decor brands with good business ethics
There are plenty of ethically made and sustainable options for responsible home decor. You can find many brands that focus on quality, choose sustainable materials and work ethically with skilled craftsmen and artisans to make timeless and durable pieces.
As with fashion, try to be mindful of your purchases when shopping new and favor ethical and sustainable brands that are local to you if possible.
Find 12 Sustainable Home Decor Brands Here
Take it slow and enjoy the journey
Borrowing, thrifting, and shopping with sustainability and quality in mind are all great eco-friendly decorating options, but they can all take some time and patience if you want to do it right.
While being in an undecorated space that doesn't feel like you might be quite frustrating, you might still want to avoid decorating your place fully all at once, even if you can afford it.
That's because decorating your space slowly will save you plenty of headaches and choices you may regret.
By taking your time instead of giving in to the temptation of rushing things, you will give yourself a chance to see how your pace turns out bit by bit. This approach can help you make more thought-through choices as you can better see how each new piece will fit into your space.
Not to mention that your taste can change in time and future-you might be glad to have still some room to get creative.
Try choosing a color palette and sticking with it
When it comes to decorating your place, planning how it's going to look is half the fun. So why not go all the way and pick a color scheme for your house?
Choosing a color palette is not only fun, but it will also save you a ton of time and decision fatigue. Plus, it will give your place a nice, cohesive look without you having to try too hard.
Decorate using plants and other natural elements
Using natural elements like plants, flowers, and so on to decorate our space may be the oldest trick in the book, but if it has been there for that long is because it's effective.
People have been doing it for centuries. Did you know that even back in the late Middle Ages, churches in the UK used holly and ivy as decorations in the festive season?
Using nature as decor is a lovely and eco-friendly way to adorn our place and a cheap one too. Whether you will be foraging these green goodies or buying them at the store, make sure they are pet safe if you have any of those running around.
DIYs are another great option for making sustainable decorating choices
If a home decor item in your house doesn't appeal to you anymore, but you don't want or can't replace it, then you can try to DIY it into something you love. The same goes if you got a good deal for a second-hand decor piece, but it doesn't catch your eye like that designer one you saw on Pinterest or IG.
While it might not give you that shopping-induced dopamine hit, personalizing pieces instead of buying them may make them more enjoyable and even more functional in the long run.
After all, no designer will ever know your taste and needs better than you do. DIYing is the perfect way to turn a run-of-the-mill piece into a statement one as long as you can put in the time and energy.
In this department (like many others), the internet can aid you. Look up keywords such as "furniture flip" or "DIY thrift flip decor" on Youtube or TikTok, and you'll get plenty of inspo and instructions.
Decorating your place sustainably is a fun, slow journey and especially a personal one. Your place is yours only, so try to remember that while inspiration is cool, the most important thing is making your space your own. So let go of what is considered perfect, and create something customized to your needs. With these tips, you are ready to find things you will want to use for the longest time.
About the Author:
Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.
MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!
LOOKING FOR SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!
Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.
