Eco-Friendly Decorating: How To Go Green In Your Home

Decorating a home can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to go overboard on “green” items to make your home environmentally friendly sometimes all it takes is one small change in your decorating scheme.

From flooring and furniture, to artwork and accessories, these simple tips will help you turn your home into a more sustainable space in no time!

Go Green – How To Be More Eco-Friendly in Your Home

Takeaways
Eco-friendly decorating can improve air quality and reduce your environmental impact.
Sustainable home decor is a conscious and ethical choice that promotes physical and mental well-being.
Green home decor can be achieved with simple changes, such as using energy-efficient lighting and incorporating houseplants.
Choosing eco-friendly materials and practices for your home can have a positive impact on your health and the planet.
Incorporating natural textures and colors in your home decor can create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

1. Start Small

Start small. Focus on one thing and see how you feel about it once that’s done. You’re not going to get every aspect of your home greened at once (although if you did, that would be awesome).

There are so many things that can be done to help the environment or reduce waste in our daily life it’s important to make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself with all the possibilities before you even begin.

Your first step might be as simple as switching out a few light bulbs, or getting rid of some old furniture and replacing it with something more eco-friendly.

As time goes on and your green lifestyle becomes easier and more comfortable for you, then maybe consider keeping up with those changes but also adding new ones!

Some ideas: switch out light bulbs for LED or CFLs; purchase an eco-friendly vacuum cleaner; use natural cleaning products instead of chemicals; replace appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers when they break down rather than simply repairing them (this will cause less waste from disposal).

Are you looking for affordable ways to make your home eco-friendly? Our article on 15 Affordable Ways to Incorporate Green Decor into Your Home has got you covered with tips like “shop secondhand” and “opt for energy-efficient lighting

2. Think about your flooring

Carpet is the most popular flooring choice, but it’s also one of the most environmentally damaging. Most carpets are made from synthetic fibers, which are not biodegradable.

Carpets can be recycled, however just make sure that you take your old carpet to a certified facility.

Recycling is more effective than upcycling because recycled material has already been used and reused, whereas upcycled products still have their original use value in addition to being a different shape or form than what they were originally.

Now that you’ve considered all the options for your flooring needs, let’s move on to another essential item: lighting!

Flooring	Pros	Cons
Bamboo	Durable, Renewable, Water-resistant	Can be expensive
Cork	Renewable, Versatile, Comfortable underfoot	Requires regular sealing, limited color options
Concrete	Durable, Energy-efficient, Low-maintenance	Cold and hard underfoot, prone to cracking
Linoleum	Renewable, Anti-bacterial, Budget-friendly	Requires regular sealing, can scratch easily
Tile	Versatile, Water-resistant, Variety of styles	Hard and cold underfoot, installation can be expensive
Hardwood (FSC-certified)	Renewable (with responsible harvesting), Timeless aesthetic, Can be refinished	Expensive, not water-resistant, may not be sustainably sourced
Recycled Carpet	Made from sustainable materials, Soft underfoot, Variety of colors and styles	May contain synthetic fibers, can be prone to staining
Reclaimed Wood	Unique character, Eco-friendly, Durable	Requires regular maintenance, may contain imperfections

3. Choose furniture pieces with multiple uses in mind

When you’re choosing furniture, it’s a good idea to choose pieces that can be used in multiple ways.

This will allow you to reduce the number of pieces of furniture needed in your home. For example, instead of getting a bed frame and then purchasing a separate headboard, try purchasing a headboard that attaches right to your bed frame.

Another great example is using an ottoman as both an end table and storage unit. You can also use large baskets to hold items like blankets or magazines that don’t have any permanent homes yet but need somewhere safe while they wait for their new home!

Building a green and sustainable home doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out our article on 10 Simple Tips for Creating a Green and Sustainable Home for easy ideas like “invest in houseplants” and “use natural cleaning products

4. Buy Green Furniture

You can also help the environment by purchasing green furniture. The first thing to do is identify what materials are used for the furniture you want.

For example, if you are looking at wood pieces, be sure they’re made from sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or recycled plastic.

If you’re buying a new couch and chair set, look into whether they were made with recycled materials or renewable resources. If so, this is another way of reducing your carbon footprint!

5. Use Recycled Pieces

Just because something is recycled doesn’t mean it has to be drab and worn out. In fact, the best way to go green in your home may be by purchasing a piece of recycled furniture.

These pieces are made from old furniture that was previously used. You can find vintage pieces or brand new ones that have been re-purposed and refinished.

You’ll save money on buying new items, but you’ll also help reduce wastefulness in landfills and other environmental issues linked with manufacturing processes (like pollution).

By using recycled products for your home decorating, you’ll be able to create an interesting look without spending too much money or creating any unnecessary waste for yourself or others around the globe!

Did you know that green home decor has a positive impact on your physical and mental health? Learn more in our article on The Benefits of Green Home Decor: Why You Should Make the Switch and find out how to incorporate sustainable, healthful design in your home.

6. Work With Pieces Already In Your Home

Consider the size and shape of your room. Before purchasing a new piece of furniture, take some measurements and make sure it will fit comfortably in your space.

Also consider whether its shape will be visually pleasing in that particular spot; if you have a corner to fill, for example, it might work better with an elongated shape rather than a square one.

Consider the color and texture of your room. If you’re looking for something bright and bold, look for pieces with vivid colors or interesting textures these tend to bring out the natural beauty of their surroundings more than neutral tones do!

Consider the style of your room. This is especially important if you have an eclectic type of décor going on; finding accessories that match everything else can be difficult unless they share similar themes (e.g., all things floral).

7. Recycle and Upcycle

Upcycling is the process of reusing or turning waste materials into something new and useful. This can be done by taking an item that you don’t use anymore and turning it into something else, like a clock or jewelry stand.

It’s also great for saving money—you can make your own clothes, furniture, toys and other items from things you have around the house!

You can also save money by recycling things that would otherwise be thrown away. For example: if you have plastic bottles lying around, use them as vases or pencil holders instead of throwing them away!

Reuse items that are not currently being used to create something new – like old magazines into photo collages on your walls or old fabric scraps into a scarf (or whatever else strikes your fancy). You will be surprised how many cool things you can come up with using this technique!

8. Consider Curtains That Are Made Of Natural Fibers

Curtains made of natural fibers are eco-friendly, good for the environment, better for your home and better for your health.

Curtains can be made from a variety of materials including cotton and linen. These materials are renewable resources that have been around since the beginning of time. They also come in many different styles so they will match any room in your home.

Looking for furniture and decor that won’t harm the planet? Our guide on How to Choose Eco-Friendly Furniture and Decor offers expert advice on selecting materials, avoiding toxic chemicals, and making conscious purchases that reflect your values.

9. Make Your Own Artwork

In this digital age, it seems we’ve forgotten the old methods of expression. A great way to bring new life into your home is by making your own artwork using recycled materials and handcrafted pieces from local artisans.

If you’re not a creative person, that’s okay! You can still create beautiful works of art with just the use of photos and words.

10. Go For Blackout Shades

You might also want to consider blackout shades. These are great for rooms that you want to keep cool in summer and warm in winter, or just for those who love a dark room.

A lot of people use them because they can block out light and noise from the outside world, making it feel more like your own personal little cocoon.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to sleep with your window open at night but hate getting up too early in the morning, then these may be perfect for you!

11. Add Houseplants To Your Decorating Scheme

Houseplants are great for your home, and they can really add to the look of your room. They’re also extremely helpful in improving air quality, as well as reducing stress levels, focusing and concentrating on tasks at hand.

Plus, houseplants have been shown to improve sleep quality! There are so many benefits that houseplants can bring into your life that it’s a shame not to add them into your decorating scheme if you haven’t already done so.

Curious about your carbon footprint? Our article on The Secret to Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Efficiency explores the benefits of living sustainably and provides tips on how to reduce your environmental impact, from choosing energy-efficient appliances to cutting down on food waste.

Conclusion

Going green can seem like an overwhelming task, but we hope that this article helped make you feel a little more confident in your abilities to make the changes needed.

These are all simple changes that require minimal effort on your part and will have big impacts on the environment. All it takes is some forethought and planning as well as some creativity!

FAQs

What are some eco-friendly materials for home decor?

Some eco-friendly materials for home decor include bamboo, reclaimed wood, organic cotton, recycled glass, and natural fibers like hemp or wool.

How can I reduce my energy consumption at home?

You can reduce your energy consumption at home by turning off lights/appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient light bulbs, using a smart thermostat, and sealing up drafts around windows/doors.

What are some eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic?

Some eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic include reusable bags, water bottles, and straws made from materials like bamboo, glass, or stainless steel.

What are some benefits of using sustainable home decor?

Using sustainable home decor can improve indoor air quality, reduce your environmental impact, and contribute to a more ethical and conscious way of living.

How can I incorporate greenery into my home decor?

You can incorporate greenery into your home decor by adding potted plants, hanging planters, or a living wall. You can also use natural fabrics or wallpaper with botanical prints.

Hellen James

I am Hellen, I’ve been passionate about sustainability for as long as I can remember. It’s something that my mom taught me from a young age, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways.