Truly less is more, especially when it comes to blending sustainability and home decor. There are so many incredible eco friendly and ethical home decor brands out there to support. At the end of the day, the most sustainable option is to use what you have and only buy what you need.
So yes, the concept of minimalism is where I’m going. BUT! Don’t think you have to have blank walls and one chair in your home for it to be considered sustainable.
You can have color, beautiful art, and random knick-knacks. We just need to be mindful of how much we buy and how often we purchase home decor.
I love Target home decor as much as the next person, but popping in every month for every new drop is not so good for the planet.
If you are trying to update your space on a budget these tips will also apply to you! Let’s get started.
1. Thrift furniture and other home decor
This is my ultimate hack for finding home decor the eco-friendly way. It is always significantly cheaper and I tend to find more unique items when shopping second hand.
Most of the furniture is better quality than the stuff you can find in bigger stores because it is older. Furniture used to be built to last compared to cheaper, usually plastic, furniture that is made today. Sometimes all an item needs is a quick wash and a fresh coat of paint to make it yours!
These are some of my favorite places to find second hand furniture and home decor:
- Goodwill
- Savers
- Salvation Army
- Antique thrift shops
- Yard Sales
- Facebook Market Place
- Ebay
For more thrifting tips to help you find the perfect items for your space (or closet!) check out this post here!
2. Repurpose pieces in other areas of your house
Instead of buying new items reconsider how you can use an item that doesn’t get much attention to another area of your home where it will get better use.
A thin desk could be used as an entryway table. A dresser can be used as a nightstand. Old candle holders can be used as plant pots.
Similar to when thrifting, get creative with the design and make it match the new room you put it in!
3. Use natural items as decor
Putting a tree in our home is normal decor during Christmas so why can’t we do that year round? Kidding. Well kind of.
House plants are the best. They bring life into a space and add more personality depending on which one you choose. Be sure to double check if the plants you choose are safe for kids and pets if you have them!
4. Choose nontoxic candles
When a candle burns it can release harmful toxins into the air we breathe. Opt for a soy wax, coconut wax or beeswax candle instead of a synthetic candle.
The candles listed below are all great eco-friendly options and come in sustainable packaging!
- Goodlight Candles
- 228 Grant Street Candle Co
- A more budget friendly option is to thrift candles! Just check the label on the bottom to make sure it is made out of natural wax.
5. DIY Home Decor
Before buying new why not make your own? Be sure to start with what you have laying around your house and then if you need more materials check out thrift stores. You would be surprised at how many art supplies and crafting materials end up getting donated.
Wood pallets have been used for tons of things from bed frames to plant holders and even ottomans. Wine bottles can be repurposed to make candle holders. Cans can be used as plant holders. The possibilities are endless as long as you use a little creativity.
If you want even more DIY inspiration, Pinterest is filled with loads of DIY stuff so I would start my search there!
6. Shop from sustainable and ethical brands if buying new
Sometimes what you are looking for just cannot be found second hand. I have waited months to find perfect pieces and sometimes wasn’t successful. That’s where buying from sustainable brands can come in. Here are three brands that make sustainably made items for your home!
*this might seem random but I did want to give Target a small shoutout because I recently got a lamp from there (pictured above) that was made out of recycled glass! This was great to see beacuse it means sustainable options will be available to more people!
7. Choose home decor pieces that will last & you’ll love for a long time
This is an overall rule for sustainable shopping, think long term. Of course, you can buy cheaper items that are trendy and affordable but the most eco friendly choice is home decor that you will be able to use for years to come.
I love choosing neutral colors for this reason. They go with everything and you can use pops of color when it comes to pillows, throws and other decorative items.
Decorating your home can be kind to the environment and your wallet. I hope these tips gave you new ways to look at finding unique and durable home decor. Always keep in mind to repurpose what you already own and then choose second hand!
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What is your favorite sustainable home decor item in your home? I would love to hear about your treasured piece in the comments below! I’ll go first, mine is my desk that I got from a thrift store which is where I write my blog posts from!
Stay well,
Maggie
