Guide To Choosing Sustainable Furniture

 

Around 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded per year in the UK and fewer than 1 in 10 people consider repairs to extend the lifespan of their furnishings.

For the sake of the environment and to avoid perfectly good pieces of furniture going to waste – a change of attitude to becoming more mindful of eco-friendly options is necessary, and it’s crucial that we aren’t compromising on this for the sake of chasing an interior design bargain.

Mattress Online have created a guide to upcycling and sustainability including what we can do to reuse, renovate and recycle in 2019.

Some top tips for upcycling furniture include:

1. Put In The Research. This may seem like an obvious place to start, but many people don’t take time to learn from those with more experience. Look at sites like Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration.

2. Use Your Imagination. Think outside the box in terms of potential uses for older pieces. For instance, ladders make a stylish alternative to shelving and old suitcases can fill in for traditional coffee tables.

3. Preparation Is Key. Make sure that you have everything you need to hand (i.e. paint brushes, tools), clean and sand everything thoroughly before you begin to ensure the best possible finish.

4. Choose Durable Materials. If you’re decoupaging or using fabric for your project while finding the right colours/patterns is crucial, ensure you prioritise durability or you’ll be adding more work in the long run.

5. Use Your Initiative. Even the best-laid plans come with surprises, be prepared to address challenges as they arise, and you’ll breeze through.

 

 

Although it may seem difficult to keep on top of at times, being more eco-friendly and environmentally conscious will not only help the planet but your bank balance too.

For full article: https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/blog/sleep-news/choosing-sustainable-furniture/