How to create a sustainably stylish living room

15 May 2025

In today's world, sustainability is a growing concern: with our planet facing more and more challenges each year, people are constantly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact – be it reducing car travel or water consumption. In today's bLOG, we share some of our favourite ways to practice green living at home, starting with creating a sustainably stylish living room, where we spend quality time with family and friends.

Look for pieces made from sustainable natural materials

If you're looking to create an eco-conscious living room, look for furniture and decor made from sustainable materials. These materials are renewable, biodegradable, and aren't detrimental to our planet. Below are just some of our favourite sustainable materials for creating a sustainably stylish home:

Reclaimed wood furniture takes wood is when lumber is taken from another source (such as an old commercial structure) and is given a new lease of life. Not only do these pieces add a touch of rustic charm, but they also help reduce the demand for new wood and prevents old wood from ending up in landfills. As a green living room idea, consider adding a reclaimed wood coffee table as the centrepiece of your living space. The unique grain patterns and imperfections of its reclaimed wood surfaces will tell the story of its past, is sure to add character and warmth to your home.

Aside from reclaimed wood, pieces that are FSC™-certified are another excellent choice for sustainable living room furniture. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) is a globally-recognised, independent organisation that promotes responsible forest management. By choosing FSC™-certified furniture pieces, you can be rest assured that your purchase is sustainably sourced. These pieces, particularly those made from solid wood, are also durable in nature, so you'll be sure to have a piece that lives with you through your best moments.

Natural fibres such as jute, hemp, and organic cotton are wonderful sustainable home decor options due to their renewable and biodegradable properties, meaning that they will naturally degrade at the end of their life cycle. These materials also have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials. Consider incorporating natural fibre rugs, curtains, and upholstery, whose natural texture and hues will add visual interest and warmth to your cozy living room.

Find recycled or eco-friendly fabrics

While natural materials are a key element to building your sustainably stylish and modern living room, you can also look at making your upholstered pieces as sustainable as possible. One way to do so is by opting for recycled fabrics, which are made from post-consumer waste or discarded materials that have been transformed into new textiles. Choosing recycled fabrics for sofas, sofa beds, throw pillows, and curtains can help minimise the amount of waste that is sent to our landfills, as well as their environmental impact of the textile industry. With an abundance of styles and colours available in a market, you'll be sure to find an option that suits your personal style and space. Take a look at some of our tips when choosing recycled and eco-friendly fabrics for your living room decor:

Look for recycled materials such as recycled polyester or recycled cotton
Go natural with materials like organic cotton, linen, or hemp
Avoid fabrics that are teated with harsh chemicals or synthetic dyes
Opt for upholstery and cushion covers that are removable and washable, which will help reduce the need for frequent replacements
Upcycle or repurposing old textiles or clothing – they'll make unique home decor that is truly one of a kind!

Go old-fashioned with antiques or pre-loved furniture

If you love a look that's brimming with character, then antiques and pre-loved furniture are right up your street. Not only do these pieces bear natural markings that give them a unique charm, but they also support the concept of responsible production and recycling. Opting for vintage pieces supports conscious consumerism as it reduces the environmental impact associated with the production of new furniture. Antiques are often made with incredible craftsmanship, giving way to a stylish and durable piece that you'll be able to enjoy for many years to come. They also offer an economically friendlier way to decorate your space! With design philosophies like wabi sabi at the forefront of today's interior trends, which encourages us to find beauty in imperfection and transience, there's no better time to embrace these time-worn pieces and give them a new life.

Shop small

Supporting small businesses is a great way to create a sustainably stylish living room. Shopping small not only supports local economies but also promotes sustainable and ethical practices. Take a look at some of our tips for shopping handmade accessories:

Explore local markets and fairs – you'll be surprised to find an abundance of artisanal treasures in your hometown!
Browse online platforms to find handmade accessories from all over the world (we love Etsy for this!)
Look for small businesses who have a passion for sustainability and prioritise natural, renewable materials and responsible practices in their production
Purchase artisanal crafts made from natural or recycled materials
Consider crafts that are handmade by local artisans – not only will you be supporting their business and communities, but you'll have a piece that is truly one of a kind

We hope these sustainable living room styling ideas inspire you to create an eco-conscious space of your own! With so many ways to help look after our planet – from opting for pieces made with natural materials to shopping antiques and pre-loved – you can create a space that not only looks good but also aligns with your values of sustainability.