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Is your home in need of a makeover? Decorating and making your space feel like yours can be a lot of fun. Before you start buying furniture, consider redecorating with the planet in mind. Fast furniture is a huge environmental problem, and you can break that cycle by not buying it. We vote with our dollars, so why not make eco-friendly choices that won't break the bank or compromise your taste. Give these eco-friendly home decor ideas a try.

Buy vintage or antique furniture 

Before you hit the shops looking for new furniture, visit local antique shops and thrift shops. The beauty of vintage and antique furniture is that it's not new, so it's not draining valuable resources to be produced, and it can still be quite beautiful and special. If you have a favourite era, like the 60s, antique furniture can help you capture that design sense and style and bring it home. Prices for antiques can span a huge range, so try to find a shop that carries pieces in your price range so you don't get discouraged by big price tags. 

Not all antique furniture is used. Some merchants carry overstock from the past, so you're getting something old and new at the same time.

Buy second-hand furniture 

Second-hand furniture is simply used furniture. There are many ways to find it for a bargain. Online, we love searching Facebook Marketplace and MaxSold auctions for hidden gems. In the flesh, you can find great options at thrift stores, charity shops and garage sales. Sometimes you can even find great pieces on the side of the road for free! 

Buy sustainable furniture 

Sustainable furniture is made out of sustainable materials. Sustainable wood furniture, for example, is made from sustainably sourced wood which comes from forests where trees are replanted rather than just deforested. Wood harvested from sustainable forests is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified. You can buy sustainable furniture from major retailers like Crate and Barrel, IKEA and West Elm.

Paint with no-VOC paint 

Paint can be quite toxic, for you and for the planet. Its ingredients can contribute to air pollution. If you're ready to repaint your space, look for no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint options that are kinder to the planet and your lungs. 

Upcycle your existing furniture 

There's no need to buy furniture for your home makeover. Upcycling is an affordable way to bring new life to your pieces. You can upcycle everything from your dresser to your armoire -- it's as easy as giving them a new coat of paint. You won't believe how transformative it can be.

Reupholster your furniture with green fabric options

Much like upcycling, reupholstering can breathe new life into your existing furniture. Basically you are replacing the existing fabric on the furniture to transform it into a new piece. You can find a professional upholsterer to do the job for you, or save money and do it yourself. If you want to reupholster your furniture in the most environmentally friendly way, opt for sustainable fabrics like organic bamboo, organic cotton and organic linen.

We hope you'll adopt these eco-friendly home decor ideas!

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