Story at a glance:
- From minimalist to maximalist, this list of sustainable home decor has something for everyone.
- Designers are using different techniques—from 3D printing to hand-weaving—to create sustainable products.
- Designers are experimenting with materials old and new to create innovative sustainable interior design products.
The demand for sustainable interior design products is growing. The global market for eco-friendly furniture is estimated at $34.2 billion in 2020 and projected to reach $50.1 billion by 2027. Whether it’s through returning to traditional practices or pushing boundaries with new technology, designers and makers are finding various ways to make interior design products more sustainable.
Here are some of our favorite new sustainable interior design products.
1. Echo Throw Pillow
YaYa & Co.’s Echo Organic Cotton Abstract collection includes a throw pillow, a lumbar pillow, and a pouf. Photo courtesy of YaYa & Co.
Add a splash of color and texture to any space with these Echo Abstract Throw Pillows from YaYa & Co. The company uses natural materials and works directly with artisans and family-owned makers.
These beautiful pillows are made by three families of artisans in India who tuft, embroider, and loop them by hand. They’re made from 100% organic cotton and are OEKO-TEX® and Fair Trade–certified.
2. Bolgatanga Lamp
The Bolgatanga from PET Lamp is made by artisans in Ghana. Photo courtesy of PET Lamp
The Bolgatanga lamp collection, from PET Lamp, is made from old plastic bottles and elephant grass. Artisans from Bolgatanga, a town in northern Ghana known for basketry, use a technique called pakurigo wave to create the curves on the lampshades.
Since 2012 PET Lamp has worked with artisans around the world to incorporate used plastic bottles and local fibers using traditional weaving techniques. They have partnered with communities from five continents and have eight unique collections to date.
3. Hidee Vase
- Each Hidee vase is made from 2-3 orange peels. Photo courtesy of Krill Design
- The vase is designed to hold dry flowers. Photo courtesy of Krill Design
This open vase from Krill Design is 3D-printed from orange peels, which give it unique texture, color, and smell. The Milan-based company uses waste from the food supply chain and turns it into a biodegradable and compostable 3D printer filament. They also work with other materials like coffee and eggshells and have partnered with companies like Sanpellegrino and Autogrill to create custom products.
4. FLOR Carpets
This Hemisphere rug by FLOR is carbon negative. Photo courtesy of FLOR
FLOR’s new collection of carpet tiles are not only carbon neutral, but carbon negative. The collection uses a new backing with new bio-based materials and more recycled content to sequester carbon. It also uses yarn made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon and a new manufacturing process that results in a carbon-negative rug.
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This collection of three designs—Peninsula, Stratosphere, and Hemisphere—features muted neutrals that can fit into a variety of design styles.
5. Plod Stool
- The Plod stool, designed by EBBA Architects, is made from 100% recycled paper. Photo by Marta Fernandez
- Plod stools can be arranged in various ways, including stacked to create a shelf. Photo by Marta Fernandez
The Plod Stool by EBBA Architects is simple and functional. It can be used as a stool or combined together to create a side table. The architecture studio’s foray into furniture making is well-considered. The stool is made of 100% recycled paper called Richlite. With just four pieces, it can be manufactured and assembled quickly. This stool is minimal and multifunctional, and it can fit well in both traditional and contemporary designs.
6. Aurea Dining Table
The Aurea dining table designed by Sacha Lakic uses reclaimed wood. Photo courtesy of Roche Bobois
The Aurea dining table uses reclaimed oak planks from old mineral water water wagons. Designed by Sacha Lakic for Roche Bobois, this choice makes sense for the designer who specializes in both furniture and vehicle design. The car influence is also seen in the aerodynamic smooth lines and curved forms of the table. Perfect indoors or outdoors, this table adds a touch of dynamism to an age-old classic.
7. Oplight
- Oplight designed by Jasper Morrison for FLOS. Photo courtesy of FLOS
- Photo courtesy of FLOS
Oplight is a new wall lamp designed by Jasper Morrison with sustainability and longevity in mind. No glue was used to assemble the different parts, making it easy to recycle at its end of life. Not only is the LED light energy-efficient, it can last for more than 50,000 hours and be replaced without sophisticated equipment.
This wall-mounted uplighter is available in two sizes and four finishes: white, metallic gray, anthracite, and black. Following Morrison’s “super normal” design philosophy, the lamp is intended to light up the space without being intrusive.
8. Keeps Bed
This Keeps bed is designed to last. Photo courtesy of Keeps
Created with renters in mind, this bed from Keeps is built to last move after move. It could be assembled and disassembled in roughly 10 minutes, all without tools. It is made from FSC-certified North American white oak and stained with plant-based oils. Keeps promises to plant 100 trees for every bed sold through Eden Reforestation Projects. The Seattle-based company also plans to start a buy-back program in 2023, to refurbish and resell old pieces, taking the products’ full life cycle into account.
