Green Living Room Furniture for the Home

Ever consider going green with your furniture? Chances are you may have but are concerned about the cost. Green furniture can be quite expensive and hard to find at times. Whether you want to go used, are a do-it-yourselfer or simply prefer to buy new here are some ways to get started on your green furniture shopping.

This article will help you excel in green living by providing you with a few general tips as well as specific furniture pieces to consider while developing a green den or living room to its full potential potential - and will help you create these green living spaces without breaking the bank.

Green Living Room Furniture - Go Used

Going used is the simplest and shortest route to going green and is an easy option for those looking to go green without spending too much money. Buying used furniture effectively recycles an old product and isn’t wasteful, and it’s economical, too. One problem is: you may not be able to go quite as eco-friendly as you would like to be able to. Additionally, you are going to have to go on the buyer’s word that your product is free of toxic finishes, convenience-based chemicals, and more. This is the quickest solution for those looking to go green in their living room, but there are more unknown variables in play. If the risks are not worth it to you then read on for other green living room furniture options.

Green Living Furniture - Do It Yourself

It isn’t necessary to obtain a pre-made piece of green furniture for your home. Instead, you can take matters into your own hands. Recycled, FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood can be purchased and put towards your next living room piece, if you’re at all handy and looking to perform some of the processes yourself. Add the least-toxic finish of your choice onto the wood, and you’ve saved yourself a wad of cash while meeting at least some green guidelines. You’ve also automatically avoided harmful fire-retardant chemicals and other PBDEs, as well as unnatural wrinkle and stain-resistant treatments. However, be sure to track the source of your recycled wood if buying from a third party and if the wood is uncertified. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You will want to be sure what you have is really recycled as there are only roughly a dozen or so certified recycled wood furniture manufacturers, so double-checking won’t hurt and is always wise.

Green Living Furniture - Pre-Made

If you don’t mind spending a little extra cash, you can save yourself the hassle and purchase already-made  green living room furniture made and ready to go (especially if your skill set does not allow for option two above). Items that are made from recycled materials, are products of the FSC, and avoid highly toxic glues and finishes are all available.

IKEA and Crate & Barrel feature recycled wood product lines as do some online outlets. Places such as Greener Lifestyles offer organic cotton, hemp and wool fabrics on green furniture, as well as natural latex foams, recycled polyester fabrics, and more.

Another option would be non-forest materials like bamboo are available that can better fit into your green lifestyle. And, these also won’t hurt your too much financially.

Now that you are versed on what to look for when it comes to green furniture, Viva Terra and Greener Lifestyles are some places to getstarted if you’ve decided to go the “buy new and now!” route. Whatever approach(es) you choose: good luck with making your house and furniture that much more green!