Ideas for Sustainable Soft Furnishings
UK winters can be pretty biting, especially when the cold, damp winds are cutting through the streets, and being outside can sometimes feel like you’ve stepped into an icebox. That’s when the true joy of a warm, cosy home really shines through. Think about that comfy living room—the kind that just wraps you up in comfort. Can you imagine curling up with a loved one on a frosty night or kicking back on a soft pouf, watching the telly? Soft furnishings bring that magic—they’re comforting, inviting, and they hit all the right sensory notes. They add texture, colour, and character to a space, and make it feel like home. But here’s the catch: some of these cosy items can contribute to global warming, especially when they contain things like flame retardants, which can hurt the quality of the air you breathe indoors. And sustainability isn’t just about human health—it’s about the planet too, from the smallest plants to the wildlife that depend on it. This means that while we seek comfort, we also need to consider how we can make choices that are kind to the world around us.
Choosing Sustainable Textiles
Your choice of fabric has a big impact on your overall carbon footprint. It helps to choose natural textiles like organic cotton, which is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers. Another great option is linen, a natural fibre that is biodegradable and requires less water to produce than other crops. For a sustainable, breathable, ultra-soft option, check out bamboo fabrics. Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest-growing plants! According to Guinness World Records, some species of bamboo can grow up to 2.91 feet in one day (or 1.5 inches an hour)! When you cut bamboo, it actually stimulates growth because instead of using energy to regain lost height, cut bamboo stalks simply unfurl new leaves. Another excellent insulator is natural wool, which can be used for rugs, throws, and cushions.
Opting for the Design for Life Philosophy
Investing in comfortable customised sofas, chaise lounges, and poufs is a good way to embrace the ‘design for life’ philosophy. This idea shuns the “throwaway philosophy” and stipulates that it is better to purchase quality items that will last a lifetime. Customized furniture that is perfectly designed according to your home’s layout and your needs and habits is less likely to be thrown away for the next seasonal trend. It also pays to invest in quality products that are easy to clean and that are sturdy enough to remain in optimal condition even as the years pass. Old pieces can always be upholstered if they are no longer looking their best, and doing so with sustainable fabric will help keep things eco-friendly in your home.
Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Fillings
When it comes to soft furnishings, outer fabrics aren’t everything. Traditional polyurethane foam is not the best option because it is derived from petroleum, which is non-renewable. This type of foam typically contains toxic chemicals like isocyanates and flame retardants, which are health risks and (as mentioned above) air pollutants. If possible, go for fillings made from recycled materials such as recycled foam rubber or recycled polyester. Other excellent options include springboard ultra flex (which is made using recycled plastic bottles), natural latex foam (harvested from rubber trees), coconut coir (a fibre extracted from coconut husks), wool batting (made from natural sheep’s wool), and recycled PET fibre (another groundbreaking option made from plastic waste).
When you’re looking to buy sustainable soft furnishings, there are many options to go for. When shopping for items like soft sofas, chairs, and cushions, check what their fabrics and fillings are made of. Consider customization so you don’t need to replace or add to items. Finally, think about using eco-friendly fillings, which are soft and comfortable but do not harm the environment.
