Top sustainable interior design tips

When we think about sustainability, we often think about what we eat and wear. And rightly so. Food and fashion are some of the biggest contributors to climate change. But our homes have a carbon footprint too. From the rug on the floor to the color on the walls, every design decision affects the planet in some way. The good news is that creating a sustainable interior doesn’t mean giving up on style.

What makes an interior sustainable?

A sustainable interior isn’t just about  materials, although that’s part of it. It’s also about how things are made: who made them, under what conditions and with what impact on the planet. Ethical production matters just as much as the final product.

Durability is important as well. A chair labeled ‘eco-friendly’ isn’t doing the environment any favors if it falls apart after two years. A sustainable interior means loving what you own for a long time. Look for quality pieces and timeless design that can survive moves, messy kids, pets and trends.

Then there’s what happens at the end of a product’s life. Can it be fixed, reused or recycled? Will it biodegrade, or sit in a landfill for decades? A sustainable interior considers the full picture – from how something is made to how it eventually says goodbye – and aims to lighten the load on people and the planet.

Keep it simple: easy tips for a sustainable interior

If adding ‘sustainability’ to the thousands of décor choices already out there feels overwhelming, the key is to keep things simple. Designing a sustainable interior doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These practical tips will help you create a space that’s beautiful, functional and kinder to the planet.

1. Watch out for greenwashing

Let’s start with greenwashing. Sustainability sells – and brands know it. Words like ‘eco’, ’recyclable’ and ‘carbon neutral’ are everywhere. Sometimes that means the company has taken real steps to reduce the product’s impact on the planet. But in too many cases, these claims are vague, misleading or unfounded.

This practice is called greenwashing, and it can stand in the way of us making real, sustainable choices.

Luckily, lawmakers around the world are getting wise to greenwashing and are tightening the rules on what companies can and can’t say. In the meantime, the best way to avoid greenwashing is to look for clear, specific information backed by third-party certifications. If a product’s green claims sound too good – or too vague – to be true, they probably are. For more pointers, check out our handy greenwashing explainer.

2. Steer clear of trends

Fast fashion gets a lot of heat for being one of the largest polluting industries in the world. However, fast furniture is just as bad for the planet. In the UK alone, an estimated 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded each year, the majority of which goes directly to landfill.

Trendy pieces might look good now, but fad chasing leads to constant redecorating and mountains of waste.

Break the cycle by investing in timeless, high-quality pieces that you’ll love for years. If you like switching things up, treat your sustainable interior like your – hopefully sustainable – wardrobe. Keep a few interior essentials in storage and rotate your décor with the seasons. Think of a bright bedspread and sheer curtains in summer, then a cozy rug and heavier drapes in winter. Instant update, zero waste!

3. Curtains and rugs: choose natural materials

As any fan of The Big Lebowski will tell you, a rug really ties the room together. But if it’s made from synthetic fibers, it’s basically plastic. Synthetic rugs shed microplastics, particularly when washed or vacuumed. These tiny particles get everywhere, polluting waterways and harming ecosystems.

For a more sustainable interior, choose rugs made from natural materials like wool or cotton. They are biodegradable, durable and feel better underfoot. A woolen rug may cost more upfront, but it lasts decades, making it a planet-friendly investment.

Like rugs, many curtains contain synthetic materials that are energy-intensive to produce and hard to recycle. Linen, hemp or organic cotton curtains are a more sustainable option. Hemp, in particular, is one of the most durable natural fibers, and its ability to breathe helps keep rooms cool in warm weather.

4. Paint: ditch the toxins

That ‘new paint smell’ is positively associated with clean surfaces or a fresh color. However, it is typically caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemical compounds used in various household products that evaporate and give off gasses, sometimes months after initial application. These gasses can build up and pollute indoor air as well as the environment after the product’s disposal.

For a healthier and more sustainable interior, choose low-VOC or VOC-free paint. Generally, low-VOC means that the paint contains less than 50 grams of VOCs per liter for matte paints. The limit is set at 100 grams of VOCs per liter for so-called ‘non-flat’ paints such as satin and semi-gloss. No-VOC or zero-VOC paint can still have some VOCs, but it must be less than 5 grams per liter.

In addition, some products that are labeled as ‘no VOC’ or ‘low VOC’ can contain other harmful ingredients. So, rather than focusing on VOC contents, choose paints that are labeled ‘non-toxic’ or ‘natural paint’. These can be harder to find, and you may need to apply an extra coat as VOCs help with paint application and coverage. However, there are an increasing number of non-toxic paint options available that feature complete ingredient lists and don’t compromise on color intensity.

5. Embrace pre-loved furniture

New furniture might be tempting, but vintage and second-hand pieces are often the more sustainable interior choice. Besides reducing demand for resources and keeping items out of landfills, pre-loved furniture usually has more character and better craftsmanship than new, mass-produced alternatives. Score unique finds at thrift stores, estate sales or online swaps.

6. Say no to forever chemicals

There’s another reason to consider vintage furniture too. That new couch claiming to be stain-resistant may be coated in PFAS – aka ‘forever chemicals’. These synthetic substances don’t break down in nature and are linked to serious environmental and health risks. Not exactly what you want on your favorite lounging spot.

To keep your interior sustainable, look for couches made from untreated natural fabrics like wool, cotton or linen. If spills are a concern, washable slipcovers make clean-up a breeze.

7. Repair, swap and repurpose

Just like mending a beloved sweater extends its use, repairing and repurposing home items can breathe new life into old pieces. Before tossing out a faded cushion, old armchair or wobbly table, ask yourself if a simple fix or creative makeover could restore its charm. If DIY isn’t your thing, look for a tailor, upholsterer or carpenter in your area.

Community swaps or online exchanges are other great ways to freshen up your home without buying anything new.

A sustainable interior that’s uniquely yours

Creating a sustainable interior doesn’t mean your home has to look like everyone else’s – or that you have to live without beauty, comfort or personality.

By choosing natural materials, embracing second-hand treasures, fixing instead of tossing, and being smart about trends and labels, you can design a home that’s stylish, sustainable and uniquely yours.