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When it comes to home decor, eco-friendly home decorating options aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind. But with an increasing focus on sustainability and more public awareness about our impact on the environment, it’s become a more common consideration when thinking about how we want our homes to look.
A lot of us may not think of home decor as being particularly environmentally friendly, but in reality there are plenty of ways you can save money while at the same time making your house a little bit kinder to the world around you. Here are 5 green home decor ideas that will save you money and help the environment at the same time:
Decorating Tips That Go Beyond Just Being “Green”
The first thing to keep in mind when planning your eco-friendly home decorating is that “green” isn’t the only thing you should be thinking about. It’s important to remember that eco-friendly isn’t the same as plain and basic – there are plenty of ways to add beautiful, stylish touches to your home that are also environmentally friendly. If you want to save money and go green, here are a few decorating tips to keep in mind:
Choose natural fabrics: Wool, cotton, linen, and silk are all great options that will last a long time while being better for the environment than synthetic fibers.
Opt for durable furniture: Save money on your tech purchases by purchasing refurbished technology. In terms of home furniture, look for pieces that are high-quality and built to last – you’ll get your money’s worth out of them, and they won’t break down as quickly as cheaper items.
Use vintage decor: Old furniture and decor items can be given a new lease on life – and can be used in creative ways you might not have thought of otherwise.
Go for multi-purpose decor: If you’re purchasing new items for your interior, look for pieces that can be used in multiple ways.
Paint Your Walls And Windows
One of the most eco-friendly ways to decorate is by painting your walls, rather than getting wallpapers or other wall coverings. This is not only a great way to make your house look more stylish, but you can use eco-friendly paints. For example, water-based paints are a great option, as they emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can sometimes cause respiratory problems. They’re also easier to clean up and less harmful to the environment than oil-based paints. If you want to add privacy and light filtering to your windows, you can opt for ecological fabrics like jacquard fabrics or voiles. Just make sure your fabric is UV-resistant and they’ll do a great job of protecting your windows and adding a decorative flair to your room.
Go Light-Colored
If you’ve got a big piece of furniture like a sofa or a headboard, or you’re thinking of painting a wall, it’s worth considering going for a lighter color. Darker colors can be warmer and more stylish, but they also attract more dust, which can be harmful for your health. But for eco-friendly home decorating, light-colored fabrics and paints are better since they’ll be easier to clean, less likely to attract dust, and be easier on your health. Dark fabrics can be hard to clean, and darker paints often contain harmful chemicals. If you can, try to go for lighter, more eco-friendly options. Preferably, you should go for natural fabrics, which are better for the environment than synthetic fabrics.
Use Natural Materials
Natural materials are more eco-friendly, and they often look better in the long run. This is especially true when it comes to wooden furniture. Wooden furniture is more eco-friendly, cheaper in the long run, and can last a lifetime when treated properly. Plus, it’s not always easy to find ethically sourced synthetic furniture. When it comes to fabrics, you can choose natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp. They are better for the environment and also provide a more comfortable experience. When it comes to decor, natural materials can also be used for decorations like plants, books, and vases.
Get An Energy Audit Done
One of the most eco-friendly things you can do is to make sure your home is energy efficient. Having your electrical appliances and lighting installed properly can go a long way towards saving you money in the long run. You can also look into energy-efficient light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances, which are better for the environment and save you money while they’re in use. You can also install solar panels, which are an excellent long-term investment that will help you save costs on your energy bills for decades to come.
Incorporate Natural Light
Natural light is not only better for your health, but it’s better for the environment too. So, if you can, try to incorporate more natural light into your home. There are lots of ways to bring more natural light into your home, from strategically placed windows to skylights. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, it can create a mood of gloom and low energy that can affect your health. But bringing more natural light into your home is not only good for your health, but it’s also good for the environment. Bringing more natural light into your home will help reduce your energy costs and lessen your carbon footprint. So, if you can, try to bring more natural light into your home. It will not only help you save on your energy bills, but it will also help you feel happier and more energized. Bringing more natural light into your home also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
Home decor is a great way to express your personality and make your living space a more enjoyable place to be. It’s also a great way to save money and be eco-friendly at the same time. When you’re thinking about your eco-friendly home decor, keep the above tips in mind and you’re sure to create a space that’s beautiful and cost-effective. And with all the money you’ll save, you’ll have more money for other fun things!
Featured image courtesy of: Spacejoy on Unsplash
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