We all try to do our bit for the environment in our everyday lives - whether that’s walking instead of taking the car or investing in a reusable water bottle. However, it doesn’t have to stop there. The way we furnish and decorate our homes could be having a negative impact on the planet, without us even realising.
Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to give your bedroom an organic makeover and Sharps are well equipped to help with bespoke bedroom solutions that not only look amazing, but are also environmentally friendly. Here’s a few ways you can start to greenify your bedroom.
First Steps...
Organic Furniture
One of the first places you can start thinking about being more eco-friendly is your bed. Purchasing a frame made from recycled or upcycled materials is a great and easy way to ensure we are limiting our waste and making use of what is already available. Alternatively, avoiding unsustainable wood sources is another way that we can help to positively impact the environment and limit the effect on our forests.
Next up is your mattress. You may be thinking, how can a mattress be eco-friendly? However, many materials used in mattresses contain chemicals that can be damaging to the air around us and are also not the most sustainable. Sticking to natural materials like cotton and wool (and avoiding synthetics) can help offset these issues, without having to sacrifice on comfort. Luckily, with the advent of easy returns, you can simply try an organic mattress and return it if it doesn’t work out for you.
The Finer Details
It’s all in the details, and there are many things you can do (and avoid) when it comes to decor to ensure you are being as mindful as possible. Even the smallest change can have an impact and is definitely a step Here are some tips on how to get a zero-impact bedroom.
Non-Toxic Paint
Choosing the right colour for your bedroom walls can be a tricky task, but there are other things you should be taking into account other than just the shade.
Unfortunately, many conventional paints contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs for short, which can hang around in the air for up to five years after drying.
Try to stick to paints that boast low VOC or are water-based to reduce harmful chemicals in the air.
Organic Rugs
A rug can transform any bedroom, so picking the right one is of utmost importance. To help you on your way to a zero-impact bedroom, it’s best to look out for natural fibres like wool and cotton to steer clear from toxic materials.
Popular choices are rugs made from jute or sea-grass, which are not only natural, but also add beautiful earthy tones to any space. Not only this, but it’s also good to take into consideration the underlay pads, which are often made of cheaper, toxic materials.
A Green Touch
House plants have quickly become one of the most popular accessories for the bedroom, and not just for their appearance.
Many studies have shown that having plants indoors can actually purify the air and reduce the presence of chemicals such as formaldehyde and even CO2. Popular choices are Peace Lilies, Philodendrons and Ficus’.
However, do be wary that some soil contains pesticides and synthetic chemicals, so it’s always best to read the labels before buying.
Be Clever With Curtains
Curtains can be the statement piece that spruces up a plain area, but they can also provide many benefits when it comes to being eco-friendly. Be wary of synthetic fabrics and stick to organic materials - these are usually much softer too.
A good, thick set of curtains can also help a bedroom retain heat in the winter, which means less need to turn up the heating (so less energy wastage).
Organic Accessories
It helps to be mindful with even the smaller things we furnish our bedrooms with, and choosing organic accessories is a quick and easy way to greenify your space.
Here’s a few eco-friendly examples for your next design project:
- Bamboo screens
- LED eco bulbs
- Essential oils instead of air freshener
- Solar lamps
- Second-hand ornaments
