Envisioning, repurposing, and upcycling your bedroom design
Following on from our focus on sustainable kitchen and bathroom practices, we now focus our attention on what is probably the most important space in your home; the bedroom.
For the environmentally conscious individual, the desire to create positive changes in and around our physical space is inspired in part by reducing as much of our carbon footprint as possible. From repurposing and upcycling old furniture to using sustainable bedding, there are a variety of options to choose from.
Envisioning, repurposing, & upcycling
Remember the Three R’s
We previously went into detail about the three R’s of environmental awareness in our first article on sustainable bathrooms (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.) The same concept applies.
See previous article {here}
Before spending money, take the time, look around your bedroom, and take into account the objects and keepsakes you have. Consider how you’ve envisioned your sustainable bedroom and decide on whether these objects can be repurposed and possibly donated.
Old furniture can always be reused. Bedside tables were originally used to keep sheet music, this goes to show that furniture can serve multiple functions. These days, we generally use bedside tables as a place to charge our phones when turning in for the night.
If you don’t have one, think of stacking old briefcases with a fresh coat of paint to create a unique and functional piece. Have fun with what you still have, consider converting old vases and glass bottles into functional lamps for that DIY bedside table.
Buy eco-friendly and decorative products
Now that you have upcycled your room, it’s time to source your interior décor from eco-friendly and environmentally conscious brands like Sonae Arauco. Our range of wood-based panels are E1 certified and are an excellent solid wood alternative. Mix and match our different decorative options to best suit your style by using our interactive 3D simulator:
https://www.sonae.projects.coppertable.co.za/3d-simulator/
The Innovus Decorative product range provides textures and expertly crafted finishes for all your interior design needs. Not only are our ranges sustainable, versatile and innovative, but so do they incorporate trends from industrial and natural sources for inspiration in the home.
Green Ideas for your bed
Let’s focus on the centrepiece of the bedroom. There are multiple aspects of a bed that need to be taken into account, from your sheets, mattress, and even the bed frame itself. You can create a carbon-neutral bedroom from just these factors alone.
Sustainable Mattresses
Believe it or not but most mattress brands are produced using harmful chemicals that include toxic adhesives and petroleum-based foams that have a negative effect on the environment and can cause various health issues with those who have sensitive skin.
One of the benefits of purchasing eco-friendly mattresses is that they are made entirely from Natural Latex, Rubberized Coconut Fibre, Horsehair, Cactus Fibres and Seaweed.. These materials are both highly durable, extremely resilient to the elements, and most importantly non-toxic. Built up in multiple layers, it is completely metal-free. Seaweed soothes our respiratory system, while cactus fibre and horsehair regulate humidity.
Browse here for more: Cocomat
Sustainable Bedding
A mattress alone simply isn’t enough, you need to seek out eco-friendly bedding as well. Be sure to source bed linens that are made with natural fibres and are free from chemical treatment methods that expose you and the environment to harmful toxins like formaldehyde and even synthetic insect deterrents. Opt for comfort and sustainability by choosing mattresses to match your eco-friendly bedding.
Browse here for more: Bloom and Bale
Sustainable Bed Frames
Although new frames are always great, save yourself and the planet a little extra waste and scout for a second-hand frame online or at a neighbourhood charity shop. Using existing natural resources is always preferable when framing your understanding through sustainability.
If brand new is a ‘must have’ then your focus must be on the core material of the frame. Look out for metal bed frames as they are the simplest way to avoid the dangerous VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can arise from varnished frames of finished solid wood.
Other options like a non-finished solid wood are an excellent compromise. Not only do you get the benefit of the wood aesthetic, but so too do you avoid toxic chemicals that arise from the varnish.
Browse here for more: Eco Furniture Design
Eco-friendly rugs
We have talked about these before yet no bedroom is complete without a decorative centrepiece for wooden or tiled floors. Be eco-conscious when purchasing mass-produced rugs. They typically contain harmful materials like polyester and microplastic fibres. Close to 95% of all rugs made leave a heavy footprint on the planet.
Seek out ethically produced rugs that utilise organic materials like natural fibres, wool, jute, sisal, and even hemp. However, even when these materials are in use they are treated with toxic chemicals that make them stain and water-resistant so be sure to seek out brands that are certified carbon neutral.
Browse here for more: Fab Habitat
The Three Rs checklist
Maintaining a net neutral carbon emissions level in a modern bedroom may not always have to be the pricier alternative to mass-produced products. Having a keen eye for upcycling and consistently following the three R’s can make eco-friendly living not only affordable but improve on your overall well-being.
For more information on our wood-based decorative panels and services, visit us at https://www.sonae.projects.coppertable.co.za/