Is your bedroom in need of a little eco-friendly love? It’s easier than you think to transform your space into a sustainable sanctuary—no major demolition required. By focusing on mindful choices for bedding, furniture, and decor, you can create a peaceful retreat that's not only good for you but also good for the planet. Let's dive into how to turn your bedroom into the ultimate eco-haven!
Sustainable Bedding: Sweet Dreams Without the Carbon Footprint
When we think of sustainability in the bedroom, bedding is a great place to start—after all, you spend about one-third of your life in bed (and possibly more if you’re a fan of weekend lie-ins). But what exactly makes bedding eco-friendly?
Organic Cotton or Bamboo Sheets
Look for sheets made from organic cotton or bamboo. Organic cotton uses up to 91% less water than conventional cotton farming, and it’s free of harmful pesticides according to Textile Exchange. Bamboo, on the other hand, grows rapidly with minimal resources and no pesticides, making it an extremely sustainable choice as noted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Plus, bamboo sheets are silky-soft and naturally antibacterial. Not a bad combo, right?
We have a fantastic 100% GOTS Certified Organic Percale Cotton bedding
Did you know: Conventional cotton is one of the dirtiest crops due to its high pesticide usage, while organic cotton skips the chemicals, keeping your bed toxin-free.
Eco-Friendly Duvet Fillings
Down feathers used to be the go-to filling for plush duvets, but there are more sustainable alternatives these days. Consider options like organic wool, Tencel, or even recycled materials. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic and regulates body temperature, making it great for all seasons. Meanwhile, Tencel, derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
The Fine Bedding Company offer an Eco Friendly Duvet With Biodegradable Fibre Filling that biodegrades into 100% natural components like water, CO2, methane, biomass and humus (component in potting soil) so it leaves the lightest environmental impact.
Ethical Mattress Choices
Your mattress plays a huge role in your health and comfort, but traditional foam mattresses can off-gas harmful chemicals. Eco-friendly mattresses made from natural latex, organic wool, and recycled steel springs are healthier options. According to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), these materials reduce chemical exposure while supporting sustainability. Mattresses certified by GreenGuard Gold are low in emissions, contributing to better air quality in your bedroom and less VOCs which can pollute indoor air. When shopping for mattresses for babies and children, this is particularly important to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals in the air.
Check out Naturalmat Organic Mattresses here
Sustainable Furniture: Eco-Friendly Style Meets Functionality
Now let’s talk furniture. The perfect eco-friendly bedroom starts with furniture made from sustainable or reclaimed materials. Choosing pieces crafted from responsibly sourced wood or upcycled materials reduces the demand for virgin resources and cuts down on waste.
Go for FSC-Certified Wood
When shopping for wooden furniture, look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. FSC certified wood ensures that the wood has been harvested in a way that maintains biodiversity and respects the rights of local communities. Reclaimed wood is another fantastic option, giving old materials a new life while adding character to your space.
Shop our BCorp made bed from FSC Certified wood Cream Boucle bed here
Second-Hand or Vintage Furniture
One of the most sustainable choices? Buying second-hand or vintage furniture! Not only do these pieces already exist (no extra resources needed to make them), but they often come with a unique charm that mass-produced furniture can’t offer. Plus, it's a great way to save money while reducing your environmental footprint. Head to your local vintage furniture retailers or charity shops to find some local hidden gems. Otherwise, Vinterior is an online treasure trove marketplace for one of a kind and vintage pieces.
For the most sustainable furniture option, the first point of call should always be to re-use what we already have, or buy second hand and re-upholster with an eco-friendly fabric. BUT if we must buy a new piece, then choosing a more sustainable option is better than a mass produced, cheap alternative made by underpaid workers that is less durable and will be discarded after a couple years. Another great option is buying furniture that has been given a new lease of life that was previously an old product or made from something that was discarded.
Our Reclaimed pieces give a new lease of life to old unwanted furniture, telling a story through each individual product and saving waste being created. Shop our Reclaimed Cube Coffee Table below, the textures on the wood bring warmth, character, and a timeless aesthetic to any space.
Modular Furniture
Modular furniture is designed to adapt and change as your needs evolve, which helps avoid waste. A bed with storage compartments or a wardrobe that can be expanded over time means you won’t have to buy new furniture every time you run out of space. It’s a future-proof, planet-friendly investment.
Our Reclaimed Cube Unit can be put side by side with each other or stacked to create a multifunctional space. Not only can you use it for the living room TV but you can also use it for the bedroom, kitchen or hallway where you can add baskets, draws and lots of different storage options to put away clothes, display home decor, shoes or kitchen accessories.
Decor: Add the finishing touches to your space
What’s a bedroom without a few decorative touches? The good news is that sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing style. From energy-efficient lighting to eco-conscious art, there are countless ways to add personality to your space while keeping Mother Earth happy.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Ditch the old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving LEDs or CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). LEDs use up to 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity use.
Natural Rugs and Textiles
Look for rugs and throws made from natural fibres like jute, sisal, or organic cotton. These materials are biodegradable and don’t require harsh chemicals during processing. Plus, they add a cozy, earthy feel to your bedroom.
Our natural rugs by Marrakesh Metacraft are made with 100% Natural Organic Materials with no added chemicals. Each of the wool threads used in the rug is hand dyed to get the colours wanted, a traditional way that has been used for 500 years. Shop our Natural Rugs collection here.
Low-VOC Paint and Wall Art
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that off-gas from traditional paints, affecting indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), using low-VOC or even VOC-free paints can improve indoor air quality, reducing risks of respiratory problems. Support local artisans or buy prints made from recycled paper to avoid mass-produced items that may be unsustainably sourced.
Check out COAT paints, a BCorp that offers fantastic low odour and VOC paints in a dreamy selection of colours.
Houseplants: The Ultimate Natural Decor
Bringing a bit of greenery into your bedroom doesn’t just look great—it can also purify the air. Plants like snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies are low-maintenance and excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants. The famous NASA Clean Air Study found that houseplants can reduce toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, making your space healthier and fresher.
Our Pots and Planters collection has a wonderful range of choice to house your green leafy friends. Choose from hanging seagrass planters, to lined baskets.
A Tranquil, Sustainable Sanctuary
At the end of the day, creating an eco-friendly bedroom is all about mindful choices. Whether you’re upgrading your bedding, opting for sustainable furniture, or adding some eco-conscious decor, each small step can make a big difference for the planet—and your peace of mind.
So, why not start with your bedroom? After all, it’s the place where you recharge and refresh. Make it a space that aligns with your values and helps you sleep soundly knowing you're doing your part for the Earth.
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Organic Cotton and Its Environmental Impact
Textile Exchange offers a comprehensive study on the benefits of organic cotton, including water savings and reduced pesticide use. According to their 2020 Organic Cotton Market Report, organic cotton farming saves about 91% of water compared to conventional methods, while improving soil health and reducing chemical runoff.
Source: Textile Exchange -
Bamboo as a Sustainable Material
According to The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), bamboo is one of the most sustainable crops due to its rapid growth and minimal need for fertilisers and pesticides. Its environmental benefits are widely recognised in eco-friendly home products, from flooring to bedding.
Source: NRDC -
Sustainable Furniture and FSC Certification
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a well-recognised global body that ensures wood products are sourced responsibly. According to FSC standards, furniture made from FSC-certified wood comes from forests managed for long-term ecological health, protecting biodiversity and forest ecosystems.
Source: Forest Stewardship Council -
Low-VOC Paint and Its Health Benefits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extensive research on the negative effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints. The EPA encourages using low-VOC or VOC-free paint to improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and long-term health effects.
Source: EPA -
The Benefits of Houseplants for Air Quality
A well-cited study by NASA found that certain houseplants, such as snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, can remove toxins from the air and improve indoor air quality. These plants are particularly effective in filtering harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
Source: NASA Clean Air Study -
Eco-Friendly Mattress Materials
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies organic mattresses made from materials like latex, wool, and cotton, ensuring they meet high environmental and social criteria. These mattresses reduce exposure to harmful chemicals often found in conventional foam mattresses.
Source: GOTS