Stylish and Sustainable Furniture

Stylish and Sustainable Furniture: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Choices

Whether you adore traditional design or lean toward contemporary styles, one factor is becoming increasingly important for today’s shoppers: sustainability. Across categories like groceries, clothing, accessories, and furniture, consumers are prioritizing eco-conscious options. Furniture is no exception. From sustainable sofas and dining sets to mattresses and area rugs, a green story adds value to any purchase.

Eco-friendly furniture has seen remarkable growth over the past two decades, fueled by millennial and Gen Z buyers. In response, top furniture manufacturers are expanding their sustainable offerings. But what makes furniture sustainable? It typically involves two key aspects: the use of eco-friendly materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.

Identifying Sustainable Furniture

Understanding sustainability in furniture involves looking at materials, production methods, and certifications. Here are some ways to assess whether a piece meets eco-friendly criteria:

Key Certifications to Look For

• Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC): Recognizes companies for responsible wood sourcing through its annual Wood Furniture Scorecard.

• Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture (EFEC): Requires manufacturers to optimize resource use and reduce waste.

• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Ensures wood products meet stringent sustainability and ethical standards.

Choosing Sustainable Materials

Sustainable furniture often incorporates materials that reduce environmental impact:

• FSC-Certified Wood: Ensures responsible forestry practices.

• Reclaimed Wood: Made from recycled timber, offering durability and unique character.

• Bamboo: Responsibly sourced bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource gaining popularity for its aesthetics and sustainability.

Reclaimed wood furniture, in particular, offers a timeless appeal. Each piece tells a story, making it both environmentally friendly and one-of-a-kind.

Durability: A Core Aspect of Sustainability

Longevity is a crucial part of sustainability. High-quality, durable furniture reduces waste and minimizes the need for frequent replacements. Opting for heirloom-quality pieces not only benefits the environment but also saves money in the long run.

Furniture Companies with Green Stories

Many top furniture companies are leading the way in eco-friendly practices, offering stylish, sustainable options. Here’s a quick look at some of the most eco-conscious brands:

American Leather

Known for modern, U.S.-made leather furniture, American Leather combines sleek designs with environmentally friendly practices.

• U.S.-made products, reducing carbon footprint

• Sustainable wood frames with minimal scrap

• Water-based leather pigments and recyclable leather scraps

• Soy-based, fire-retardant-free foam

Bernhardt & Bernhardt Interiors

With over 130 years in the furniture industry, Bernhardt is dedicated to sustainability through community and environmental partnerships.

• EFEC certification at five U.S. facilities

• Partnerships with environmental organizations (SFI, FSC, GREENGUARD)

Bradington Young

This brand focuses on being an environmental steward by minimizing waste and using sustainable materials.

• Leather scraps resold to minimize waste

• Recycled cardboard packaging and repurposed wood waste

• Pallets reused, recycled, or repurposed

Classic Home

Known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, Classic Home emphasizes FSC-certified and repurposed materials.

• Many FSC-certified products

• Plantation-grown and repurposed woods

• Water from production reused in local agriculture

• Use of water-based wood sealers

Century

A founding member of the SFC, Century focuses on sustainable practices across its operations.

• FSC, SFI, and EFEC certifications; Partnership with Rainforest Alliance

• Over 50% of wood sourced in the U.S.

• Fiber from recycled materials and soy-based cushions

• Low VOC finishes and lacquers with high solids content

• Metal components contain a significant amount of recycled material

Charleston Forge

Specializing in custom metal and sustainable wood furniture, Charleston Forge uses recycled steel and sustainable wood from USDA-certified forests.

• Recycled steel and USDA-certified wood

• 90% of suppliers within 100 miles of their factory

Dinec

Dinec is committed to using non-polluting machinery and sustainable hardwood in their durable, heirloom-quality furniture.

• Sustainable hardwood from certified forests

• Use of non-polluting machinery and energy-efficient computer equipment

• Primary energy source is hydropower

Durham Furniture

Known for building solid wood furniture that lasts generations, Durham prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices.

• Lumber from replenishing North American forests

• SFC member, committed to sustainable communities and ethical workplaces

Gat Creek

Gat Creek is dedicated to sustainability with raw materials sourced from local, sustainably managed forests and green manufacturing practices.

• Founding member of SFC

• Solar panels and LED lighting at the facility

• Lumber sourced from sustainably managed, nearby Appalachian forests

Hancock & Moore

Hancock & Moore combines luxurious design with eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes.

• U.S.-sourced lumber from sustainably managed forests

• Soy-based foam replaces petroleum based chemicals; Foam produced without fire-retardant chemicals

• Low VOC finishes and lacquers with high solids content

• Metal components contain a significant amount of recycled material

• Recycled fibers used in pillow and cushion wrapping

Hooker

With a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, Hooker uses sustainable materials and recycles waste throughout their operations.

• Member of SFC and EFEC certified

• Leather scraps resold

• Cardboard packaging is recycled and wood waste is repurposed for use in the farming industry

• Environmental education program for the local youth in the community

Huntington House

A pioneer in sustainable practices, Huntington House continues to innovate with eco-friendly materials and recycling initiatives.

• Focus on sourcing materials locally first, domestically second, and internationally last

• Stringent recycling policies

• Seat cushions and foam padding contain preserve foam (20% soy based, and fiber wrap is made from 80% regenerated fiber)

• Springs and strapping from 98% recycled steel and finishes are water-based

• Packaging from 100% recycled cardboard

Jessica Charles

Jessica Charles produces high-quality furniture using sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

• 95% U.S.-sourced lumber; all lumber must be certified as to the legality of their harvest

• Hightest possible content of soy oil in cushions and poly foam; foam produced without use of fire-retardant chemicals

• Low VOC finishes and lacquers have a high solids content

• Recycled fibers used in pillow and cushion wrapping

Luonto (Finland)

Based in Finland, Luonto is committed to sustainability, a core value deeply rooted in the country’s environmental heritage.

• Heritage and cultural emphasis on a healthy environment drives sustainable practices. Philosophy of “it’s done simply because it’s who we are and where we’re from”

• Numerous certifications include PEFC, FSC, CertiPUR-EU, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, REACH compliance, Global Recycled Standard, Aqua Clean, PFC Free, and Safefront Hygiene Protector

• Lumber from strictly managed sustainable forests in Finland

• Furniture built to be repairable

• R-PES upholstery collection made from 100% recycled bottles

• Zero wood waste

Precedent Furniture

Precedent follows green initiatives by sourcing sustainable wood and using eco-friendly materials in manufacturing.

• U.S. sourced wood certified by the SFI

• Frames contain very low amounts of formaldehyde

• Cushions are 20% BIOH Polyol

• Polyester padding is 80% to 100% recycled material

• All metal parts are produced from a minimum of 95% recycled steel.

• Water-based, formaldehyde-free glues

• Packaging and shipping materials are 100% recyclable

Sherrill Furniture

Sherrill Furniture places a strong emphasis on using sustainable materials and minimizing its environmental footprint in production.

• Sourced components meet sustainability standards; TSCA Title VI compliant lumber, Foam products meet TB117-2013 standard

• Reduced energy and water consumption in manufacturing

Trend Point

Trend Point creates long-lasting furniture using sustainable practices and recycled materials. They are committed to creating a culture that goes beyond basic regulatory requirements.

• Reduced water, energy, and chemicals in leather production

• Water-based adhesives

• Flame-retardant free fabrics, plastics, and foam

• Utilization of ethically sourced and recycled materials

• Certi-PUR certified foam

Rowe

Rowe specializes in eco-friendly manufacturing processes, including the use of sustainable materials for cushions, fabrics, and wood.

• Natural and renewable fibers, wood from replenished, domestic forests

• Eco-friendly materials included 100% recycled paperboard for arm cardboard, down cushion filler made from recycled plastic bottles, springs made from recycled iron ore, uncoated nails and screws, recycled cotton, and recycled fibers

• Cushions partially produced with Polyol plant-based chemicals

• Fire-retardant-free foam

Trica

Trica focuses on reducing environmental impact by using recyclable metals and non-toxic paints.

• Recycled and recyclable steel, aluminum, and plastics

• VOC- and lead-free paints

Vanguard

Vanguard emphasizes energy efficiency and recycling, with solar-powered facilities and eco-friendly fabrics.

• Solar-powered facilities

• Significant waste recycling within Vanguard

• FSC-certified case goods and eco-friendly fabrics from natural fibers or recycled polyester blends

Why Sustainable Furniture Matters

With brands like these leading the way, finding stylish, sustainable furniture has never been easier. By choosing pieces that align with eco-friendly values, you’re not only enhancing your home but also contributing to a healthier planet. Visit a showroom or consult a designer to explore options and discover how green practices can meet your style needs.