Sustainable Trends in Luxury Furniture

With global warming taking its toll on the planet ever more significantly, there’s a huge move towards building awareness on how to live more consciously. Businesses at all levels are focussed on getting their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) stewardships up to scratch and the average Joe is encouraged to follow suit.

Recycling, growing edible gardens, eating plant-based foods and composting are all ways we can toe the line, but is there more we can do to play our part? One of the things we should all be looking at is our own personal living space. Aside from the obvious like water consumption and energy output from lighting, radiators and appliances, you should give consideration to your styling choices. Eco-paints, for example, go a long way toward reducing indoor air pollution because they release fewer toxins.

And then there’s your décor. From sofas and chairs to dining tables and sideboards, choosing an environmentally conscious brand can make an enormous difference to the wellness of our Earth. So we’ve dug a little deeper to bring you the latest sustainable trends when it comes to luxury furniture.

What is Sustainable Furniture?

The word “sustainable” may conjure up images of all things drab and unattractive, but that’s not the case at all. Eco-friendliness really comes down to your modus operandi, and these operational procedures are used by many luxury furniture brands in the world today. Things like engaging in responsible production practices by using “clean” energy and recyclable materials are big factors. But it’s also about fair trade. This involves supporting the artisan, having good working conditions and creating parity for everyone involved - “handmade by humans” is a significant mindset.

Which Furniture Brands are Eco-Compliant?

While sustainable furniture may not be instantly recognisable, here are 5 things you can investigate when on the prowl for your next “green” buy.

1. Manufacturing materials

Take a look at the materials consumed in the manufacturing process. Are they recyclable and can they be repurposed? If so, then they definitely fit into the eco-friendly profile. You should also check for renewability. Does the wood come from forests that are effectively being replenished? Bamboo, for example, regenerates very quickly and takes just five years to mature compared to oak, which takes seventy.

2. Manufacturing processes

When it comes to manufacturing processes, it’s all about environmental impact. Every aspect needs to be safe, which means limited carbon emissions, fewer pollutants and making sure that local communities and ecosystems are unharmed at all times. Use of geothermal, hydro or solar electricity is preferable. To check this, you can look for certifications from organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council.

3. Non-VOC finishes

All finishes should be free of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Solvents like benzene can be detrimental to our ecosystems and cause many autoimmune and respiratory conditions. Many luxury furniture manufacturers now use water-based solutions instead as part of their ESG commitment.

4. Transportation

Environmentally compliant conducts are usually “cradle to cradle”, meaning that from start to finish, sustainability is observed. So although it’s not something that you or I might consider, energy-efficient transportation of all materials and end products plays an important part. Think about buying from local designers to reduce this expenditure or, if you’re specifically looking for a must-have imported piece, find out whether they’re shipped ecologically and without loads of unnecessary packaging.

5. Usefulness and longevity

This might also be surprising, but the usefulness and longevity of furniture items are definitely consequential. For a product to be sustainable, it should also be beneficial, comfortable, functional and versatile. Think sofa beds – they have more than one purpose, take up less space and therefore have less impact. And you should want to have it in your home, long-term.

The more pieces you decide to turf out, the more our landfills are bursting at the seams. You also need to choose items that will be durable – eco-friendly furniture should last for years, ensuring that it doesn’t need to be replaced and that the material it’s made from has a chance to be renewed. This is especially applicable to woods.

Italian brand Pedrali is a great example of how to innovatively produce useful, long-lasting furniture. At the 2021 Salone del Mobile, they presented the Tribeca Lounge outdoor series in collaboration with CMP Design. A throwback to the classic patio chair from the 60s, the Tribeca outdoor chair and outdoor sofa are inspired by both pasta-making and fishing. They are made using the same extra-strong nylon thread that is commonly used for marlin fishing and covering it in extruded PVC via a custom-designed machine resembling a pasta maker. Whereas old-school woven-cord chairs would eventually contort with heat and use, earning them a place at the local rubbish dump, the Tribeca series lasts longer and is minimally invasive, ensuring it can be used in any type of environment in any decade.

Shop eco-friendly furniture at FCI London

At FCI, we are proud that many of our luxury furniture brands practice eco-consciousness and would love to guide you through these choices to help you do the same. Send us a whatsapp and we'll show you around some of our most sustainable product ranges.