Do you want your home to feel new without buying new? Try thrifting, hitting open-air flea markets, or checking out garage sales to find gently used or vintage pieces that add drama, texture, colour or interest to your place. Giving retro furniture or more contemporary pieces new life is not only budget-friendly but a great opportunity to embrace sustainable décor. Here’s how to start.

What is sustainable décor?

Sustainable design incorporates items and materials that are eco-friendly and long-lasting—décor that benefits rather than harms the environment, explains Laurie Yapp, owner of Laurie Yapp Design and Laurie Yapp Home in Montreal, Quebec. 

“Shopping second-hand, repairing older items rather than throwing them out, and shopping local are all good practices to create a lovely space we can be proud of,” says Yapp. 

This design style involves looking for items crafted with sustainable materials, like reclaimed wood or recycled glass, repurposing products, and choosing energy-efficient lighting and appliances, she adds.

Where to find sustainable décor 

Gone are the days of thrifting being limited to yard sales and antique stores. Today’s modern thrifter has more options at their disposal to find sustainable décor. 

Whether you prefer shopping online or in person, there are plenty of places to source great sustainable décor, including the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which allocates profits to families in need. Alternatively, if you’re looking to get rid of some home items or renovation materials, reach out to Habitat ReStore to donate. They have recycled renovation materials, appliances, and gently used furniture.

Yapp scours flea markets, the Salvation Army, local vintage shops, and garage sales to find sustainable items.

“There are also online groups giving away furniture for free, and online marketplaces selling used items at reasonable prices,” she says. “Someone else’s junk can be turned into a gem with sanding, paint, new handles, reupholstery, or some love.”

When searching online, use terms like “sustainable”, “timeless classic design”, “long lasting”, and “quality”.

Look for products made of wood—especially if it’s reclaimed, as well as: 

• recycled steel;

• plastic or glass; 

• organic linen or cotton;

• wool; 

• cork; 

• bamboo;

• felt; 

• jute; 

• natural stone; 

• vegan leather; 

• ceramic made from clay; 

• seagrass, and; 

• rattan.

These materials are often environmentally friendly and are durable, making them prime candidates for thrifting.

Shop mindfully

Before going shopping, try to source an item locally, and buy used when possible. Buying local can also help save on fuel costs for shipping an item, and also emissions you might create when driving all over to try and find the perfect piece. Plus, thrifting locally may even help build relationships with other thrifters in your community. 

“If you buy new, minimize your environmental waste by staying clear of trends. Instead, focus on classic décor choices that reflect what you love,” says Yapp.

 Check if an item wobbles or shakes to see if it can be repaired or is truly falling apart, advises Yapp. 

“Are the furniture pieces joined with dowels and glue—which indicate they’re well made—or with staples and plywood?” she says. 

These are some other things Yapp suggests to keep in mind: 

• If you cannot see the structure, try to lift it; heavier pieces are usually better.

• Look for coiled springs tied into the furniture rather than S springs or plastic panels.

• For sofas, check if the pillows are still solid and just need fluffing and reshaping.

• Low-quality cushions are soft with foam that moves around easily in your hands.

Think outside the box when revamping your home 

Consider reusing materials that served another purpose, suggests Yapp. Upcycle your favourite pieces: rearrange your furniture, go through your accessories, art, and stored furniture items to come up with a new look, she adds. Have an old cabinet you no longer love? Don’t throw it out just yet.  

“Most components of a kitchen can be reapplied to another space,” Yapp says. “Try selling them to someone else, or using cabinets in a shed, a garage, or a guest house. If you need new pillows, just change the pillow covers using some fabric sitting around or a favourite blanket.” 

Before investing in restoring your furniture, consider its age, craftsmanship, frame sturdiness, and your attachment to the item. Look for a solid wood frame that doesn’t have too many knots within the wood.

Looking for thrifting inspiration? There are plenty of Facebook groups, Instagram pages, TikTok accounts, and online forums for modern thrifters. You can also scour Pinterest to see what other thrifters are doing in their spaces! Our REALTOR.ca Pinterest page will help get your inspiration flowing! 

You can repurpose renovation materials, too. Leftover wood paneling can be used as a feature wall behind a bed or in an office, while extra tiles can be cut and placed on top of an outdoor wicker console, says Yapp. Scrap wood can be used as a headboard, as well. 

“One of the best ways to be sustainable is taking inventory of what we already own and assessing how we can make it shine within our home,” she says.

Looking for some more ways you can incorporate sustainable décor into your home?

Check out these blogs from the REALTOR.ca Living Room blog: 

• 5 Ways to Upcycle Old Doors

• Simple DIY Reupholstering: New Life to Old Furniture

• Designing with (Re)Purpose

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