15 Stylish Alternatives for a Lasting Home
Do you know what’s outdated? Fast furniture. Even though it might feel good to follow trends and have a living space that’s full of Instagram-able furniture pieces, you’ll end up emptying your bank account in the longer run, and let’s not forget the environmental impact.
If you’re ready to change your ways and contribute towards a greener environment, keep reading and find out the elements you need to drop and those that need to be embraced.
Oversized Entertainment Centers
One prominent trend characterized by fast fashion is bulky entertainment centers. It’s time you make way for sleek, wall-mounted TVs that don’t take up floor space and contribute towards achieving an airy and open living area.
Opting for wall-mounting solutions also reflects a more intentional and thoughtful approach to home decor as opposed to the tradition of buying mass-produced TV trolleys that don’t go with your style.
Traditional China Cabinets
It doesn’t make sense to invest in expensive china cabinets when you’ll end up switching them after a few years. Make a smart decision and opt for floating shelves instead.
Open shelving will allow you to display your favorite pieces while maintaining an airy feel. This type of shelving is preferred because it provides flexibility, as you can easily rearrange items and showcase them according to changes in seasons.
Cheap Furniture
One thing you want to avoid is investing in cheap furniture. It might seem like an attractive option given its low price, but you might end up paying a higher cost in the future.
Cheap furniture is lacking in durability which means that after a few years, you’ll be discarding the cheap furniture and buying another low-quality one. It’s a vicious cycle, and to end it you need to make smart purchase decisions and invest in high-quality timeless furniture.
Vintage and Antique Furniture
Instead of fast furniture go with vintage and antique pieces. Every furniture piece in your house needs to tell a story.
Fast furniture doesn’t do that and because of this, it needs to go. Flea markets are full of vintage and antique finds.
Thrift stores and estate sales have the best-hidden gems if you know where to look at a budget-friendly rate.
Upcycled Furniture
We all have a basement or store room full of old and discarded furniture, whether a chair or a moldy sofa. You can turn these forgotten materials into aesthetic, functional pieces for a sustainable choice.
A wooden pallet can be easily turned into a coffee table while an old dresser can be used for storage purposes.
Modular Furniture
Instead of investing in what’s popular and trending, go for modular furniture that can adapt to your changing needs and wants. Such type of furniture will typically come with individual units that can be changed, moved, or expanded to fit different layouts.
Going for modular furniture means you’re making a long-term investment, making it a cost-effective decision.
Rentals for Short-Term Needs
If you’re in a temporary living situation or tend to switch places often, rent out your furniture instead of buying it. This option is perfect for those who don’t want to commit to a single piece or have a limited budget.
Instead of buying a chair and then selling it at the time of moving, you can simply rent it out. This way you’ll be doing your pocket and the environment a favor by not promoting waste.
Restoration Projects
What better way to revamp a furniture piece than with a fresh coat of paint? Take on a restoration project and breathe some life into your old sofa, chair, dining table, etc.
With a little creativity and effort, you can turn an old piece of furniture into an almost brand-new decor element. You can give your drab dresser a makeover by painting or refinishing it in a new paint color.
Swapping Furniture
Have you ever heard about swap events? It’s a community gathering where everyone gets together with furniture pieces that they no longer need and exchange them for other functional items.
This approach is the perfect way to declutter and save money. Besides that, such events foster a sense of community and there’s the added benefit of discovering hidden gems, a unique table, etc.
Scandinavian Furniture
For a minimalistic and clean look, people are now opting for Scandinavian furniture. This furniture is characterized by clean lines, high-quality material input, and practical features.
Scandinavian furniture pieces are usually made from natural materials such as light wood, wool, and linen. When talking about the color palette, you can choose from plenty of neutral tones like whites, grays, and soft pastels.
Biophilic Design Furniture
If you want to incorporate nature and its elements in your living room via furniture, biophilic design furniture is the best option for you. These furniture pieces come in organic shapes, are made from eco-friendly materials, and have soft edges.
Earthy tones, muted greens, and soft blues are some of the many color options you can choose from when buying this type of furniture design.
Flat-Pack Design
If you’re looking for furniture items that balance convenience and sustainability, opt for pieces with a flat-pack design. These designs are compact and lightweight, reducing the materials used for packaging and shipping.
Flat-pack furniture is quite easy to assemble and disassemble, making it the perfect choice for those who get bored with furniture pieces after some time but don’t want to frequent purchases.
Heirloom Quality Pieces
If you’ve got a basement full of passed-on heirloom pieces, it’s time you dig them out and decorate your living room with these timeless designs. Heirloom furniture accents are created with the intent to last for the coming generations, making them a durable option.
Besides these physical attributes, heirloom furniture holds sentimental value, holding cherished memories of the past.
Sustainable Foam Furniture
For a guilt-free good night’s sleep, invest in sustainable foam furniture instead of the Instagram-trendy bed. Sustainable foam furniture is going to be made from plant-based resources or other natural materials.
Such type of furniture also contributes towards better indoor air quality and is great at offering excellent comfort and support. If you’re looking for reputable sustainable brands, check out “Top Sustainable Brands for a Greener Home“.
Custom-Made Pieces
Custom-made furniture is the best option for you if you’re looking for pieces that are tailor-made to specifically match your style and needs.
Your local artisan or craftsman will work with you, and you’ve got the choice to choose everything from the materials and colors to dimensions and design elements. These handcrafted furniture pieces turn out to be durable options.
After setting up the furniture, if you’re interested in decorating your space check out these “15 Ways to Fill Your Space with Artisanal Decor“.
