As consumers become more aware of the negative impacts that factories and the transportation of goods have on the environment, it is becoming harder to find sustainable, eco-friendly products with which to decorate your home.
In this post, we take you through our list of the best sustainable, fair trade certified home decor brands in the U.K and U.S.
Towards the end of the article, we also answer questions that many potential customers might have about sustainable home decor items.
Research shows us that these companies produce items that are not only eco-friendly but also fair for all involved, from those crafting the items in factories to the individuals overseeing their transportation.
So, let’s take a look at these home decor brands in greater detail.
What is sustainable decor?
Before we take you through a list of brands producing sustainable items for your home, let’s clarify what sustainable decor actually is.
The definition of sustainable decor is furniture and other home decor items that are made from materials that can be replenished or recycled, such as bamboo, cork, and wool.
In addition, the manufacturing of these items must not have a negative impact on the environment.
Many of the brands mentioned below possess a Fairtrade certification.
This is essential for artisans who produce unique items because it ensures that they are paid a fair price for their products.
This price must be enough to cover costs of food, water, housing, healthcare, and education.
So, let’s go through some well-known, and lesser-known home decor brands producing sustainable, eco-friendly items.
Our list of the Best Sustainable & Fair Trade Home Decor Brands
GOODEE
GOODEE is a fair-trade and sustainable homeware brand that was founded in the U.K in 2014.
The company’s ethos is based around creating beautiful, sustainable products while ensuring that everyone involved in the process, from the designers to the weavers, is treated fairly and compensated accordingly.
All of GOODEE’s products are made from natural materials such as bamboo, jute and cotton, and all of the dyes used are non-toxic.
The company also plants a tree for every product sold, in an effort to offset their environmental impact.
GOODEE’s products can be found in a number of high street stores across the U.K, as well as online.
Goodee offers shoppers more than 65 different types of furniture, including lamps, bedside tables, and console tables.
The fair trade home decor brand can also outfit your bedroom with beautiful quilts made from organic cotton and bamboo, as well as duvets and pillows for a complete look.
Who does GOODEE work with?
GOODEE works with craft artists in India and Nepal, who have been disadvantaged or affected by natural disasters or conflict, to produce fair trade home decor items that are contemporary yet traditional.
The company also works with local artisans in the U.K to create sustainable furniture using reclaimed materials such as jute rope and recycled wood.
PARACHUTE
PARACHUTE is a fair-trade and sustainable bed company that offers shoppers a chance to buy beds at fair prices while supporting fair trade and sustainable practices. PARACHUTE also sells sheets, linens, and pillows.
The company has been around since 1976 and is based in Northern California.
Parachute beds are handcrafted by craftsmen who are paid a fair wage. The company uses natural, sustainable materials in all of its products.
PARACHUTE is also a member of the Global Fair Trade Association, which ensures that fair trade standards are upheld.
The fair trade home decor brand has a range of contemporary and traditional beds, as well as storage solutions like chests and nightstands.
Who does PARACHUTE work with?
Parachute works with fair-trade companies in India, Morocco, Kazakhstan, and Uruguay who employ locals to make sustainable products under fair working conditions.
The company also works with local artisans in the U.S using recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, metal, and glass (for lighting and light fixtures).
COYUCHI
Coyuchi produces sustainable bedding and home decor pieces.
Its products are made from organic cotton and other fair trade items.
The company was started by two mothers who wanted to make fair trade and sustainable products for people like them and their families.
To create the fabric for its products, Coyuchi starts with fair trade and sustainable materials such as organic cotton and fair trade wool.
It also purchases scraps from clothing factories and fabrics manufacturers. The scraps are used to produce a new fabric that is soft, warm, and perfect for bedding.
Products made by Coyuchi not only look good but they feel good too!
Who does COYUCHI work with?
Coyuchi works with a number of fair trade organizations in order to bring the best sustainable products to its consumers.
Some of these organizations include the Fair Trade USA, the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
BOLÉ ROAD TEXTILES – Pillows, Throws & Rugs
Bolé Road Textiles is a fair trade home decor company that uses organic materials to create beautiful and sustainable pieces for your home.
Their goal is to provide a fair wage for the artisans they work with, while also ensuring that their products are made through sustainable practices.
Bolé Road Textiles offers a wide variety of products, including pillows, throws, rugs, and more. Reviewers of its online shop claimed that the stunning collection is of exceptional quality.
All of their products are made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or sustainable wood.
They also use low-impact dyes, which means that the dyeing process has a minimal environmental impact.
Designer Hana Getachea founded Bolé Road Textiles after combining her love and passion with Ethiopia-based textile designs and fabrics.
Handmade in Ethiopian studios and run by seasoned female entrepreneurs, the yarn is produced from Ethiopian cotton handwoven by a harvester through spinning.
If you’re looking for beautiful, sustainable home decor, Bolé Road Textiles is definitely worth checking out!
BOLL & BRANCH
Boll & Branch is a fair-trade company that offers organic cotton bedding and other organic products from fair trade professionals from all over the world.
Like all other brands listed so far, they are known for paying artisans fair wages.
Furthermore, they provide fair trade certification to ensure that what they do is sustainable.
Boll & Branch provides high-end bedding and toiletry goods.
Furthermore, the cotton they use is fair trade, organic, and GOTS certified.
They also work with a number of fair trade organizations to get the best products for their customers.
What’s unique about Boll & Branch is that they offer a 30-day trial period for all of their products. This means you can try out the product before buying it to see if it’s right for you!
Who does Boll & Branch work with?
Boll & Branch works with fair trade professionals in India, Peru, Turkey, and Uganda.
They also have a partnership with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure that all of their materials are organic and sustainable.
UNCOMMON GOODS
Uncommon Goods works with leading manufacturers from around the globe to design unique sustainable home decor items.
A list of the suppliers of the product, as well as all materials used, is provided for each item.
Uncommon Goods has a strong stance against animal cruelty and guarantees that no animals will ever be used in their products.
A list of the ethical and fair trade manufacturers is provided for each product, along with links to existing fair trade certifications.
The company also works with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, natural fibers, recycled metals, reclaimed wood, and low-emission adhesives.
Uncommon Goods commits to sustainable practices by using FSC certified paper stock, soy-based inks, and recycled packaging materials whenever possible.
They also work with local suppliers who employ fair trade practices throughout the supply chain.
Rarely does Uncommon Good sell handmade items because they believe it often results in child labor or forced labor conditions.
54KIBO
54kibo promotes contemporary African design.
The company founder, Tshepo Kgadima, who is also an architect and designer, has made it her mission to promote fair labor practices in the African design industry.
All 54kibo products are produced by artisan partners working together as a community.
54kibo takes great care to understand the sourcing of materials used in their fair trade home decor line.
They work closely with local craftsmen and women who can best demonstrate fair trade practices that do not exploit or abuse people or animals.
With only 10% of Africa’s population currently employed in the cultural good industry (which includes textiles, arts & crafts), this allows 54kibo to take advantage of everyday local talent while avoiding mass production methods which often lead to exploitation of local people.
The most popular product categories at 54kibo include items such as furniture, textiles, and wall art.
The products are made by artisans from all 54 countries in Africa, and each piece is unique.
ACCOMPANY
Accompany was founded with the mission to “create sustainable jobs around the world, to help people pursue happiness.”
They are a fair trade home decor brand that specializes in sustainable, organic materials.
Popular products include sustainable beach towels, lounge rugs, throw pillows, wall tapestries, and bath mats.
Accompany donates 1% of its annual net revenue to support entrepreneurs in their quest for a better life.
Furthermore, since 1994, Accompany has created sustainable jobs in 70 countries around the world that have helped over 20 million people.
They believe that everyone has the right to fair wages and safe working conditions, and they work with artisans all over the world to ensure that our products are made ethically and sustainably.
ETSY
Etsy is a global online marketplace, where people buy and sell handmade and vintage goods.
It is a great resource for finding unique and sustainable home decor that is crafted by individuals and small businesses.
Since Etsy sellers are independent, you can be sure that the products you find will be one-of-a-kind and ethically made.
Sustainability is a big focus for many Etsy sellers, so you can be sure to find a wide range of eco-friendly items.
MINNA
Minna is a modern, sustainable, and fair trade home decor brand that offers unique and stylish products for your home.
Sustainability is a big focus for the company, which ensures that all materials are environmentally friendly and sourced ethically.
Products are made by artisans from all over the world who are working in safe and fair conditions.
Popular Minna Items
Popular items include modern furniture, decorative accessories, and more.
You can find Minna products on their website, or on popular online marketplaces such as Etsy and The Good Trade.
We like the brand because it is in partnership with sustainability-friendly manufacturing companies and uses natural dyes.
It provides several fascinating styles and textures, so you can always find a specific product that will suit your home.
How can I decorate my home sustainably?
As you’ll see from the brands above, there are a few ways that you can decorate your home sustainably.
Purchase items using local materials
One way is to buy furniture and decor that is made from local, sustainable materials, such as bamboo, rattan, or reclaimed wood.
Another way is to buy furniture and decor that is made by independent designers and small businesses.
Sustainability is a big focus for many independent designers, so you can be sure that their products are ethically made.
You can also buy fair trade home decor, which is made by artisans who are working in safe and fair conditions.
Fairtrade home decor is often crafted with unique and timeless designs, so you can be sure that your purchase will last for years.
Is Ikea furniture sustainable?
Hmm, this is not a straightforward answer. Ikea is a furniture retailer that is known for its affordable, stylish, and modern furniture at mixed price points.
The company has come under fire in the past for not being sustainable, but Ikea has been working to change this.
Ikea now offers a range of sustainable furniture, including products that are made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo and rattan.
The company also offers furniture made by independent designers, many of which focus on sustainability.
Summing Up What We’ve Covered
So, there we have it. In this post, we have been through the best sustainable home decor brands that are eco-friendly and use recycled materials in production.
We have also answered common questions relating to home décor brands to help you create a more environmentally conscious space for your family.
If none of these eco-conscious companies appeal, make sure to take time researching what other options exist online or at brick and mortar stores near you.
By making smart choices when it comes to purchasing products for your own home, we can all work towards a future where our planet is thriving with healthy flora and fauna!
