October 17th, 2007

Low-Impact Lounging: Green Furniture is So Groovy

Posted by Jessica Jensen

What is the most popular product category here at Low Impact Living? Okay, no fair, you got a hint from the title of this article. Yes, it’s eco-friendly furniture! We all to look at furniture, don’t we? In this newsletter we want to show you some of the amazing green furniture designs and craftspeople we have come across in the last few months. Take a seat and feast your eyes!

We did a newsletter last year on the environmental impacts of furniture (shocking, really) and on how you should really seek to refurbish and reuse your existing furniture, or buy used furniture whenever possible. So please if you did not see that article, go back and give it a read. But in this article we will be highlighting new, sustainable furniture.

And what exactly do we mean by “sustainable furniture,” pray tell?

Basically we’re looking for furniture made from recycled, reclaimed and/or renewable materials. We also want furniture that does not contain harmful chemicals which off-gas and lower our indoor air quality. So here are the types of factors we look for:

• - Woods that are certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or are reclaimed or come from a rapidly-renewable source such as bamboo;
• - Metals that are recycled or reclaimed (like recycled steel or copper, or metal fittings that have been reused from other pieces);
• - Paints, stains and finishes that contain low or no volatile organic compounds (aka VOCs). Good, VOC-free options include such items as natural shellac, beeswax, and milk paint;
• - Reduced use of glues, sealants and no formaldehyde;
• - Natural fabrics such as organic cotton and wool, and recycled fabric content and toxin-free upholstery;
• - Natural latex foam;
• - Use of materials that can be recycled in the future;
• - Minimal packaging;
• - Local manufacturing, which saves fuel and the associated emissions.

So keeping those factors in mind, we have selected a range of companies that are making some glorious sustainable furniture– from the very modern to the more traditional. They are all eco-friendly, healthy for your home and family, and will bring you years of green enjoyment.

Whyr’hymer Furniture

Brandon Morrison designs and builds beautiful Whyr’hymer Furniture with absolute comfort in mind. He believes that what is inviting to touch and feel should be inviting to use. And the furniture is absolutely gorgeous– rich, sturdy beds, tables and amazingly creative light fixtures. Morrison uses only certified, reclaimed or plantation-grown hardwoods in all of his work, as well as natural oil and wax finishes.

And if you mention Low Impact Living, Brandon will give you a 15% discount. Quite nice of him, no? 

Urban Woods

Another furniture line we adore is by Urban Woods.They strive to improve the environment not only by creating beautiful, beneficial furniture but by doing so in a manner which actually improves the environment. Their new collection is eco-contemporary and includes timeless designs. The furniture has sleek lines and rich finishes that fit seamlessly into today’s home environment. This collection is made exclusively of reclaimed woods, organic cottons, and water-based finishes.

If you saw the recent episode of Living With Ed titled “Helen Hunt Gets a Green Audit” (aired on October 15), then you couldn’t help but notice the beautiful furniture that Shayna Prunier of Low Impact Living helped the Sharp family pick out for their green bedroom makeover. Well, that furniture came from the workshop of Urban Woods, and there’s plenty more where that came from!

Put Some Cisco Home in Your Home

We also love the work of Cisco Home.(Also see the photo at the top of this piece.) Cisco Home founder Cisco Pinedo is proud to be a part of a cultural evolution toward a sustainable future by producing custom, fully upholstered, hand-made furniture.  Cisco Home has been making furniture in Los Angles since 1990. The company embraces the use of natural, pure materials, such as wool batting, hemp, jute, cotton, and FSC Certified and reclaimed hardwoods. Take a look and we’ll sure you’ll agreen that their furniture is elegant and highly eco-friendly. You can find Cisco Home products in New York at ABC Home and in California at their own line of stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Laguna Niguel.

Looking for sustainable home office furniture? Let us tell you what’s Knú

We recently found Knú at the West Coast Green show, and we Knú we loved them immediately. The fine Midwesterners at Knú Furniture make wonderfully modern, useful desks, bookcases, cabinets and more. Knú is a member of the Sustainable Furniture Council and they use FSC wood.

Organo

You may have heard of Kirei board, but you may not have heard of Organo. Organo is a line of sustainable home furnishings that relies on heavy incorporation of Kirei board– an amazing material made of reclaimed agricultural fibers and compressed into a gorgeous alternative to wood. Organo also uses sustainably harvested woods, recycled steel and non-VOC finishes to create their functional, unique and inviting tables, mirrors, frames and other eco-home accessories.

Kiddies need groovy green furniture, too

Have you seen the adorable furniture from Lilipad Studio? Well if you haven’t it will brighten your day and put a silly smile on your face.  This is a line of eco-friendly, hand-crafted, hand-painted furniture for kids.  They do little chairs, tables, foot stools and beds. The designs are bright and cheerful and you and your kids will love their designs!

And remember that ,we have many more sustainable furniture selections in the furniture section of our site, so please be sure to take a look!