9 of Our Favorite Sustainable Brands That Challenge the Trend of Buying Fast, Cheap Home Decor
It seems like when it comes to home goods they just don’t make things like they used to. Or, at the very least, most consumers aren’t buying things that are meant to last. Back in the day, families would buy a dining set knowing it would probably get passed down to their oldest child once they branched out on their own. Grandma’s Pyrex dish was likely with her for innumerable years and still works like it should. But now, we’re buying furnishings on the cheap and replacing them every time we move, or once they start to show wear and tear (a.k.a. every couple of years).
There has been an emergence of brands looking to challenge that norm though. Brands who take time to create or source sustainable, well-made products meant to last, and maybe even become family heirlooms. Read on to get acquainted with a handful of these slow design-friendly companies.
Coyuchi
Coyuchi is one of our favorite sources for quality home textiles, especially because all their products are certified organic. Every stage of their manufacturing process is thoughtfully considered, from their partnerships with environmentally-conscious farms and factories to their eco-friendly packaging, and they’re certified GOTS, Fair Trade, GOLS, and MADE SAFE. Even better? Coyuchi just announced that they are the first home brand to reach full circularity, thanks to their Coyuchi for Life program that allows subscribers to renew their linens on a regular cycle.
Buy: Double-Stitched Quilted Organic Cotton Comforter, $298 for Full Queen
The Citizenry
The Citizenry partners with skilled artisans around the world to bring sustainably-made, local goods to your home. The company works directly with the artisans, so there’s no middle man, and they travel to each country directly to form relationships with the makers. They specialize in gorgeous woven baskets, well-made pillows, and super soft linen sheets, plus handmade rugs, throw blankets, and more. The newly launched Desert Calm collection features light, airy materials and plenty of orange and pink hues, as seen in the lumbar pillow above.
Buy: Villa Lumbar Pillow, $195
Far & Away
Searching for sustainably-made dinnerware? Check out Far & Away. The newer DTC brand was built as a response to mass production, and sells just five products, all of which are sold in sets of 4 and come in four stylish, muted shades. Production and manufacturing is all done sustainably, and the brand has committed to donate a portion of their profits to fund reforestation projects. Plus, all of their packaging is 100 percent sustainable.
Buy: Big Plates (4-Piece Set), $88 $77
Boll & Branch
Another bedding and bath brand that specializes in organic products, Boll & Branch sells one of our favorite bath towels—and they recently expanded their collection to include these textured spa towels. Aside from bath, they also sell sheets, apparel, and even a mattress. They’re committed to providing fair working conditions for their employees, and work closely with their overseas factories to ensure that every part of their supply chain follows Fair Trade standards.
Buy: Spa Bath Towel, $35
Simbly
Simbly’s mission is to become the world’s first “climate positive” furniture brand. They plan to do this by using eco-friendly materials, keeping their products toxin-free, planting a tree for every product sold, using space-efficient packaging, and crafting their products in the United States. Their current array of products includes a dining table, coffee table, bench, and desk/kitchen table.
Buy: Simbly Coffee Table, $449
Avocado
If you’re looking for organic bedding essentials, your first stop should be Avocado. Not only does the brand use non-toxic, certified organic materials, but their products are also GOLS, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, MADE SAFE, and GREENGUARD Gold certified. They make one of our favorite mattresses (it has a 25-year warranty!) and one of our favorite pillows, but they also sell mattress pads, pillow protectors, and even furniture.
Buy: Avocado Green Pillow, $79
Dims.
Calling their style “new-century modern,” Dims. is committed to manufacturing thoughtfully designed furniture pieces that are made with sustainability in mind. All of their wood is sourced from sustainably managed forests, and all the finishes used are GREENGUARD certified and free from harmful VOCs. They currently sell just 7 products, all of which are well-made to built to last for years.
Buy: Barbican Trolley, $350
Ettitude
If you’d like to stay away from cotton altogether, invest in bedding that’s sustainably made with a more eco-friendly material. Ettitude uses bamboo lyocell fabric, a silky soft, lightweight material that’s sustainably manufactured and feels oh so good. Aside from their cult favorite bedding, Ettitude also makes bath products, clothing, and accessories, as well as baby bedding.
Buy: Bamboo Lyocell Sheet Set, $178 for Queen
Blacksaw
Blacksaw is a textile company focused on creating what they refer to as “meaningful possessions” that will become an important part of your life. Most of their blankets and throws are crafted from eco-friendly 100 percent alpaca, a luxury material that’s as soft as cashmere and super long-lasting. But they also sell a recycled Siempre blanket (above) crafted from factory off-cuts, including alpaca, cotton, wool, and reclaimed fibers.
Buy: Siempre Recycled Blanket, $298
Bridget Mallon also contributed to reporting.