Revamp and reuse old furniture
Simple ways to donate, upcycle and sustainably refresh unwanted household furniture
Shauna Coates
August 03, 2022
Research by Hammonds found that Brits throw away £2.2 billion worth of homeware items every year.
Much like fast fashion, “fast furniture” is becoming increasingly popular due to changing trends and consumer habits. Fast furniture refers to cheaply made items with short lifespans that are quickly replaced and discarded.
Unfortunately, much of this furniture ends up in landfill, where it can be difficult to recycle due to the variety of materials used in its construction.
Here are five ways to make your furniture habits more sustainable.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure
Before throwing away unwanted furniture, consider whether someone else could still make use of it.
Charity shops, schools and community groups often welcome donations of furniture that remains in good condition. That old armchair or coffee table you no longer want could still be valuable to another household.
Donating furniture not only reduces waste but also helps support local communities and charities.
Shop second-hand
Buying second-hand furniture is a great way to reduce waste while saving money.
Charity shops, vintage stores and online marketplaces often have high-quality furniture available at affordable prices. Second-hand shopping can also help reduce demand for newly manufactured furniture and the resources required to produce it.
You may even find unique pieces that can be restored or customised to suit your style.
Upgrade your furniture through upcycling
Upcycling allows you to refresh furniture you already own instead of replacing it.
Simple changes such as repainting a coffee table, replacing handles or reupholstering dining chairs can completely transform old items. Upcycling is not only creative but also helps extend the lifespan of furniture and reduce unnecessary waste.
There are countless tutorials and ideas available online, including inspiration boards on Pinterest and DIY guides for beginners.
Generation rent: furniture rental services
Furniture trends change quickly, but constantly buying new items can be expensive and wasteful.
Furniture rental services offer an alternative by allowing customers to rent items on a monthly basis and swap them when styles or needs change. This reduces waste while providing flexibility for renters and those who move frequently.
Support reuse charities and networks
Reuse Network works with charities and organisations to redistribute furniture and household items to people in need.
Donating furniture through reuse schemes helps divert bulky items from landfill while supporting vulnerable households with affordable essentials.
Their message is simple: reuse matters.
Small changes can reduce furniture waste
Whether you donate, restore, rent or buy second-hand, making more thoughtful furniture choices can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact.
By moving away from throwaway culture and embracing reuse, we can help create more sustainable homes and communities.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Shauna Coates, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.