Easy Ways to Decorate Your Home Green (and Save Money!)
Creating a beautiful home doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment—or your wallet. By embracing eco-friendly decorating, you can design a home that looks stylish, feels cozy, and supports a greener planet. The best part? Many of these ideas actually save you money in the long run.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical, budget-friendly ways to decorate your home sustainably, with tips that focus on reusing, recycling, and making smarter choices.
Why Go Green When Decorating?
- Saves money: Energy-efficient décor, upcycled furniture, and DIY projects are often more affordable.
- Better for health: Natural materials and plants improve air quality.
- Supports sustainability: Reduces waste, saves energy, and conserves resources.
Going green isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, thoughtful changes that add up to a big impact over time.
1. Use Indoor Plants as Natural Décor
Nothing makes a home feel fresher and greener than actual greenery. Plants add beauty, improve indoor air quality, and are much cheaper than buying expensive decorative items.
Ideas:
- Place snake plants or peace lilies in living rooms for air purification.
- Use hanging plants or vertical plant walls for small apartments.
- Try herb gardens in the kitchen—they look lovely and provide fresh ingredients.
💡 Budget Tip: Propagate plants from cuttings instead of buying new ones.
Image Suggestion 1:
2. Embrace Second-Hand and Upcycled Furniture
Why buy brand-new furniture when you can give old pieces a fresh life? Thrift stores, flea markets, or even your own attic may hide treasures waiting to be reimagined.
Ideas:
- Sand and repaint an old wooden chair for a rustic vibe.
- Turn old ladders into bookshelves or plant stands.
- Use crates and pallets for coffee tables or storage.
💡 Budget Tip: Upcycling not only reduces waste but often costs far less than buying new.
3. Choose Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Textiles like curtains, rugs, and upholstery can make a big difference in your home’s look and feel. By choosing sustainable fabrics, you add warmth to your décor while reducing your environmental footprint.
Options:
- Organic cotton and linen: Breathable and durable.
- Hemp fabric: Naturally resistant to mold and very strong.
- Jute rugs: Affordable, natural, and stylish.
💡 Budget Tip: Shop during clearance sales or check online second-hand marketplaces for deals on eco-friendly décor.
4. Go Minimal with Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is key to home décor—and it’s one of the easiest ways to save money and energy.
Ideas:
- Replace old bulbs with LED lights (they use up to 80% less energy).
- Add fairy lights or solar-powered lamps for cozy vibes.
- Use light-colored curtains to maximize natural daylight.
💡 Budget Tip: Install dimmers to control brightness and extend bulb life.
5. Decorate with Nature-Inspired Elements
Bringing nature indoors adds calmness and warmth to your home. The best part? Many of these items are free or low-cost.
Ideas:
- Collect stones, shells, or driftwood for natural décor pieces.
- Use pressed flowers in frames instead of buying wall art.
- Display woven baskets made from bamboo or rattan.
💡 Budget Tip: Nature walks can double as both exercise and a chance to collect décor items.
5 Tips to Make an Earth-Friendly Shelter: Easy & Sustainable Ideas
How To Design a Greener Better Home in 2025
6. DIY Wall Art and Crafts
Eco-friendly decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. Making your own wall art or repurposing old items is both sustainable and personal.
Ideas:
- Use old magazines to create collage art.
- Paint on reclaimed wood instead of buying canvas.
- Make macramé wall hangings with organic cotton rope.
💡 Budget Tip: Involve your family in DIY projects—it’s fun, creative, and free entertainment.
7. Repurpose Glass Jars and Bottles
Glass jars and bottles can be turned into beautiful, functional pieces with a little creativity.
Ideas:
- Use jars as planters or candle holders.
- Paint bottles and use them as flower vases.
- Store grains, pasta, or spices in glass jars for a rustic kitchen look.
💡 Budget Tip: Instead of throwing away jars from sauces or pickles, clean and reuse them.
8. Opt for Sustainable Flooring and Furniture
If you’re doing bigger upgrades, flooring and furniture choices matter.
- Bamboo flooring: Durable and renewable.
- Reclaimed wood tables: Adds character without harming forests.
- Cork flooring: Comfortable, natural, and eco-friendly.
💡 Budget Tip: If new flooring is too costly, try eco-friendly area rugs to cover existing floors.
9. Reduce Clutter with Smart Storage
A green home is also a clutter-free home. Too much clutter not only feels overwhelming but also leads to overconsumption.
- Use multi-functional furniture (e.g., ottomans with storage).
- Repurpose old baskets for organizing.
- Donate unused items instead of letting them collect dust.
💡 Budget Tip: Decluttering often means you realize you don’t need to buy more.
10. Support Local and Handmade Décor
Buying local not only supports small businesses but also reduces the carbon footprint of shipping. Handmade décor items are usually more sustainable and unique.
Examples:
- Locally made pottery, woven baskets, or clay lamps.
- Artisan-crafted wooden furniture.
- Handmade textile items.
💡 Budget Tip: Farmers’ markets and local fairs often have affordable eco-friendly décor.
FAQs on Green Home Decorating
Q1. Is eco-friendly decorating expensive?
Not necessarily. Many green decorating ideas, like upcycling furniture or reusing jars, actually save money. Even bigger investments like LED bulbs pay off in long-term savings.
Q2. What are the easiest eco-friendly home décor changes I can make?
Start with indoor plants, energy-efficient lighting, and repurposing items you already own.
Q3. Can I make my rented home eco-friendly?
Yes! Most ideas—like adding plants, using eco-friendly fabrics, or choosing thrifted décor—are renter-friendly and don’t require renovations.
Q4. Which indoor plants are best for green decorating?
Some of the best options include snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, and pothos. They’re affordable, low-maintenance, and purify the air.