More than just a trend, sustainable living is becoming part of many people’s lifestyle. Issues such as the environmental impact of carbon emissions, illegal logging, manufacturing processes and human rights have come to the forefront in recent years and people are making more conscious choices when buying key pieces of furniture and long-term investment pieces for their home.
If you’re making a big furniture purchase such as a sofa, dining table, bedroom furniture or wardrobe, then the brand’s sustainable credentials are likely to be an important factor in the decision. The use of FSC-certified wood, sustainable sources, recyclable materials and fewer chemicals are all key concerns and there are some furniture brands that are going the extra mile with making a positive impact where eco issues are concerned.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best British sustainable furniture brands who are making a difference with their choice of materials and manufacturing process in the furniture industry. Buying high quality furniture is an investment for the future and helps reduce the amount of fast furniture and throwaway items going to landfill. Many of our picks are small, independent brands who have close ownership over their processes and value the chance to use sustainable materials for quality pieces that will last.
1. Tomas and Jani
This small, independent brand based in East Sussex say that they’ve ‘been eco-friendly since before it was cool!’ They use reclaimed wood wherever possible, and where it’s necessary to use new materials they make sure their wood is FSC certified or from fast growing trees. The result is a range of bedroom and living furniture that’s environmentally friendly. Find out more at www.tomasandjani.co.uk.
2. Jott Studio
This small designer and manufacturer is based in Gloucester, and makes ‘honest, well-crafted furniture for your home or workspace’. They engage with the whole product cycle, from sourcing, making and using right through to final recycling. They produce a small range of pieces that are designed not to weigh on the planet’s resources, including chairs, tables and home accessories. Find out more about these furniture makers at www.jottstudio.com.
3. Jan Hendzel Studio
Founded by cabinet maker and product designer Jan Hendzel, this small London-based studio produces a range of handmade wooden furniture and accessories. Sustainability is at the heart of the business. They use reclaimed London timbers as well as an incredible array of UK grown materials, and advocate products that promote environmental health and personal wellbeing. Check out their beautiful pieces of furniture at www.janhendzel.com.
4. Myakka
Unlike some of our other featured companies, Somerset-based Myakka don’t manufacture their own products. Instead, they source handcrafted furniture and home decor from ethical suppliers and communities across the world. The sustainably sourced wood furniture is built to last, crafted by individual artisans, and is ideal for using in sustainable spaces. Discover more about their solid wood fair trade furniture at www.myakka.co.uk.
5. Modus
Based in South Somerset, Modus have a passion for design and a deep appreciation of the natural world. Surrounded by green space, their offices and production facilities overlook rolling hills and woodland. Their factory is powered by 100% renewable electricity and they create their products using a combination of digital technology and age-old hand finishing techniques for an end result that’s at the highest level of craft and quality. Find out more at www.modus.co.uk.
5. Woodmancote Retro
Based in Gloucestershire, furniture design company Woodmancote Retro designs and makes beautiful, functional, simple and timeless furniture. They produce tubular steel furniture that is unique and rooted in mid-century design and source and salvage local and high-quality sustainable hardwoods and recycled plastics. They incorporate these into their furniture design and so reduce landfill and waste. Find out more at www.woodmancoteretro.com.
6. Puji
One of the larger companies on our list, Puji have bases in Manchester and Northern Ireland. Their products are inspired by the beauty of the Far East and Orient (‘Puji’ is Indonesian and simply means to bless or admire). They specialise in reclaimed timbers, including mango, pine, oak and teak wood, for more sustainable furniture. Find out more at www.puji.com.
7. Wearth London
Rather than a manufacturer in its own right, Wearth London is a market place for over 250 independent UK brands who create everything from jewellery to homewares. This online marketplace enables you to discover a huge range of sustainable products from hundreds of small businesses, all in one place. Discover ethical furniture such as side tables, living room accessories and other pieces to complement your home interior design at www.wearthlondon.com.
8. sofasofa
Sofasofa has been a family-run business for three generations and they remain an independent upholstery business to this day. All their sofas and chairs are made in one of their three workshops located in the beautiful South Wales Valleys from non-tropical hardwoods, sourced from sustainable European forests. Discover more about their wide range of new furniture at www.sofasofa.co.uk.
9. Adventures in Furniture
For more than 30 years, London-based British designer, Adventures in Furniture, have been creating the UK’s finest quality furniture using solid materials, traditional techniques and contemporary designs. Making furniture from natural materials with integrity is a vital component, and they make most of their furniture in Europe so they can influence production methods and raw materials. Find out more at www.aif.london.
10. Solidwool
Solidwool use wool from Herkwick sheep in the Lake District. Demand for this wool has declined and is considered almost worthless, a by-product of sheep farming. The wool,a sustainable resource, is mixed with natural bio-resins to create a composite material suitable for furniture manufacture. These bio-resins result in a reduction of at least 50% in carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions over traditional resins. Browse their full range of durable furniture at www.solidwool.com.
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