When it comes to furnishing my home, I’m a little bit picky. I like ethical homeware: items that are made fairly, will last a long time, and also fit with my minimal aesthetic.
Just like my wardrobe, I like to know my furniture and home decor is ethical and sustainable. That means lots of natural materials, second-hand pieces, and of course, plants!
Because of all this, it’s taken me a while to curate what is my home; and although I’m still not “done”, I’m very happy with its look, and the stories each item tells. It’s why I’m finally putting this guide together, to also help you to source the best in ethical homewares and furnishings!
My Favourite Ethical Homewares & Furnishings
When it comes to covering my ethical homeware on the blog, I’ve had the pleasure of working with stores like BuyMeOnce, who only sell products that are built to last, and IKEA’s Live Lagom Project, where I completed a series of challenges to make my home more efficient and sustainable.
Alongside the larger stores, I’ve also enjoyed sourcing little pieces from lots of independent UK brands too. There’s nothing better than adding small decorations that really mean something to you, and will be a happy little reminder each time you glance at them around your space.
Of course, when it comes to making sustainable shopping choices, only buying what you need is best. I like to use Pinterest to build up inspiration for my home first, and then shop the items I truly want (often second-hand too). A few favourites around my house are:
Second-hand desk. My little white desk has featured in so many of my photos, and for good reason: it’s where I tend to work most of the time! It also marks my first step into becoming a business owner, and I’m reminded of this each time I sit at it. I purchased the desk for almost half-price due to a scuff on one corner, and seeing as it’s pushed up against the wall, I never see the scuff!
Organic and fair trade bed linen from White & Green. One of my latest additions to my home is a beautifully soft organic cotton bedding set gifted by White & Green. Specialists in luxury bed linen, the family-run business strives to work fairly with their cotton farmers, and creates truly luxurious feeling bedding.
All my plants. There’s nothing better than a bit of greenery brought inside, and my plants make for a welcome distraction when I’ve got a little creative block. Just this weekend, I repotted a few (hence the tiny jade plant in the grey pot on my desk!) If you’re looking to brighten up your home, plants are my top recommendation – try an air plant or Chinese money plant to get started. Both are so easy to look after!
14 Of The Best Sustainable Homeware Brands In The UK
So, onto my favourite places to source homeware! Here’s where I look for sustainable homeware and furnishings for my home. I’ve included quite a mix here, but all with a similar ethos and style. I’ve also freshly updated this list for 2024:
Boho Homes: Social enterprise creating colourful, fair trade homewares.
BuyMeOnce: Online department store curating items with longevity and great design.
Denby Pottery*: Handmade ceramics with a strong British heritage, now with a conscious range curated by Tara Button.
Etsy UK*: I love finding small makers on Etsy. Just make sure to set your location as United Kingdom!
John Lewis*: John Lewis is actively working to be more sustainable – it’s my favourite high-street store.
Le Creuset*: Long-lasting kitchenware, designed in classic styles as well as modern design takeovers.
Linen Bee*: Linen tablecloths, cushions, and other soft furnishings made from natural and sustainable materials.
Muna Home: Woollen rugs, wall hangings, and more, made beautifully in Spain. My striped rug is from here!
Natural Isle: Beautiful British made homewares and accessories. Get 15% off with code BESMA15
Portuguese Treasures: Sustainable homewares and kitchenware made in Portugal. My full review →
Qäsa-Qäsa: Ethical homewares and gifts hand-crafted in East Africa, with each item sold empowering artisans.
ReFab Studio: Charity making upcycled curtain covers, table runners, and other soft furnishings.
Riz & Mica*: Handmade reclaimed furniture made in London. Think wooden tables, stools, and other hardy, swoon-worthy pieces.
Veo*: Online site with a huge array of vetted sustainable brands, all in one place.
West Elm: Furniture retailer working on social and sustainable processes to create beautiful furniture and furnishings.
Looking For Something More Specific?
Check out my sustainable shopping guides on homewares and more for more specific inspiration:
- 40 Plastic-Free Swaps
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Eco-Friendly Tech Guide
- Ethical Flowers Guide
- Sustainable Bedding Guide
- Sustainable Stationery Guide
- Zero Waste Bathroom Swaps
Let me know if you have any questions or homeware recommendations! I’d love to add more to this guide.
Disclaimer: This post features gifted products (denoted with 'gifted') and affiliate links (denoted with '*')
