Making conscious choices about the products we buy has become a part of daily life, and home decor is no exception. When it comes to decorating our walls, selecting sustainable wallpaper is a way to get a beautiful home while being mindful of the environment. A sustainable choice doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. It means looking at the full lifecycle of a product, from the materials used to the way it’s made. This guide will walk you through what to look for in eco-friendly wallpaper and how these principles apply to popular designs and rooms.
What Makes Wallpaper a Sustainable Choice?
The term “sustainable” can mean a few different things in the world of wallpaper. It generally points to responsible sourcing of materials, the use of non-toxic components, and manufacturing processes that aim to reduce waste.
Materials That Matter
The foundation of any wallpaper is the paper itself. Look for options made from paper that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which ensures it comes from responsibly managed forests. Other eco-friendly materials include those made from recycled paper or natural, renewable fibers like grasscloth, cork, or bamboo. These choices help to minimize the environmental footprint of the product.
Inks and Adhesives
The components used to print and hang the wallpaper are just as important. Many sustainable options use water-based inks instead of solvent-based inks. Water-based inks have lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can be released into the air in your home. Similarly, choosing a non-toxic, water-based adhesive for installation contributes to better indoor air quality.
Popular Styles with an Eco-Conscious Approach
You can find sustainable options across a wide variety of popular design styles. Being mindful about your choice is possible whether your taste is modern, rustic, or nature-inspired.
Nature-Inspired Botanical Prints
It feels natural that a wallpaper botanical print should come from a sustainable source. These designs, which feature leaves, flowers, and vines, celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Many companies that specialize in these prints are also committed to environmentally friendly practices. These patterns can give any room a fresh, airy feeling, connecting your indoor space with the outdoors.
The Look of Faux Brick
The industrial, rustic look of exposed brick is very popular. Choosing a faux brick wallpaper is a way to get this aesthetic without the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and transporting actual bricks. You can find many realistic brick patterns printed on recycled paper with non-toxic inks, giving you a resource-conscious way to achieve this classic style.
The Impact of Large Murals
Large mural wallpapers are often a surprisingly sustainable option. Unlike traditional wallpaper that is mass-produced in large batches, many murals are printed on demand. This process means the company only produces what is needed for a specific order, which significantly reduces waste from unsold inventory.
Applying Sustainable Principles Room by Room
Thinking about sustainability also means choosing the right product for the right room to ensure it lasts a long time, reducing the need for replacements.
A Serene Space with Bedroom Murals
The bedroom is a space for rest and wellness, making it an important place to use healthy materials. When selecting from different bedroom murals, look for non-toxic, low-VOC options to maintain good air quality where you sleep. A calming landscape or a soft, abstract design can help make the room a more restful environment.
Durability in the Shower
It might seem unusual, but you can find waterproof wallpaper for shower areas. The key is choosing the right material, usually a high-quality, durable vinyl. While vinyl is not a natural material, its longevity is a key part of the sustainability equation in a high-moisture space. A durable, waterproof wallpaper that is properly installed will last for many years, preventing the waste associated with replacing less suitable materials that might fail quickly.
Making a conscious choice about your wallpaper is about looking at the full picture. By considering the materials, the production process, and the durability of the product, you can select a wall covering that is good for your home and better for the environment.
