Is your home interior in need of an update?

Before you head out to the nearest furniture megastore to load up on flat-pack wardrobes and more, have you considered the greener option?

Yes we’re all getting quite good at recycling our rubbish, but what about going secondhand and giving antique furniture a new home?

Or even jazzing up an old sofa with new upholstery.

And then there’s recycled furniture – how smug will you feel hosting your next dinner party, knowing your guests are perched on something eco friendly?

Go secondhand
With the advent of eBay and gazillions of car boot sales, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on secondhand furniture. But the trick is finding something decent for your budget that’s going to last. Be patient – this is going to take you longer than simply handing over your credit card at Ikea.

Charity shops with their own furniture outlets are a good place to start – try Oxfam or the Red Cross. House clearances are another way to unearth hidden gems – check for those happening near you at www.loot.com. Or if your budget is zero look for your local Freecycle group – go to www.freecycle.org for info. These groups aim to match people who have things they want to get rid of with those who need them.

But do be realistic about the extent of your DIY skills. Stripping off old paint or changing handles are jobs anyone can manage, but could you replace old doors? No, then don’t buy the piece. And if you’re buying stuffed or upholstered furniture, check that it complies with furniture and fire safety regulations at www.firesafe.org.uk

Buy eco
The difficulty of buying secondhand is finding a piece that fits your taste. But there are companies now turning old wood into beautiful and affordable pieces of design, while helping the environment. But how do you know the wood you’re buying is good? Some companies provide information on exactly where the timber came from. But as a guide, look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark on wood products to ensure that they are made from responsibly grown timber.

Reupholster
You wanted that sofa enough to splash out the cash for it years ago, so surely you could learn to love it again? With a little facelift of course! Getting tired, old furniture reupholstered is becoming trendy again. Young people are realising they can’t just buy and then chuck away a few years later. And although upholstery is not always the cheapest option in the short-term, you’ll be saving money in the long-term.

Try antiques
Like upholstery, plumping for antiques to furnish your house might not be the cheapest option but, let’s face it, if that table has been around for more than 100 years, you’re not going to need to replace it for some time. But make sure you buy from a reputable dealer.

Stockists

• Green Woods Furniture www.greenwoodsfurniture.co.uk,
• Nigel’s Eco Store www.nigelsecostore.com,
• Reestore www.reestore.com,
• Re-Form Furniture www.re-formfurniture.co.uk,
• Spinifex www.spinifex.co.uk,
• Tom Raffield www.tomraffield.com

Pictures: getty images