Eco bedroom ideasThis group of articles look at eco bedroom ideas. Specifically your bedroom as a complete environment from an eco perspective. If you would like more information on specific materials used under each item, please review my eco materials resource area. This second part reviews bedroom furniture and bed frames that have your health and the natural environment in mind.
Eco bedroom ideas - Furniture
Most bedroom furniture will be made from solid timber, timber based materials or timber alternatives. Ideally look for vintage, antique, recycled, restored and reclaimed furniture. Alternatively source timber from sustainable sources that hasn’t had chemical treatments, adhesives and finishes added during manufacture. Lastly low or zero VOC emitting timber products although not the best eco solution, are better than conventional products. Source furniture that is unfinished timber for a natural look, you can always finish it with a natural stain, wax or oil yourself.
Try to avoid furniture with plastics, synthetic foam and laminates with chemical resins and binders. Reduce the need for adhesives and metal fixings as much as possible by searching for frames which have been made with woodworking joints e.g. dovetail drawer joints. For bedroom chairs; look for organic and natural textile coverings/upholstery on timber, timber substitutes (like bamboo) or natural latex chair frames. Overall it is important to source from local manufacturers as much as possible to reduce the amount of energy used and emissions created during transportation and distribution.
Eco bedroom ideas - Bed framesThe same eco advice applies to bed frames as with furniture. Here’s a look at some different types available:
Metal frame: Good insect and mite resistant properties, however material processing creates high levels of embodied energy. Metal frames will be more durable and have a longer lifespan than timber and timber alternatives.
Sustainably managed timber frame: 
Look for a bed frame with the Forest Stewardship Council Certificate. Although some manufacturers will use timber from forests that are sustainbly managed, yet they do not hold the FSC certificate. Timber frames can be left unfinished and stained with natural wax or hard oil. Choose softwood (e.g. pine) which is faster growing than hardwood (e.g. oak) to help reduce the demand on hardwood forests.
Bamboo frame: Look for frames that are made from engineered bamboo, rather than bamboo veneers over MDF or HDF which may contain formaldehyde. Alternatively if engineered bamboo is not an option then opt for bamboo veneers with formaldehyde free MDF, check with the manufacturer for details. Avoid adhesives and metal fixings by searching for frames which have been made with woodworking joints e.g. mortise and tenon.
Japanese style frame: Some Tatami beds are made from sustainable timber and finished with natural stains. No metal fixings or adhesives are used for construction, as timber joints hold the structure firmly together. One point to note is that bed frames manufactured overseas will increase the level of embodied energy when you consider transportation and distribution.
Divan: Avoid. Generally the timber frame will not be from a sustainably managed forest. The drawers will be constructed from plywood, MDF or fibreboard – releasing VOCs from the binders and adhesives. The textile covering can harbour dust mites and other airborne allergens. Check with the manufacturer for their environmental policy.
View part 3 of eco bedroom ideas here......
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