Are you looking for natural materials to round off your home furnishings? Then you've come to the right place! Whether you opt for the minimalist Scandi style, the rustic charm of the country house style, the casual boho look or the raw accents of industrial design - furniture, curtains or simple decorative items made from natural materials play a crucial role!
In this article, I'll introduce you to the most popular natural materials that will give your home a warm, inviting atmosphere and a calming naturalness. Let's go!
Reasons: Why prefer natural materials for furnishings?
First of all, it should be said that they ensure that you Living even more in harmony with nature can. The positive effect goes far beyond pure organic aesthetics.
Here are Some of the most important advantageswhich are inspiring more and more people to use more natural materials in their home furnishings:
- Create a feel-good atmosphere: Natural materials such as wood, linen and stone bring warmth and comfort into your home. They transform your four walls into a relaxed and restful environment and can According to studies also have a positive effect on your health.
- Enjoy timelessness: Natural materials connect us with old traditions, they are long-lasting and durable. They also have a simple elegance that blends seamlessly into many different furnishing styles. Whether modern or rustic.
- Promoting a healthy indoor climateApart from the visual effect, wood and plants improve the air quality. Wood absorbs CO2, while houseplants purify the air and improve air quality. Improve the indoor climate.
- Living sustainabilityNatural materials such as wood, cork or sisal are environmentally friendly as they are made from renewable raw materials and are durable. Anyone who opts for natural furnishings is setting a positive example.
Materials: Which natural materials create a natural atmosphere in the home?
Earthy colors, a Photo wallpaper with a natural motif, lush green houseplants and dried wildflowers are guaranteed not to miss their mark. But there are also very specific materials that you shouldn't do without in your natural furnishings.
Leather and wool of animals are very often mentioned in this regard. However, as they are associated with animal suffering and are not, I expressly do not recommend them at this point. I also advise against artificial leather and wool, as they suggest that it is okay to exploit cattle, pigs, sheep or goats for their body parts.
But fortunately, there are also some animal-friendly natural materials that you can use to give your home a green, ecological and give a natural look can. Here they are!
1. wood
Let's start with what is probably one of the most versatile natural materials that has for centuries used as a building material and for home furnishings: Wood.
Whether as Table, shelf, side table, ceiling, chair or Vase - the renewable natural resource (whether oak, beech or bamboo wood) brings warmth and coziness to any room. Even Branches and twigs from the forest are suitable as a natural decorative element.
2. cork
The environmentally friendly material cork is obtained from the bark of the cork oak (mostly in Portugal). Once harvested, the bare trees are then given around 8 years to regenerate.
Cork is extremely light, flexible, resistant and even works insulatingwhich makes it ideal for interior design. With its soft light brown cork surface, the material creates a warm and natural atmosphere.
It is preferably used for Floors, pin boards, coasters or also decorative Wall panels.
3. rattan
You've probably seen a wickerwork made of rattan before, right? This natural furnishing material is also known as rattan or wicker and extracted from the shoots of the rattan palm.
As it is very light, flexible and hard-wearing, rattan is ideal for making woven objects such as Armchairs, chairs, tables, lampshades or Baskets. It is particularly popular in the form of "Viennese wickerwork" - and in my opinion a real must for a natural interior.
Tip: With a decorative cushion with a floral pattern (you can find one at Nikkel-Art.de), for example, you can usefully complement the natural look of an armchair.
4. cotton
Let's move on to the next natural material that should not be missing in your home: cotton. The soft natural fiber is obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. It is particularly breathable, durable, easy-care and skin-friendly, which makes it ideal for home textiles in particular.
In home furnishings, cotton is preferably used for Bed linen, sofa covers, cushions, curtains or also in raw form as Decorative home accessory.
5. linen
Linen is from the fibers of the flax plant is very hard-wearing and creates a cooling effect. The natural material is often used in interior design for Curtains, bed linen, pillowcases and Tablecloths used.
Due to its simple but elegant look Linen is the perfect match for a natural and minimalist style.
6. natural stone
If you want to live close to nature, there is no getting around robust and durable natural stone. It will from the natural rock layers of the earth's crust and processed into various forms such as marble, slate or granite.
Among other things, natural stone is ideal for Floor coveringsworktops, washbasins, vases or as Wall cladding - and brings a rustic elegance to any living space. I personally find it particularly exciting in combination with wood, rattan or other natural materials!
7. jute
Jute is a popular natural and biodegradable plant fiberwhich is produced from the stalks of long-capsule jute (Corchorus olitorius) and round-capsule jute (Corchorus capsularis). Both plants are mainly cultivated in tropical regions.
The durable jute is often used to Carpets, wall coverings, bags, runners or also Bags processed. I personally love the rough rustic texture because it creates a natural look and goes very well with minimalist or rustic interior styles.
Nice to know: The classic jute bag is one of the Zero Waste Basic EquipmentNowadays, however, it is mostly made of cotton rather than jute.
8. seaweed
Seagrass is also a hard-wearing, sustainable material that is very suitable for natural home furnishings. It is obtained from aquatic plantssuch as Zostera marina, which is native to the northern hemisphere.
There is a high probability that you have already a braided texture made of seagrass (usually in earthy colors such as green, beige or light brown).
For example, it is ideal for Plant baskets, carpets, wall panels, lampshades and Storage boxes. The earth tones and coarse texture really add a touch of nature to any room.
9. sound
Of course, clay should not be missing from the list of natural products used in interior design. The mineral material is created due to the weathering of rock types and has been used to make pottery for thousands of years.
In home furnishings, we encounter clay primarily in the form of Vases, bowls, flower pots or Tiles. The popular Ceramic tableware with colorful color patterns is based on the material.
The usually natural, warm earth tones or creamy white tones ensure that clay is a Organic and harmonious living feeling generated.
10. sisal
Sisal is yet another material for natural home furnishings. It comes from from the fibers of the sisal agave and is particularly resistant.
You've probably already experienced the natural rough texture of sisal in the form of Carpets, rugs, scratching posts, hammocks, doormats or also Ropes seen. The durable and hard-wearing material definitely brings a rustic, natural style to any home.
Natural materials for a living experience close to nature
With tables, carpets, curtains, vases or entire walls made from natural materials, you can create a unique feel-good atmosphere that both stylish and in harmony with nature is. I very much hope that this article will inspire you to do so.
Aside from wood, cotton, linen, sisal and the like, there are of course many other natural elements that you can use to great effect. Clay or Hemp for example, to name just two of them.
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein (more under Nature Quotes)
Do you have any questions, suggestions or do you know of any other natural materials that bring nature into the home? Then I look forward to your comment!
Stay conscious of nature,
PS: I've also written a detailed article for you about the best possible sustainable living written. Have a look there too!
