Reused Design: Rethinking How You Shop

When you need a new sofa or dining room table, do the words “thrift store” ever cross your mind? How about the word “repurposing?” Sure, there are some things you just can’t repurpose, like a refrigerator or a garbage disposal, but there are plenty of opportunities for your furniture pieces to be reborn into a new role. Not only will repurposing your furniture (or your friends’ furniture) save you money, it will also have a positive impact on the environment.

Since most people do not automatically jump at the chance to buy furniture at a thrift store, it’s hard to see the value of repurposing. By avoiding buying brand new, you can reduce waste that could negatively impact the environment. Another upside of rethinking the way you shop is adding hard to find character to your spaces.

There are plenty of things that can be used as alternate furniture pieces, but one of my favorite conversions is using an old door for a new table. A door already has a desirable shape for table use, and it adds character to your dining room while saving you money at the same time. Pictured to the right is an example of just how versatile and useful and old door can be. The photo is credit of Design Sponge, a website dedicated to unique design, and you can find tons of great ideas just like this one.

If possible, try to repurpose your furniture. Rethink how you shop and rethink how a seemingly insignificant detail of design can still have a good impact on the environment. Be sure to check back for the next part of the Green Blog Series, Recycled Design.