Eco-Friendly Fabric Choices for Sustainable Interiors

In today’s eco-conscious world, more and more homeowners are now making mindful choices that prioritise the health and wellbeing of our planet. Whether you’re upholstering your favourite chair or making new curtains, the fabrics you choose can have a significant impact on both the environment and the longevity of your interiors.

We’ve put together a handy guide on some of the most sustainable fabrics available, as well as the best ways to incorporate them in your home, so you can design your interiors with the environment in mind.

Why choose sustainable fabrics?

The fabrics we bring into our homes play a crucial role in our overall environmental impact. Mass-produced synthetic fabrics often contain toxic chemicals and contribute to microplastic pollution, which releases harmful greenhouse gases into our atmosphere. By choosing environmentally friendly alternatives, you can help to conserve natural resources and reduce waste, whilst also supporting local businesses.

Sustainable fabrics are better for your home, too. Bringing natural, non-toxic materials into your home creates a much healthier living environment that is free from harmful emissions. And of course, using high-quality textiles will ensure your furnishings remain beautiful for many years to come!

Read our blog post on ‘the vital importance of sustainable interiors’ for further insights on how to create an eco-conscious home.

The most sustainable fabrics for interior design

Organic cotton

Cotton is one of the most widely used textiles – but did you know that non-organic cotton is one of the dirtiest crops to grow? Conventional cotton farming is incredibly resource-intensive, requiring huge quantities of water and pesticides to grow. However, organic cotton is farmed without the use of artificial fertilisers or pesticides, making it a much greener alternative for your home. Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for making a variety of home furnishings such as cushions, curtains, and lightweight upholstery. 

Linen union

Linen union is a unique blend of linen and cotton (or sometimes other fibres) that is commonly used for curtains, blinds, headboards, and furniture. It offers several advantages over 100% linen, including:

  • Durability: The addition of cotton helps to strengthen the fabric, making it more resistant to wear and tear than pure linen. 
  • Reduced wrinkling: 100% linen is prone to wrinkling, whereas linen union helps to reduce creasing and keep furnishings looking neater for longer.
  • Softer texture: Cotton softens the naturally coarse texture of cotton, making linen union a comfortable choice for cushions, curtains, and upholstery.
  • Better drape: Pure linen can be stiff, whereas linen union often has a more fluid drape. This is especially useful for curtains and slipcovers.
  • More affordable: Linen union tends to be more cost-effective than 100% linen, making it a practical choice for larger furnishing projects.

Our unique linen union fabric is made from a combination of certified organic cotton and eco-friendly flax. Many of our popular designs are printed on this material, including Lattice Leaf, Up the Garden Path, and Wild Fern. You can explore our full range of linen union fabrics via our dedicated webpage.

Linen

Linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics out there. Derived from the flax plant, linen requires fewer pesticides and significantly less water than cotton to grow and farm. It is naturally biodegradable and softens beautifully with age, making it a timeless choice for upholstery and drapery.

We offer a selection of 100% organic linen fabrics in a wide range of designs inspired by the flora and fauna of the English countryside. Some of our most popular 100% linen designs include Fruit Garden, Lapland Stripe, and Pretty Maids. Browse the complete range on our 100% linen webpage.   

Wool

Wool is a natural, biodegradable fibre that is extremely hardwearing. It provides excellent insulation and is perfect for large blinds, quilts, cushions and light upholstery. Wool’s natural properties also make it resistant to both stains and fire without the need for harmful chemical treatments. 

Our earthy range of Harris Tweed fabrics in Sky and Sea are woven exclusively for us from 100% Scottish wool. You can read more about incorporating Harris Tweed wool into your home via our wool collection webpage.

How to incorporate sustainable fabrics in your home

So you’ve chosen your eco-friendly fabrics in your favourite design – but how do you go about actually incorporating sustainable fabrics into your home? Here are just a few of the ways you can upgrade your interior with the addition of sustainable textiles…

  • Upholstery: Refresh a well-loved sofa or armchair with a durable, natural fabric like linen. 
  • Curtains & Blinds: Opt for organic cotton or linen (or a blend of both!) for the most beautiful yet breathable window decor.
  • Cushions & Throws: Introduce warmth and texture to your cushions and throws with wool or recycled fabrics.
  • Table Linens: Make more of your mealtimes with the addition of some beautiful organic cotton tablecloths and napkins.
  • Bedding: Choose organic cotton and linen bedding for a much better night’s sleep.
  • DIY Fabric Projects: Repurpose your unused fabric scraps into decorative pieces such as patchwork or lampshade covers.

If you’re looking to enhance your interior with some beautiful eco-friendly fabrics but don’t know where to start, check out our blog post for helpful interior design tips and ideas.

Choose Vanessa Arbuthnott as your eco-friendly fabric suppliers

Choosing sustainable fabrics for your home allows you to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to a healthier planet. At Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics, we offer a huge range of ethically sourced fabrics by the metre in designs that celebrate the best of the English countryside. Browse our full range of eco-friendly fabrics and get inspired to start your next interior project today!

Written on February 26th, 2025 by Vanessa about Eco-Friendly, Fabrics.