Eco-friendly, sustainable bathroom decor: bathrooms have never been so green

From finishes to materials and wood panels, nowadays bathroom design is ecological and environmentally friendly.

In today’s post we talk about the issue of environmental sustainability in designer decor for bathrooms. We discover how sophisticated production technologies and investments in research and development can provide modern trendy bathroom decor that defends nature and our health, now more than ever in need of protection.

Choosing ecologically friendly bathroom furniture: what does it mean?

How should we direct our choices with an eye on eco design, that is to say, elements produced with methods that leave a small carbon footprint? Here are some tips to help you furnish your designer bathroom bearing in mind the future of our planet.

1. Green processes

Choosing ecological design means identifying manufacturers that pay special attention to the environmental sustainability of their production cycles, which are run in a way that reduces emissions, limits or eliminates production waste and recovers raw materials in their territory.

2. Made in Italy

Did you know that by preferring companies working with artisans and local businesses you are making a green choice? It means promoting local resources, avoiding long-haul transportation (and relative environmental costs), as well as preserving local traditions and knowledge accumulated over time. In a word, bathroom furniture made in Italy is an ecological choice.

3. Eco-sustainable finishes

An example of a natural, ecological finish for bathroom furniture? Ecomalta. This is a hand-made product used for tops and washbasins or entire cabinets. This article explains what it is in detail and gives information about its characteristics, as well as maintenance instructions.

In appearance ecomalta looks like a natural finish and comes in a wide choice of colours. It is soft to the touch, easily cleaned, and can be applied to any surface or décor item, including the floor. It comes with numerous certifications that guarantee a reduced carbon footprint for both the product and the production process: ecomalta is antibacterial, safe, slip-proof and fireproof, it does not release harmful or formaldehyde emissions and can even purify the air. Want to know more? Read here.

4. Recycled and recyclable tiles and decor: stoneware

Better known as a material for wall and floor tiles, nowadays a thinner version of stoneware can be adapted to clad tops, washbasins and bathroom furniture. Durable, hygienic and strong, stoneware is made from natural raw materials purified by water and eco-sustainable technologies to achieve a perfectly recyclable material, which in turn is recycled (in such cases, we speak of double green materials, i.e. twice as ecological).

Stoneware also comes with a number of certifications, such as UNI EN ISO 14021 (which guarantees the use of up to 40% recycled raw materials). It is produced in large, slim sheets that are cut to clad bathtubs, shower trays, tops, washbasins and cabinet fronts. The result is a fully coordinated bathroom with a minimal, refined total look.

5. Bathroom furniture materials: reclaimed wood

Some companies are particularly sensitive to the environment and promotion of their territory. In this respect, a successful strategy includes the use of reclaimed wood, such as, for example, fossil wood: it comes from centuries-old tree trunks buried in river beds or lakes, where the grain has been preserved and the wood has hardened and taken on a unique natural colour. These timber boards are brought to life again in modern, designer bathroom furniture that has a stunning aesthetic impact.

The warmth of wood bathroom furniture is unbeatable: this was the subject of one of our recent posts.

6. Ecological panels for bathroom furniture

Choosing ‘environmentally-friendly’ bathroom furniture means observing details such as the interior of cabinets: in this case we should always go for ecological panels (those with environmental certification) made from 100% recycled wood and pressed with resins containing very little formaldehyde. Their use considerably reduces energy consumption and limits emissions from the production cycle. It also involves restricting useless waste of materials and energy.

7. Shower enclosures? Attractive and ecological

Shower enclosures are truly ecological products! They are made of two recycled and recyclable materials, i.e. glass and aluminium, in a virtuous production cycle that makes the finished product ecological (as well as attractive) and sustainable.

You can avoid wasting aggressive chemical detergents (pollutants usually sold in throw-away plastic containers) by choosing from a variety of shower enclosure models that are easy to clean (profiles and glass), as we recommend in this post, or you can opt for a shower enclosure with glass treated with a Timeless® finish that prevents corrosion and reduces limescale deposits and stains.

8. Eco-friendly design in the bathroom: from decor to soap

A last piece of advice for those who truly care about our eco-system and want a completely eco-friendly, sustainable designer bathroom refers to personal hygiene and skincare products. With a view to reducing to a minimum our use of throw-away plastic, we can try to use solid soap or shampoo and ecological toothbrushes, or seek environmentally-friendly alternatives to all those personal hygiene products we usually dispose of in unseparated waste.

These are little things, but big choices that really can make a difference to our future and that of the next generations.