Interiors inspired by nature - how to choose furniture made of natural materials?

This is another season where interior design solutions inspired by nature are at the forefront. Eco-design is creeping into a variety of designs – not just rustic or Scandinavian ones. It draws on minimalist aesthetics and also references oriental, botanical, colonial, boho, and ethno motifs. This is clearly evident in furniture. Home furnishing manufacturers are eager to use natural materials such as wood, stone, rattan, and wicker. How can you design your home with an eco-friendly flair? Find out in this article!

Why is it worth designing interiors inspired by nature?

There are at least several reasons:

• Earthy colors, natural fabrics and finishing materials create a cozy, relaxing space that suits many interior design styles
• ecological arrangements never get boring, they easily lend themselves to interior design transformations
• they bring order and tidiness because they are generally characterized by a minimalist form
• Broadly understood eco-projects are environmentally friendly and, in line with the zero waste principle, they give a second life to everyday objects, which translates into saving natural resources and… money
• they have unique aesthetic values, ensure durability and increase the comfort of living.

What materials are considered natural in interior design?

This encompasses a wide range of natural materials and resources used in various eco-friendly arrangements. These include solid wood, stone (including marble, granite, and sandstone), bamboo, rattan, wicker, jute, seagrass, cotton, silk, linen, and even sintered quartz used for wall and floor finishing, as well as furniture. These include both hard materials and soft textiles, which create a pleasant, homely atmosphere in any room.

Wooden furniture, along with linen curtains, a wicker flower stand, and a jute rug, will give the room a cozy, visually light feel. The subdued color scheme, reflecting the natural palette, provides the perfect backdrop for the entire décor. Timeless white, warm beiges, muted greens, and the recently fashionable shade of cashmere lend themselves easily to interior design transformations. Warm tones are perfect for nature-inspired designs. Light beiges and off-whites will complement the design of a small room, visually enlarging and brightening it. Natural accessories in contrasting colors will enhance the overall look.

How to recognize furniture made of natural materials and distinguish it from imitations?

Furniture made from natural materials such as wood or rattan is generally more expensive than those made from veneer or furniture board. At first glance, they are almost indistinguishable from imitations. Faithfully reproduced shades of oak or beech look just as beautiful. However, a certain repetitiveness in the grain pattern can be noticeable. Meanwhile, solid wood countertops or fronts are unique. No two wooden furniture pieces are identical. Each piece is one of a kind. Unfortunately, natural wood also has its drawbacks, including susceptibility to mechanical damage, scratches, and moisture. Wooden surfaces also require regular maintenance to maintain their pristine appearance for years to come. These drawbacks, combined with their high price, often favor furniture made from laminated or veneered board, which look great and are resistant to external factors.

An example is the GOVI 3F wall unit, made of laminated furniture board in a Wotan oak shade. It includes two wall-mounted display cabinets and a suspended TV cabinet. The glass-fronted unit is recommended for energy-efficient LED lighting. The spacious cabinets will accommodate a variety of knick-knacks, and the expressive grain pattern will add a touch of charm to a living room or youth room. The simple shape of this set is ideal for minimalist designs with an eco or boho flair.

Differences between solid wood, veneered board and laminate

Wood is heavier than laminate and veneered board, warm to the touch, with a distinct surface texture and a characteristic smell. Veneer, on the other hand, is a thin A layer of wood is glued onto an MDF furniture board. This gives the furniture the most natural appearance possible, while also being slightly less expensive than a model made of solid oak or beech.

Another very popular furniture material is laminated board, covered with a special laminate with the addition of thermosetting resin. This solution is considered more durable than MDF and particleboard. All of these materials are easy to process, mill, and cut. They can be cut into holes and trimmed to specific shapes. It's also important to emphasize that solid wood requires appropriate care with dedicated products that protect furniture surfaces from scratches, stains, moisture, and so on.

How to choose furniture made of natural materials for different rooms?

The most important rule when designing an apartment is to maintain aesthetic consistency across the rooms, starting with the hallway. Furniture made of solid wood or other natural materials works perfectly here, creating a cozy atmosphere and emphasizing the home's eco-friendly nature. Here are a few of our suggestions!

Living room - wooden tables and chests of drawers, linen curtains, cotton upholstery

An interior bathed in wood invites warmth and allows us to relax more effectively. Surrounding yourself with furniture and accessories made from natural materials or those that perfectly imitate oak or marble, you can create a harmonious living space – as light as possible, neutral in color, and creating a pleasant atmosphere. A wooden coffee table, a shelf, or a display cabinet for small items will suffice. One of the models available at Furnitop.co.uk is the stylish HOBO chest of drawers with tall wooden legs. The Riviera oak-colored furniture board is paired with a marble top, creating an unconventional, exceptionally elegant visual effect. It's also worth exploring other pieces from this collection.

The living room decor will be complemented by soft upholstered furniture (e.g. sofas, pouffes and armchairs covered with velvet, bouclé fabric, currently fashionable corduroy, etc.), linen curtains, cotton pillows and wicker decorations.

Dining room - wooden table, rattan chairs, stone countertops

A dining nook decorated in a boho, rustic, or Japandi style will look great with a solid wood table (e.g., beech), furniture with stone tops, or rattan accents. One option is the spacious TIMOR bookcase in a warm shade of artisan oak. The lower cabinets have rattan fronts, which undoubtedly add charm to the arrangement. A well-arranged bookcase, display case, or chest of drawers offering ample storage space is a useful addition to any dining room. You can easily organize serving dishes, glasses, table decorations, and other small items.

Bedroom - solid wood beds, woolen blankets, natural textiles

The appearance of an interior has a significant impact on the well-being of its occupants. A light, bright, and uncluttered space soothes the senses and makes it easier to unwind, relax, and recharge for the next day. We spend a lot of time in the bedroom, so it's worth paying attention to its decor. Natural interior fabrics are perfect here, complementing a wooden bed, a wicker rocking chair, or a bamboo bedside table. We often store clothes, home textiles, and a multitude of other items in the bedroom. A larger wardrobe with wood-colored fronts is a great option. A MERV F6 sliding mirrored wardrobe door in an oak shade is an example. Tailor the interior to your needs. Also consider accessories – cotton bedding with a delicate botanical pattern, a flowing linen curtain, a wool throw, or raw cotton pillowcases will all work beautifully here.

Bathroom - teak wood, stone, bamboo accessories

Japandi, eco, boho, and urban jungle styles are ideal for a home spa. Furniture and accessories should be made of moisture-resistant materials. Stone, teak, and bamboo, which have water-repellent properties, are therefore welcome. Green potted plants or even exotic motifs on wall tiles complement the natural bathroom décor.

Style and naturalness - with what arrangements do natural materials create a coherent whole?

Rattan and wicker in the home are a ready-made recipe for a stylish, cozy interior. It's also worth noting that natural elements harmonize with many types of interior design. They can be incorporated into modern, minimalist, Provençal, farmhouse, classic, and even industrial décor. The TONIC kitchen is a versatile option, combining oak with timeless white—the perfect solution for a modern kitchenette.

Natural materials are perfect for loft designs. They harmonize with metal, glass, and the raw concrete so characteristic of industrial interiors. Introducing wooden furniture and accessories into this type of interior will visually warm it up.

Combining simplicity with texture - a balance between nature and modernity

Boho style with wood is currently a popular choice among lovers of natural interior design. Furniture with a light, minimalist form, expressive texture, and subtle embellishments (e.g., delicate milling on the front) is the leading choice. The TIMOR, GOVI, and LYKKE collections will fit seamlessly into the natural décor of a living room, bedroom, or hallway. Also noteworthy are the adjustable PRIMO and LAILA wardrobes, which create a cozy atmosphere from the moment you enter the apartment.

How to care for furniture made of natural materials so that it lasts for years?

Wood and natural stone require proper care to maintain their pristine condition for years to come. Regular cleaning of the surfaces is one thing. It's also important to impregnate wooden furniture or polish stone surfaces with special protective products, which are designed to protect them from negative external factors (moisture, scratches, abrasions, fading, discoloration, etc.). Maintaining materials such as MDF furniture boards and laminate is easier. Simply remove dust or other dirt with a damp cloth.

How to choose natural furniture that aligns with the latest trends? Visit Furnitop.co.uk for a wide selection of unique collections, and visit our blog for inspiration!