The Amazing Rewards of Recycling What You Have
This post has been sponsored by Comfort Works, but opinions are entirely my own. To read my full disclosure click here.
Decorating is expensive. This is true even for the most frugal person. I’ll admit that I don’t always hunt for top-notch quality for every item used in my life. If I did I’d be broke all the time. But if there is one thing I don’t like to skimp on its furniture. I like good furniture. Period. It’s a trait I inherited from my Mom and Grandmother.
Unlike them, however, my furniture is not custom designed. Nor was it super expensive. But it is great quality and I’m more than pleased with it. So you understand when I say that tossing perfectly good furniture pieces in favor of more trendy ones is totally not my jam. That’s why I’m recycling, and upcycling many of the things I already own for my 6-week makeover in the One Room Challenge. Today I want to introduce you to an outstanding company specializing in replacement slipcovers that is helping me to accomplish my goal.
Welcome to week 4 of the One Room Challenge. If you’re just joining me and would like to catch up on the previous posts from this challenge please view this schedule:
Week 1 (the plan) // Week 2 (the planter hack) // Week 3 (that wallpaper tho’!) // Week 4 (pink chair covers) ** YOU ARE HERE // Week 5 (zebra shades) // Week 6 The Reveal
If you’d like to view the work of the more than 200 other bloggers participating in this challenge with me, feel free to click the “ORC” image below.
3 Ways to Benefit from Reusing What You Already Own
1. It Saves You Money
Clearly, affordability is the most obvious benefit of reusing what you already own when re-decorating. But this only works when, at the beginning, you invest in furniture that can go the long haul. Durability and classic lines that won’t go out of style quickly are two things I try to look out for.
Some years ago, I purchased the solid metal dining room set pictured below for our then newly purchased home. It was heavy as heck, with high-back chairs and a super-thick, beveled glass top- perfect for my small dining nook. The seat cushions (then white) were also easily interchangeable. Whenever the look of the overall set became tired looking, I would change the seat cushions or spruce up the metal framing with a bit of gold or silver paint - depending on the look I wanted. Those minor changes did wonders! And although I purchased this set more than 20 years ago it still looks like new! But I have to admit, it’s time for another change.
2. Upcycling Helps Reduce Waste
We Americans like our stuff. So I’m baffled as to why I see so much of it tossed in the trash. My unverified theory for this is that we buy too much of what’s “on trend”, and not enough of what’s “on point” design-wise. When a trend finally dies we toss our once à la mode pieces and start all over again.The question though is, where do the items that get tossed end up? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, landfills received more than 10.5 million tons of solid waste textiles in 2015 alone. It is estimated that only about 15 percent of that is recycled. This figure includes clothing, footwear, carpet, drapes, towels, linens, and furniture.
I am not on a mission to save the world. But I certainly want to do my part to respect the earth. What I love about Comfort Works is, not only do they shy away from trendy fabric patterns, but they make beautiful upholstery fabrics that thrive on tough love. And while their textiles do contain blends which is needed for durability, as part of their Zero Waste Program, they use the fabric remnants to make other useful items like bags and table napkins. More on that in a minute. For now, let’s get to point number three. I’m dying to show you their beautiful product!
3. You Get Beautiful Results When You Think Outside the Box
After reading all the wonderful things about Comfort Works, I ordered my own set of custom dining chair covers. To be honest, I was a bit worried about the fit. My dining chairs have curves- lots and lots of curves. But the detailed online order form makes getting precise measurements easy.
I submitted my measurements and waited nervously for my package to arrive. The results below literally blew me away!
Aren’t they stunning! By the way, you didn’t really think I was going to prematurely reveal the finished the room did you? So much eye candy going on here, I simply could not stop taking photos of these babies! Here are a few important highlights:
These are safe to iron, but I was too stressed about burning them and gave them light pass with my steamer instead.
The slipcovers are attached to the bottom edges of the chairs using velcro, creating a more tailored look, and even stabilizing the seat cushions underneath.
The fabric is super thick and durable, and released no off-gas scent when unpacking.
By now, your mind should be swimming with ideas on how you can recover the furniture pieces in your own home. Would you like chance to try the fabrics for yourself? Recall that in point #2 above, Comfort Works uses the fabric remnants to make other useful items like bags and table napkins. These recycled creations are not sold on their website, and they’ve given me a few to give away to you!
Four winners will have a chance to receive two items featured in the photo above. The sets have been predetermined and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. Simply click on the entry below for your chance to win!
