People are changing how they design and think about their outdoor living spaces. Households are finally realizing…
That you can have style without sacrificing your sustainability values. You can build an outdoor living space that you love while keeping your environmental impact low.
Oh, and…
Sustainable patio furniture choices are typically longer-lasting, more stylish, AND cheaper in the long run. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why Sustainable Outdoor Spaces are Trending Eco-friendly Outdoor Area Rugs to Consider Sustainable Furniture Picks Easy Care Landscaping Tips Wrapping Up
Let’s jump in! Why Sustainable Outdoor Spaces are Trending Outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever.
Homeowners are spending more money than ever on their patios. Per Fixr.com, in 2025 over 56% of homeowners are more likely to spend money on outdoor living spaces than they were the year before. Having an area that you can use year-round that feels like an extension of your home is important.
Homeowners want an outdoor space that meets their functional needs AND is beautiful.
But most homeowners aren’t like they used to be.
Many are seeking out products made with recycled materials, sustainable production practices, and designed to last longer than a season. They want quality furniture that will stand the test of time without costing the Earth.
Why does this matter?
Quite a bit actually.
Sustainable furniture and decor keeps trash out of our landfills Eco-friendly materials usually last longer than cheaply made versions You’re supporting businesses that care about the planet
The days of trashy outdoor spaces are over. Outdoor home improvements are only going to get more sustainable from here. Eco-friendly Outdoor Area Rugs You Should Consider Area rugs can transform the look and feel of any room. Outdoor area rugs selection are no different.
But when it comes to eco-friendly outdoor rugs, materials matter more than ever.
Typical outdoor rugs are made with virgin plastics that are treated with harmful chemicals and dyed. When it rains, those chemicals can leach into the soil and make their way into our oceans. Not great.
Instead, look for outdoor rugs made from recycled PET (polyester), natural fibers like jute or sisal, or organic cotton. Not only will you be keeping plastics out of landfills, but you’ll be helping furnish your home with unique style. One 5×8 outdoor rug made from recycled plastic can use over 500 water bottles!
When looking through outdoor rug ideas, look for a few certifications.
Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS certified products meet stringent criteria for environmental and social responsibility.
Look for the tag “Global Organic Textile Standard,” or simply GOTS. GoodWeave certifies that products were made using sustainable materials and practices.
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for sustainable outdoor rugs:
Made from recycled PET plastics or natural fibers Naturally dyed or use non-toxic chemicals Durable weave that can stand up to the elements Products that have been certified by third-party sources
Natural fiber rugs can last over 10 years if they’re cared for properly. Compare that to most synthetic options that will start to break down in half that time. Sustainable Furniture Picks Outdoor rugs lay the foundation of your outdoor space.
But furniture is where the real magic happens.
If you’re thinking about buying new patio furniture, you’ve come to the right place. The sustainable furniture industry is exploding right now. The industry market size is expected to grow from $54 billion in 2025 to almost $96 billion by 2032 according to Research and Markets. That’s not a trend, that’s a movement.
What materials should you look for?
Start with wood. Look for furniture crafted from wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Not only does that ensure that the wood was sourced from well-managed forests, but it also encourages manufacturers to continue doing so.
Aluminum and wood are also great options for furniture frames. Both can be recycled and repurposed to give old materials new life.
Here’s my favorite sustainable furniture material:
BAMBOO!
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials out there. It grows faster than any lumber you’ll find. And when it’s harvested, the root system remains in place to regrow without any additional planting.
Here are a few materials you should look for when shopping for sustainable patio furniture:
FSC-certified hardwoods like teak or acacia Recycled aluminum frames Natural wicker materials like rattan, willow, or bamboo Recycled plastic lumber
Stay away from furniture that has been treated with PFAS chemicals. PFAS are considered “forever chemicals” which means they don’t break down over time. If they’re washed off in the rain, they can seep into your garden and local waterways. Easy Care Landscaping Tips No outdoor space would be complete without finishing touches like furniture, decor, and even landscaping.
You should also consider natural landscaping options when you’re designing your outdoor space. Native plants are the easiest place to start.
Native plants are pretty cool.
Not only are they low maintenance, but they’re also a hobby gardener’s dream. Plants that are native to your area will thrive because they’re adapted to your climate. That means less watering, less pesticides, and less time spent maintaining your gardens.
Many drought tolerant plants are native to your area.
Xeriscaping or drought landscaping is another big trend right now. By choosing plants that don’t require additional watering, you’ll save money and help the environment.
Here are a few simple ways to make your landscape more sustainable:
Swap grass for groundcover like creeping thyme Add native flowering plants to invite pollinators Swap solid walks for permeable pavers Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for irrigation
Each of these changes may not seem like much on their own. But when you break down your water bill or time spent gardening each month, you’ll see the difference they can make. Creating a Consistent Indoor-Outdoor Flow One of the biggest design trends right now is creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space.
This means you should try to match colors and use similar materials and design elements inside and outside of your home. Design your patio as if it’s another room in your house.
Here are some simple ways you can create flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces:
Use similar color palettes for your outdoor rugs Purchase furniture that matches the style you have inside Use similar lighting or planters in yard as you do in your home Bring indoor textiles like throws and cushions outdoors
Who doesn’t love relaxing on the patio with their favorite quilt and fuzzy socks? Add some indoor comforts to your outdoor space. Wrapping Up Updating your outdoor area doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.
Begin with sustainable outdoor area rugs selection. Choose furniture made from sustainable materials or recycled content. Finish off your space with native landscaping and easy care plants.
Remember…
Your outdoor area rugs selection should be made from recycled PET plastic or natural fibers.
Try to stick with furniture that has been certified by the FSC or is made from recycled materials.
Don’t buy cheap furniture that has been treated with PFAS chemicals.
Focus on native and drought tolerant plants to keep maintenance low.
Create a consistent flow between your indoor and outdoor space.
Quality matters when it comes to building sustainable outdoor spaces.
Not only will sustainable furniture and décor save you money in the long-run, but you’ll feel better about the impact you’re having on the planet.
Enjoy your outdoor space guilt-free.