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Increasingly, though, people who don't consider themselves to be naturalists or environmentalists are embracing eco-friendly foods and home furnishings.
Whether out of a concern for the diminishing rain forests or for the chemicals found in the carpet that their baby crawls on, there is a growing market for eco-friendly furniture and home furnishings. From organic mattresses made from cotton and wool to wood furniture made from reclaimed wood, there is a myriad of eco-friendly home furniture from which to choose.
Typically, manufacturers of eco-friendly wood furniture and decorative wood home furnishings use reclaimed timber. In other words, the wood that is used to make furniture was logged long ago and was once a bridge or other structure. By using reclaimed wood, furniture makers recycle timber that has already been logged instead of cutting down trees. Similarly, makers of eco-friendly bed linens use cotton grown on small organic farms or wool harvested organically raised sheep.
The variety of available eco-friendly wood furniture and other wood home furnishings is astounding. Many of the pieces have artisan craftsmanship, and can be proudly displayed alongside antique furniture. Wood furniture inspired by the Viking and Celtic peoples is very popular. A CD cabinet, for example, might feature Celtic scroll carving embellishments or knobs engraved with a Celtic knot pattern. Likewise, a Celtic desk might include a lattice footrest or brass handles, and be made from antique elm wood.
The popularity of Viking motifs is gaining, especially in decorative pieces. For example, a shield featuring Viking sea dragons inspired by historic carvings found in Sweden dating from between the ninth and twelfth centuries adds a touch of history and mystery to a living room's décor.
Reclaimed wood is also used to make Egyptian-inspired wood furniture and decorative pieces. An Egyptian jewelry box, for example, might feature miniature hand-paintings and carved hieroglyphs, while Egyptian candlesticks might feature carvings that replicate those found on King Tutankhamen's ceremonial chair.
From rugs to linens, from carpeting to wood furniture, eco-friendly home furnishings conserve the Earth's resources while providing consumers with items rich in beauty and historical significance. Whether one's tastes runs to antiques, to the Viking or Celtic eras, or to the mysteries of ancient Egyptian tombs, there are certainly organic options for home decorating.
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