How to Break Up With Fast Furniture

In recent years, as the devastating effects of the climate crisis have become harder and harder to ignore, many have tried to live in a way that is kinder to the planet. This has included, for many, an attempt to change their relationship with consumption and waste.

Unfortunately, when it comes to waste, the furniture manufacturing industry is guilty of contributing to the issue. In particular, trends that change at lightning speed, and poorly made, mass-produced ‘fast furniture’ have a detrimental effect.

So, here at ReFunk, we’ve put together some tips on how you can disengage with fast furniture and trend-driven consumption and live in a way that’s a little kinder to both the planet, and your pocket!

1. Get Creative!

Instead of replacing existing pieces with trend-driven, fast furniture, let your creativity run wild and show some love to what you already own. Upcycling allows you to create something totally unique that will outlast the next wave of short-lived interior trends.

2. Re-evaluate what ‘value’ means to you.

Cheap, fast furniture can seem tempting, but in the long-term it often means poorly made pieces that don't last, and therefore need to be replaced more and more often. Upcycling furniture allows you to understand and fully appreciate the love, time, and effort truly special pieces require.

3. Connect with your community.

While Team ReFunk believes that there's a creative genius in us all, if you feel a little unsure of your crafting abilities, you're in luck! Engage with local upcyclers, furniture makers, and craftspeople and you will not only gain a beautiful piece of furniture made to last, but you will help to celebrate and nourish an enthusiastic and supportive creative community.

4. Curate with Caution

Although social media can help get those creative juices flowing, often it can also leave us chasing trends that change with every passing week. If you're hoping to change your relationship to fast furniture, your social media feeds are a good place to start.

Re-evaluate the type of media you consume, and curate your feeds to creatively inspire you and nurture your interior design dreams. Remain wary of trend driven content that always leaves you wanting more without truly satisfying that creative itch.

5. Be Kind to Yourself!

Changing our habits and our relationship with consumption is not an easy task. Progress is not a linear path and can often feel slow and frustrating.

Deciding to re-evaluate your relationship with consumption, and change your habits and behaviour is an important first step on your sustainability journey. Read more about how you can incorporate upcycling into this journey here.

Be kind to yourself, exercise patience, and don't become discouraged. You're on the right track - and ReFunk is here to help every step of the way!