Furnishing my flat in Marseille was a nightmare—everything cheap seemed destined for the dump in a year. I wanted sustainable pieces without breaking my piggy bank, and I’ve cracked the code. Here’s how I keep it eco-friendly and affordable.
Secondhand is my secret weapon. A quick scroll on Leboncoin landed me a solid wood coffee table for €50—it just needed a sand-down and some love. Thrift shops in the Vieux-Port are goldmines, too. Buying used cuts waste and saves trees—plus, it’s a steal compared to new stuff.
If pre-loved isn’t your vibe, go for bamboo or reclaimed wood. IKEA’s POÄNG armchair [here] uses bamboo, and it’s only €79. Bamboo grows fast, no pesticides needed, and reclaimed wood has that rustic charm I adore. Downside? Assembly’s a workout.
Quality beats quantity every time. My €200 sofa from a local artisan’s been solid for five years—way better than replacing a €50 IKEA knockoff yearly. Look for FSC certification to know it’s legit. And don’t sleep on multi-use stuff—I snagged a storage ottoman that doubles as a guest seat.
Next time you’re hunting furniture, try these tricks. You’ll score green pieces that last, all while keeping your wallet happy.
