Best Eco-Friendly Bamboo Furniture for Home and Terrace
- Olga Shavrina
- Aug 17
- 7 min read
Our grandmas bought furniture once in a lifetime. Sometimes they didn’t even buy it – they inherited oak tables, beech wardrobes, and steel beds from their own grandmas, along with a house. Each piece was made to last for generations, and there was never a question of whether it was sustainable or not.
Life has changed. In the last 10 years, I’ve switched 2 countries, 3 cities, and – God knows – how many flats. Many pieces of furniture I left behind and replaced with new ones. I’m not proud of the choices I made in the past, but now, when I purchase a piece of furniture, I take into account that I’ll likely move again. So I buy as little as possible – lightweight, durable, versatile, and of course, sustainable.
What Makes Furniture Sustainable?
Several factors determine whether furniture is truly sustainable:
1. Materials. Choose green materials like sustainably grown bamboo, rattan, or (some) wood – ensuring no deforestation is involved. Recycled plastic or fabric is also an excellent option. Today, there are incredible innovations: furniture made from mycelium (fungi), abandoned fishing nets, and other materials with a positive environmental impact.
2. Durability. The longer a piece lasts, the less likely it is to end up in a landfill. Consider your personal circumstances – do you have dogs that chew table legs, is your climate humid, will the piece be indoors or outdoors? Sometimes a material like stainless steel isn’t “green” in itself, but its decades-long lifespan can still make it a smart eco-friendly choice.
3. Local production. Furniture made closer to home reduces transport emissions and environmental footprint. Supporting local artisans also helps your community.
4. Versatility and simplicity. Opt for timeless, adaptable designs that work in different spaces and serve multiple purposes. A bold, trendy piece might look amazing now, but what if your style changes, you move to a different home, or can’t find anything to match it later? Keep the design simple and add personality with decor – like a live plant.
5. Second-hand and upcycled pieces. Buying pre-loved furniture or restoring old pieces keeps them out of landfills, saves resources, and often gives you a unique, character-filled item at a lower price.
Bamboo Furniture: Fast-Growing, Strong, and Stylish
Bamboo is my number one choice for so many things – from toilet paper to kitchen appliances – and furniture is a natural fit too. Bamboo is a sustainable, fast-growing grass (not even a tree!), renewable, carbon-capturing, durable, beautiful, lightweight, and, last but not least, affordable.
It’s also versatile – great for anything from tiny shelves or chairs to beds and wardrobes. Its strength and flexibility make it perfect for sliding racks, seating, and so much more.
Bamboo Furniture for Bathroom
Bamboo works perfectly in bathrooms – its durability allows for lightweight, breathable pieces that fit into any surrounding. Natural antibacterial properties make it ideal for humid environments, while its warm tones bring a spa-like feel to the space.
Think bamboo shelves for towels and toiletries, stools or cabinets for extra storage, or hanging racks to keep things tidy. While bamboo handles moisture better than many woods, it still deserves care – wipe it dry after splashes, avoid standing water, and apply a protective finish if it’s in constant contact with humidity.
Bamboo Furniture for Kitchen and Dining Room
Adding bamboo furniture to the kitchen or dining room is a fresh, eco-friendly idea. Even if your main kitchen set is already in place, consider bamboo for the extra touches: racks, shelves, or carts. They’re far better than plastic or cheap wooden pallets, both in look and sustainability.
Make sure you attach shelves to the walls to prevent capsizing, especially if you have young kids or pets at home. And by the way, it pairs perfectly with bamboo kitchen utensils.
Bamboo is easy to clean and doesn’t need much maintenance. Plus, small spots aren’t that visible on bamboo surfaces, making it a genius choice for the kitchen. My current white surfaces (sadly not bamboo) drive me crazy!
Bamboo Shelves for Hallway and Living Room
To be honest, I feel bamboo can be invited into every part of your home to make it warmer and more welcoming. Shoe racks, corner shelves, coat racks, floating shelves, TV stands, tables, side tables, bookshelves, and various holders – all of these can be made from bamboo. Its natural look blends easily with different interior styles, from minimalist to rustic. On top of that, bamboo furniture is lightweight yet durable, making it both practical and sustainable.
Bamboo Furniture for Bedroom
Bamboo in the bedroom is a wonderful idea. It has a naturally calming effect, bringing warmth and simplicity into the space. Furniture made from bamboo is elegant and minimalistic, making it a perfect fit for a bedroom – nothing excessive, just a place for the eyes and body to rest.
Beds, clothes racks, nightstands – you name it, all can be crafted from bamboo. And if your bedroom doubles as a small study, bamboo can adapt easily. Folding desks or compact shelving units made of bamboo are smart, space-saving choices. Plus, bamboo’s natural tones create a soothing atmosphere that promotes better sleep.
Bamboo Shelves for Plants
One of the ways to make your home more nature-friendly – and literally greener – is to add plants. Apart from creating a warm, beautiful, and inviting atmosphere, they clean the air, remove toxins, and absorb pollutants. Plants release moisture and cool the home, which can help reduce the need for humidifiers and lower AC costs. Being around plants supports mental well-being, increases appreciation for nature, and encourages the adoption of other sustainable practices.
You can also grow herbs or even vegetables, which is an amazing experience – nurturing something with your own hands and later enjoying eco-friendly produce. I, for instance, grow chili peppers, cucumbers, and basil on my balcony, which brings a lot of joy and even more learning. Planting blossoming species on an open terrace can also support local biodiversity.
And of course, to add more plants, one needs to organize them somehow. In my view, the best way to do this is with bamboo plant stands.
Bamboo Furniture for Outdoor Terrace
The only downside of bamboo furniture, in my view, is that it doesn’t perform well outdoors in wet climates or harsh conditions. Under sun, rain, and extreme temperature fluctuations, it can start warping, cracking, or developing mold. This doesn’t mean you can’t use bamboo furniture outside – just make sure not to leave it in the rain or snow, and try to minimize direct sun exposure.
FAQ on Bamboo Furniture
Why is bamboo considered sustainable?
Bamboo grows incredibly fast (some species up to 35 inches per day), reaches maturity in 3–7 years, and regenerates without replanting – making it far more renewable than hardwoods. It requires minimal water, no pesticides or fertilizers, and produces more oxygen while absorbing more CO₂ than many trees.
Is bamboo furniture durable and strong?
Yes. Bamboo is surprisingly strong and dense – comparable to, or even harder than, oak when strand-woven – and is even used in construction.
Is bamboo more eco-friendly than wood?
Generally, yes. Bamboo grows much faster and requires fewer resources to produce, reducing deforestation pressure compared to slow-growing hardwoods. However, sustainably sourced wood from managed forests can also be eco-friendly, so the choice depends on sourcing, transporting and processing practices.
What are the environmental downsides?
Some production methods (e.g., using urea-formaldehyde adhesives) can release VOCs.
Large-scale bamboo plantations may replace natural forests or reduce biodiversity if not managed responsibly.
Is the glue used in bamboo furniture safe?
Many quality bamboo products now use low-VOC or formaldehyde-free adhesives, but cheaper items may still contain urea-formaldehyde. Look for “E0” or “E1” emission ratings or certifications like CARB Phase 2 or Greenguard.
Does bamboo furniture require special care?
Dust regularly, clean with a damp cloth (and dry immediately), and avoid excess moisture or direct sunlight. Outdoor bamboo furniture benefits from protective finishes or covers.
Where is bamboo furniture produced?
Most bamboo furniture is made in Asia – especially China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India – where bamboo grows naturally. Some sustainable brands also source and process bamboo locally in other regions.
Is all bamboo furniture eco-friendly by default?
Not always. Sustainability depends on responsible harvesting, eco-friendly processing, and safe adhesives. Look for FSC certification, low-VOC finishes, and transparent supply chains.
Author's Note
For me, bamboo is a clear winner in many applications, including furniture. I like its look, its touch, its simplicity, and its elegance. It pairs beautifully with white walls and plants, plays with bright and warm tones in the sunlight, is easy to maintain, and lasts for years.
Maybe it’s not the most common material for exclusive designer pieces – but who am I kidding? I’d never buy those anyway :)
I currently have bamboo shelves in both of my bathrooms, bamboo plant stands in the living room and kitchen, and another bamboo stand on my balcony. I also have a portable bamboo wine table for eating in bed, which I enjoy a lot. Even my cats are fans – they use bamboo feeders and a bamboo step chair they absolutely love.
#️⃣ Tags: Bamboo products