5 Sustainable Materials We Love

Because the most beautiful materials are often the most responsible ones.

At House of Thayer, we believe great design starts with what it’s made from. The textures, finishes, and origins of a material shape not only how a space looks — but how it lives. Our philosophy is simple: materials should do more than decorate; they should endure with grace, tell stories, and tread lightly on the planet.

Here are five sustainable materials we can’t stop sourcing — for ourselves, for our clients, and for our curated vintage offerings.

1. Reclaimed Wood

Old wood, new life.

Reclaimed wood brings instant depth to a space — knots, nail holes, and weather-worn grain tell a story no new lumber can match. Sourcing salvaged wood from old barns, deconstructed buildings, or fallen trees not only honors craftsmanship of the past but also diverts material from landfills and reduces demand for newly harvested timber.

🌎 Sustainability stat: Reclaimed wood prevents up to 11 million tons of usable wood from being landfilled each year in the U.S. alone.¹
💡 Use it for: tabletops, shelving, flooring, cabinetry, or architectural elements.

2. Flax (a.k.a. Linen)

From seed to fiber, flax is a masterclass in regeneration.

Flax is the humble plant behind linen — a light, breathable textile that ages beautifully and is among the most sustainable fibers on Earth. It requires no irrigation other than rainfall, thrives in poor soil, and every part of the plant can be used (hello, zero waste).

🌎 Sustainability stat: Flax cultivation requires 20x less water than cotton and produces 250% more fiber per hectare.²
💡 Use it for: upholstery, drapery, bedding, lampshades, wallcoverings.

3. Unlacquered Brass

Metal with memory.

Unlike coated or faux finishes, unlacquered brass evolves over time. It starts bright, but slowly softens into a golden brown patina with use — a tactile story told through touch. Brass is infinitely recyclable and doesn’t degrade in quality, making it both beautiful and circular.

🌎 Sustainability stat: Brass is 100% recyclable with no loss in performance. Nearly 90% of brass alloys are made from recycled content.³
💡 Use it for: hardware, fixtures, lighting, and accent details that invite touch.

4. Wool

Nature’s original performance textile.

Wool is renewable, biodegradable, breathable, and flame-resistant — all without chemical intervention. When sourced responsibly, it’s one of the longest-wearing natural fibers available, with inherent resistance to stains and odors.

🌎 Sustainability stat: One sheep can produce up to 8 pounds of wool per year — and it decomposes in soil within 6 months.⁴
💡 Use it for: rugs, upholstery, throws, insulation, and wall panels.

5. Lime Plaster

Stone, softened.

Lime plaster is ancient — used in Roman walls and Moroccan riads — and still one of the most sustainable wall finishes around. It’s VOC-free, naturally mold-resistant, and breathable. Over time, it actually absorbs CO₂ as it cures, acting like a mini carbon sink inside your space.

🌎 Sustainability stat: Lime absorbs about 60% of the CO₂ emitted during its production as it cures, unlike cement which continues to emit.⁵
💡 Use it for: walls, fireplaces, niches, and sculptural surfaces.

The Takeaway?

Sustainability isn’t just about the label — it’s about longevity.

We’re not interested in fleeting trends or greenwashed buzzwords. At House of Thayer, we seek materials that age well, repair beautifully, and carry a legacy — because good design is built on good choices.

Want to go deeper?
👉 Download our free guide: Material Matters: A Beginner’s Guide
It’s full of insight on what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose pieces that are both timeless and low-impact.

Or shop our latest curation of sustainably minded vintage and new designs → Visit our shop.

Sources

¹ EPA: Municipal Solid Waste Data
² European Confederation of Flax and Hemp
³ Copper Development Association
⁴ Woolmark Company
⁵ Lime Green Products