Green Solution: Repurposing Furniture and Using Sunny Spaces

One of the easiest ways to be eco-friendly is repurposing old furniture instead of throwing it away. Simply sanding down the furniture, re-painting it, or using it for another function can bring new life to a piece. It also diverts waste from landfills and prevents the harvesting of new trees for wooden furniture. In this project, we converted an old armoire into a drop-down game table and storage console.

Another way to make use of an existing resource is converting unused patio space into a sunroom. Enclosing the space effectively utilizes sun exposure and sustainable energy. The glass significantly reduces harmful UV rays, protecting your family as well as furniture and artwork. The added heat intake reduces energy consumption and your utility bill, and it also lightens and brightens a room.

Product Information for Items Used in this Room Makeover:

sunroom — Admiral Sunrooms
sofa (Venice Holly sofa in maise) — Jennifer Convertibles
pillow (Martha Stewart Everyday 3-Star item #02882852770); rocker pillow (Abbey Hill Venetian Cinnamon decorative pillow, model #96164714) — Kmart
coffee table (Leksvik item #30045484); ottoman (Ektorp Bromma footstool item #20047370); bookshelves (Hensvik Bookcase item #40072735); curtains (Vivan Curtain item #10083542); sunroom coffee table (Lack Coffee Table) — IKEA
fabrics on storage cubes (Skeleton Leaves 8x10 item #845591; Metal Leaves item #842405); clearance table covers; throw blanket (micro-plush blue throw item #838228) — Anna’s Linens
sunroom rocking chair (Garden Treasures Traditional Porch Rocker, item #227591, model #250SW-RTA) — Lowe's
sunroom furniture paint (American Signature yellow); sunroom lighting (Hampton Bay Flex Starter Kit, model #EC2160BA, catalog #100323212); living room ceiling fan (52-inch Huntington III QI white, model #46006, catalog #100564887); paint for wainscoting (Behr Ultra Bright White); paint (green base coat, Sherwin-Williams Nurture Green SW6451); paint for harlequin pattern above wainscoting (Nurture Green mixed with Behr Ultra Bright); paint in entryway (Sherwin-Williams Ambitious Amber SW6366); paint in sunroom (Sherwin-Williams Icy SW6534) — Home Depot
candleholders (Clearance Section, blue and clear glass) — Ross