The Top 10 Eco-Friendly Flooring Ideas

Green is beautiful, and these floors prove it. Here are some ideas to add sustainable style to any room, on any budget.

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April 17, 2015

By: Amanda Wills

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Handwoven Jute

We love when our favorite big-box stores carry legitimate sustainable products. West Elm's handwoven Boucle Rug is made from 100 percent Indian jute, an affordable vegetable fiber that can be spun into durable threads. While we're fond of the trendy slate color, the reversible jute rug is also available in a rainbow of neutral hues.

Eclectic Palette

If you have an outdoor wooden deck, you know how quickly sunlight, rain and snow can make that fresh timber turn ashy gray. Spanish tile manufacturer PLAZA uses ceramic instead of timber, which saves valuable trees and emissions used to chop and transport. We love this EcoWood mix because of its rustic texture and interesting color scheme. Best of all, it's made from 85 percent recycled materials and won't fade under that bright sun.

Bamboo Texture

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, and there's always a surplus of supplies. During the past few years, interior designers have been incorporating the durable material in new mediums like rugs and window treatments. This slate gray cotton-trim rug, complete with nonslip backing, fits in easily with any room design style. Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Recycled Carpet

Hardwood may be chic, but carpet is just plain comfortable and often cheaper. However, carpet is difficult to recycle because it's made up of so many types of materials. Think ahead and go with a carpet that's already made from recycled materials. Bentley Prince Street puts beauty and sustainability first when creating carpets. In fact, the company is committed to its goal of eliminating any negative impact it may have on the environment by the year 2020.

Flip-Flop Rug

Here's a great place to wipe your feet. Hipcycle's flip-flop rug is made from scrap material from flip-flop shoe factories in the Philippines. Otherwise destined for the landfill, this flip-flop material has never been worn, so no need for that "ick" factor. Simply spray off debris for easy cleaning. A sure conversation-starter, a flip-flop rug looks great on the porch or down by the pool.

Plastic Bottle Porch

LEED Gold-Certified Rill Architects designed this home with the eco-consumer in mind. This wraparound deck is made from recycled plastic bottles. Just as sturdy as wood, the Fiberon composite recycled decking comes with a 20-year warranty, meaning your back porch will look as good as new for many seasons. Fiberon comes in several shades and textures, from traditional grains to exotic hardwoods. Photography by James Ray Spahn

Moroccan Twist

Nothing says classic like a gorgeous vintage Moroccan rug. This folk art rug by Nazmiyal was handmade by combining materials from twisted old clothing and recycled fabrics that have been around for years, giving it that perfectly worn look and feel. Each rug has its unique pattern, meaning your home decor truly is one-of-a kind.

Ceramic Wood

At first glance, this flooring looks like hardwood, but it's actually a porcelain tile made from 85 percent recycled material that doesn't require shining or refinishing. Made in Spain, the PLAZA EcoWood flooring comes in a trendy light gray that pairs well with modern furnishings.

A Better Hardwood

It looks like the standard hardwood you may have in your home, but Rill Architects used reclaimed white oak floors throughout this living area. You'll especially love this flooring if you live in a climate with frigid winters — reclaimed white oak is the ideal wood for radiant heating. Best of all, it's resistant to rot and wear, so it will last long enough to build those memories in your home. Photography by James Ray Spahn

Natural Wool Rug

An eco-friendly rug can be chic too. Its resiliency makes it a popular choice in homes, and its durability makes it last for years to come. The natural fibers of the rug make it a great fit for any eco-friendly home. Design by HGTV fan onlythebest