Furniture restoration and the circular economy: making an impact through small changes

In a world of fast furniture and overflowing landfills, the circular economy offers a new alternative. At its core, the circular economy is about keeping materials in use for as long as possible - reducing waste, lowering demand for new resources, and rethinking the idea that ‘old’ automatically means ‘useless’. 

Furniture restoration sits right at the heart of this idea. Well-made furniture, especially solid wood pieces, is often built to outlast trends, owners, and even houses. Restoring, repairing, or upcycling these items keeps them out of landfill and reduces the need for new manufacturing, which is one of the most resource-heavy parts of the furniture industry. 

Beyond sustainability, restored furniture tells a story. Each scratch, repair mark, and new finish carry stories and history that mass-produced items can’t replicate. Choosing restoration is both an environmental decision and a design statement... Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style. 

That’s exactly where my work fits in. Around 75% of my projects involve restoring clients’ existing furniture - pieces that already hold practical or sentimental value. The other 25% involves saving furniture destined for landfill, which I repair, refurbish, and sell to new loving homes.  To date, I’ve saved over 250 pieces of furniture, representing more than 1,000 hours of refinishing that kept usable items in circulation rather than discarded. 

I use eco-friendly methods wherever possible, around 95% of the time, only turning to other methods when a client specifically requests something with no sustainable alternative available. From structural repairs and full restorations to creative refurbishments, every project is approached with sustainability in mind. This commitment to sustainability was recognised in 2024, when I received the Best Sustainable Business Award at the Women’s Enterprise Awards. 

The booming furniture refinishing industry proves that small, thoughtful choices can create lasting change – it feels like a movement which is changing attitudes towards throwaway culture. One piece at a time, it helps build a more circular, less wasteful future, and we get to enjoy our beautiful furniture for longer.