5 Sustainable Materials for Modern Interior Design

Discover 5 sustainable materials transforming modern interiors. Learn about their benefits, uses, top Indian brands, and pricing for eco-friendly home design.
Discover 5 sustainable materials transforming modern interiors. Learn about their benefits, uses, top Indian brands, and pricing for eco-friendly home design.
S
ustainability in interior design is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. As eco-conscious living takes center stage, designers and homeowners are seeking materials that not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance aesthetics and functionality. Sustainable materials are redefining the future of interiors, offering innovative ways to create beautiful, efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces.

What Are Sustainable Materials?

Sustainable materials are those derived from renewable or recycled resources and are designed to minimize environmental harm throughout their lifecycle. These materials are typically energy-efficient, biodegradable, or recyclable, making them ideal for eco-friendly interiors in both residential and office space interiors.

Whether you're designing a minimalist home or a high-performance green office, integrating sustainable interiors enhances well-being, reduces your carbon footprint, and supports long-term design durability.

Why Choose Sustainable Materials for Interiors?

Choosing eco-friendly interiors is more than a trend—it's a conscious step toward healthier spaces and a healthier planet.

  • Eco-Impact: Reduce carbon footprint by using renewable resources.
  • Durability: Many sustainable materials are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.
  • Health Benefits: Free of harmful chemicals, improving indoor air quality.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Natural textures and finishes bring warmth, tactility, and uniqueness to interiors.

Top 5 Sustainable Materials for Interior Design

1. Jute: The Golden Fiber

Jute, often called the “golden fiber,” is a biodegradable and renewable material sourced from the jute plant. Its earthy texture fits beautifully in both traditional homes and modern sustainable interiors.

Benefits

  • Naturally fire-resistant and moisture-wicking.
  • Versatile for use in rugs, curtains, and wall décor.
  • Affordable and widely available.

Best Brands in India

  • Fabindia: Eco-friendly jute rugs and mats.
  • The Rug Republic: Stylish jute-based products.

Pricing

  • Rugs: ₹1,000–₹10,000
  • Upholstery: ₹500–₹800/meter

Where to Use

  • Area rugs in office lounge areas
  • Upholstery for chairs and ottomans
  • Light curtains or wall hangings for natural interiors

2. Clay Tiles: Timeless and Earthy

Overview


Clay tiles are made from natural clay baked at high temperatures. They’re ideal for eco-friendly interior flooring and walls, especially in climates where thermal insulation matters.

Benefits

  • Excellent thermal insulation
  • Long-lasting and low maintenance
  • Non-toxic, safe for children and pets

Best Brands in India

  • Kajaria Ceramics
  • Orient Bell

Pricing

  • ₹40–₹150 per sq. ft.

Where to Use

  • Flooring in kitchens and bathrooms
  • Office space interiors in breakout or waiting areas
  • Decorative backsplashes and wall accents

3. Coconut Shell Composite: Upcycled Elegance

Overview


This material repurposes discarded coconut shells into beautiful composite panels—perfect for statement walls and eco-luxury interiors.

Benefits

  • Zero-waste and highly sustainable
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Adds a rich, natural aesthetic to your space

Best Brands in India

  • Greenlam Laminates
  • Natura Décor

Pricing

  • ₹300–₹800 per sq. ft. for tiles
  • ₹500–₹1,000 per decorative panel

Where to Use

  • Accent walls in executive offices
  • Eco-friendly reception areas
  • Custom tabletops or brand walls

4. Recycled Fabrics: Ethical and Stylish

Overview


Recycled fabrics are created from discarded textiles or plastic waste, combining sustainability with softness and design flexibility.

Benefits

  • Low environmental impact
  • Breathable and durable
  • Fade-resistant

Best Brands in India

  • D’Decor
  • Welspun

Pricing

  • ₹300–₹800/meter

Where to Use

  • Upholstery for lounge or waiting area seating
  • Drapes or acoustic panels in open-plan office interiors
  • Decorative cushions for biophilic spaces

5. Stone Veneers: Lightweight Natural Luxury

Overview


Stone veneers offer the beauty of real stone without the environmental cost of full slabs. Their thin profile makes them ideal for contemporary brand interiors.

Benefits

  • Reduces natural stone usage
  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Elegant, high-end look

Best Brands in India

  • Classic Marble Company (CMC)
  • A-Class Marble

Pricing

  • ₹300–₹1,000 per sq. ft.

Where to Use

  • Reception backdrops
  • Feature walls in boardrooms
  • Kitchen islands or side counters

Sustainable Interiors for Office Spaces

As workplaces shift toward wellness-driven design, the use of green materials in office space interiors is no longer optional—it’s expected. From eco-friendly flooring to breathable recycled textiles, incorporating sustainable interiors in offices helps:

  • Improve employee well-being
  • Boost brand reputation
  • Earn green certifications like LEED or WELL
  • Reduce energy consumption and operational costs

At Rubenius, our design philosophy integrates eco-conscious materials with spatial planning to create immersive, productive, and responsible workspaces.

Conclusion

Incorporating sustainable materials in interior design is not just an eco-friendly choice—it’s a step toward creating timeless, healthy, and beautiful spaces. From the earthy charm of jute and clay tiles to the innovative use of coconut composites and stone veneers, these materials open new possibilities for sustainable living and working environments.

Want to design an eco-friendly interior for your office, showroom, or commercial space?
Contact Rubenius for sustainable design solutions that blend beauty, function, and environmental responsibility.

Related reading

Explore topics

Want to stay updated?

If you’re interested in learning more or you’d like to read our in depth guides, join our newsletter.

Thank you!
Oops! Something went wrong