The excitement surrounding the recent boom of eco-friendly furniture is partially due to the environmental advantages of these pieces, but some of that enthusiasm can be attributed to design. As furniture makers experiment with new materials - everything from banana leaves to rubber sandals - their approach to design is also changing. Shapes and forms are becoming as innovative as the recycled, organic, and sustainable materials they are created with. Here's a look at some of our favorite environmentally savvy pieces right now. - CHRISTOPHER MUTHER
Green Chair by Chair Couture
Margaret Elman indulges in the ultimate recycling program by finding one-of-a-kind French and Italian antique chairs and beds, then reupholstering them in eye-popping prints. Starting at $7,000 at chaircouture.com or 646-486-0841.
Project table and stools by Eco-Tots
This birch plywood table and stools are made from formaldehyde-free, certified, renewable materials. The set, stained with nontoxic paints, is designed to be used by kids who either like to sit or kneel over their coloring books at the table. $360 at modernnursery.com.
Sanibel chair and ottoman by Rowe
The Sanibel is covered in abaca fibers, a fast-growing plant from the banana family that is often used to make rope and twine. At this spring’s mammoth High Point Furniture Market, abaca was quickly becoming the new eco-standard for rattan. Chair is $720, ottoman is $460. Available June 1 at Circle Furniture.
Miss Rio ottoman by Design Within Reach
Karin Wittmann Wilsmann's multicolored foot stool resembles a muppet more than a piece of furniture. It’s created from recycled flip-flops. The footwear rubber is shredded, requiring no further manufacturing. $350 at Design Within Reach stores and at dwr.com.
Jardin chair by Crate & Barrel
The 1940s-inspired chair is made with a sustainable, hardwood frame and features cushions that contain a percentage of soy foam and plant-based fibers. $799 at Crate & Barrel stores and crateandbarrel.com.
Cradle by Celery
The Montana-based Celery creates its modern furniture from fast-growing bamboo, recycled fiberboard, and nontoxic adhesives. The no-tool assembly incorporates the mortise and tenon joinery as part of the sleek design. $510-$590 at 2Modern.com
