Happy Arbor Day!

If there’s one day to go faux, it’s National Arbor Day -- the day we celebrate our trees.

You can infuse the look of wood grain in your home decor with the so-called “faux bois” trend that is so popular these days.

Branch Cabinet from Global Views

Cyan Designs

Bronze Branch Candleholder from Global Views

Faux Bois Lamp from Cyan Designs

Side Table, Cyan Designs

Side Table & Hall Table, Global Views

Twig Candelabra, Global Views

But that’s not the only way to save old-growth forests when decorating and furnishing your home. You can turn to wood from certified sources or plantation-grown trees or use alternate sources, such as rapid renewables or recycled content.


Deforestation is the cause of 24 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming. (Source: Baumert, Herzog, Pershing Greenhouse Gas Data and Int'l Climate Policy 2007)  As I mentioned in my Earth Day blog post, if you can make  an eco-friendly choice in decorating, why wouldn’t you?


The popularity of the faux bois trend makes it easy. French for “false wood,” faux bois items are inspired by the look of wood but are made of materials such as concrete, metal and resin -- for example, a white ceramic vase made to look like birch wood. Or they can take the form of pillows, rugs or wallpaper. These items pictured here are available through Decor & You vendors, but they are readily available in retail stores, as well.

Faux Bois Concrete Chair, Currey & Conpany

Concrete Outdoor Bench, Currey & Company

Stores increasingly are stocking furnishings made from lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an organization that promotes responsible stewardship of the world’s forests through every step in the manufacturing process. Look for this certification as you shop.


Or, look for furniture made from trees that are fast-growing, renewable resources. Mango, bamboo, rubber wood, wicker, rattan sea grass and abaca are examples of “green” alternatives to traditional wood products. Bamboo can grow more than one foot each day, and reeds commonly are harvested by small farmers and villagers.

Plantation-grown Mango Wood Tables from Uttermost

As a Green Accredited Professional through the Sustainable Furnishings Council, I work with suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and designers who are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices. Feel free to contact me at aboesen@decorandyou.com for more advice on wood-friendly decorating. Happy Arbor Day!