Reclamation Yards – The Green Way Forward

by Caroline Hansen 

What could be more ‘green’ than renovating your home using recycled materials? Believe it or not, one of the trendiest shopping hobbies – visiting reclamation yards – is also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to source household furniture and fittings too. We have all seen those fashionable London types on television swooping down on Victorian claw footed baths with woops of delight, well why not get in on the act yourself!

A period home is an ideal setting for reclaimed internal hardwood doors as you are likely to find examples which are in keeping with the design of your home as well as perfectly proportioned for your door frames. Don’t forget to make sure the door handles are exactly right too – research the most relevant styles for the time your property was built before making a choice. Authentic floorboards are another ideal way to restore your period home in a sympathetic way, ensuring you are adding to the value of your house with all the restoration work you undertake.

www.flooringanddoors.co.uk are not the only things which may catch your eye at the nearest salvage yard. Look out for the perfect finishing touches such as light fittings, plaster mouldings and even wallpaper. Sanitary ware is another area of interest for many people, with baths and cisterns high on the list of desirable items. Many of these pieces may well be reproduction but this is not a problem if the integrity of the materials and finish is maintained.

Make the most of what is on offer of our countries rich heritage and furnish your home with unique, elegant objects that really have a story to tell. Your family will enjoy these pieces for years to come and you can rest assured that you are doing your bit for the environment too. Just perfect!

reclamation yard - photo by reclamation-yard.co.uk