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Review: Green Woods Furniture
My first encounter with a Green Woods Furniture creation was just before Christmas when my girlfriend and I visited our friends' new home. They had spent the previous 6 months lovingly doing up their first house and this was their official unveiling to us. Despite the impressive facelift of a house neglected for over two decades, they were quick to lead us to their pride and joy – the bed.
The Brentwood - a Green Woods' favourite
It was plain to see this was no ordinary bed. Its shear size alone turned me green with envy. Its solid frame, made from restored timber, is built to last, future proofed for even the most vigorous of nocturnal activities. I should have known it was risky climbing aboard given that I had just returned from an afternoon of kayaking. My eyes faulted upon my head hitting the pillow and my body melting into the mattress. And did I say how big it is? 5 people abreast and we still had wriggle room.
But this bed, like all of Green Woods Furniture, has more than comfort, elegance and exuberance stacked in its favour. My friends were eager to disclose Green Woods' eco-credentials, knowing what a sticky green beak I am. All of their wooden furniture is made using wood either reclaimed (100% reclaimed wood from the UK) or from forests managed to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standards. Many pieces are exclusive and made by Bristol-based craftsmen, using locally sourced, sustainable and reclaimed wood.
Green Woods is able to offer a made-to-measure option for every product, as well as the option to have a bespoke piece made from scratch. "Our most popular bed (the Brentwood) is made from 100%, UK-sourced, reclaimed pine and can be made to the customer's exact requirements," says owner of Green Woods, Simon. "In fact, I don't think we've ever had two beds that have been exactly the same."
In November 2008, Green Woods celebrated its 1st anniversary and are confident about their future prospects. Simon said, "We have several new suppliers on board and an extension to the showroom completed; it seems it really does pay to be green in these testing times for the high street retailer."
"To be honest, we don't really see ourselves as being an 'eco-shop'," continues Simon, 'but more a quality retailer selling quality items – the difference being that we want to know, and we want the customer to know, exactly where a product has come from. Wood is a fantastic natural resource, but it is only sustainable if it is used in a responsible way. The guidelines we follow should, we believe, be standard policy for any retailer dealing in the furniture business."
So if you are looking to climb into green quilted heaven, head over to Green Woods Furniture showroom or move your mouse to www.greenwoodsfurniture.co.uk.
Article by Matt Fortnam
