Eco-Friendly Paints for Sustainable Homes: Where to Buy in Bristol
- Han Redden
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Eco-friendly paints for sustainable homes are easier to find than ever, especially here in Bristol.
It’s impossible to not start thinking about colour when April rolls around. This time of year always feels like a wonderful exhalation, an explosion of tones and hues, with nature showing us the full force of her beauty and ability to inspire.
I’m lucky to live in a city with no shortage of lush green spaces, and seeing flowers blooming and (hopefully) blue skies up above always gets me in the mood to explore more colours, and to seek out more ways to bring vibrancy to my designs.
It’s also the perfect time to continue exploring ways in which we, as designers and lovers of interiors, can level up our sustainability credentials and green habits. Eco-friendly paints for sustainable homes have never been more accessible, and it’s exciting to see a growing range of beautiful, conscious finishes on offer.
Why Eco-Friendly Paints for Sustainable Homes Matter
Where to find eco-friendly paints for sustainable homes in Bristol — from local favourites like Annie Sloan & Earthborn to upcycled gems and budget-friendly options.
Let’s be realistic: when it comes to choosing paint for your next interior design project, the chances are that finding the right colour for your needs is likely to be your top priority. However, it’s increasingly important to think about the products we’re using, their contents and environmental impact - we’ve all got a part to play when it comes to making environmentally-friendly choices and changes.
But what exactly is eco-friendly paint, and why does it make such a difference? More importantly, which eco credentials should you be keeping an eye out for? Let’s take a closer look at the importance of eco-friendly paints, who’s producing the best examples, and where in Bristol you can pick up your own low-VOC and non-toxic paints for your next project.
What’s the difference between eco-friendly and ‘conventional’ paints?
Eco-friendly paints for sustainable homes are a smart, stylish choice. They’re safer for your space, kinder to the environment, and easy to find locally in Bristol.
Simply put, eco-friendly paints are those which consist of natural and sustainable materials and ingredients. Their manufacture should be kinder to the environment and made according to sustainable principles, and they should have a positive impact on air quality and reducing pollutants.
The reason conventional paints so often fall behind in this regard is because they tend to be oil-based. As such, they need to be cleaned from brushes and rollers with chemical agents (such as white spirit), whereas water-based or chalk-based paints are less synthetic and are gentler on the environment.
You’ve only got to look at the ingredients list on conventional paint pots to get a clearer picture: they usually content microplastics (the undeniable scourge of our ecosystems), synthetic dyes, acrylics, preservatives, vinyl resin, ammonia and formaldehyde, solvents and all kinds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to name but a few. All of these - and a whole lot more - cause harm to the environment, and we should all be a lot more conscious of the materials we’re consuming.
Now, compare this to eco-friendly paint, such as those produced by Annie Sloan Paints (a personal hero of mine, whose entire methodology is based around sustainable, mindful production and consumption): natural raw materials take centre stage, and VOCs are considerably reduced. The results are absolutely stunning, and the benefits they bring to our shared environment cannot be overstated. You’ll find Annie Sloan’s chalk paints and more at retailers including Surroundings (Thornbury), Dog Head Designs (Clevedon) and Rossiters of Bath - I’m sure that once tried, you won’t look back!
Chalk Paint™ by Annie Sloan is one of my absolute go-tos. It comes in the most gorgeous range of colours, goes on pretty much any surface (yes, even plastic!), and dries super fast — so you can get cracking with your next coat without hanging around. Whether you're updating furniture, floors or walls, it’s an easy, low-fuss way to get beautiful, velvety results.
Where in Bristol can I find eco-friendly paint?
We’re so lucky in Bristol to have access to so many green retailers and sustainable businesses on our doorstep, and it’s simply never been easier to get your hands on eco-friendly paints and other environmentally friendly products. Here’s some of my favourite local businesses that I love to recommend.
Earthborn - Welcome to a world of beautiful, environmentally friendly paints.
Support Local: Discover Earthborn Paints at Nola Interiors
If you're thinking about refreshing your home, consider supporting local by visiting Nola Interiors on Gloucester Road. They proudly stock the beautiful, eco-conscious range from Earthborn Paints.
Rather than heading straight to the big chains like B&Q, Nola offers a more personal experience and expert advice, right on your doorstep. And if you pop in, be sure to say hi to Finnola, she’s absolutely lovely and incredibly knowledgeable about the range.
Earthborn Paints are certified clay-based and non-toxic, delivering a stunning, eco-friendly finish without compromising on quality. Their breathable formulas are ideal for older properties, helping walls stay healthy over time. Because they’re non-toxic, they’re also a brilliant choice for children’s rooms, furniture, and even toys.
With a palette full of earthy, calming tones, it’s easy to see why Earthborn has earned such a loyal following, and you can explore it all in person at Nola Interiors.
Shop sustainably, support local.
Shop sustainably, support local.
Greenshop Paints, Gloucestershire-based online store
Committed to stocking only near-zero VOC paints, Greenshop Paints is a Cotswolds-based business with a thriving online presence… and it’s not hard to see why. This fiercely independent store represents everything I love about the eco-friendly interiors industry, seeking out the very best producers of sustainable paints and finishes (including Auro Paints, which I’d highly recommend), and championing natural paints made from chalk, lime and clay.
If you - like me - love nothing more than browsing tones, hues and textures, their ecommerce store is bound to be a brand new favourite, and with 25 years of experience, they’ve got all the knowledge you could wish for should you need help choosing a product.
Frenchic Paint
On the hunt for low-VOC paints that suit your vegan lifestyle? Look no further than Frenchic Paint, available from the ever-brilliant The House Doctor in Bristol.
From subtle hues inspired by the gardens of Provence to more vibrant, popping tones perfect for all your upcycling projects, Frenchic’s range of vegan, non-toxic and natural-based paints are really worth getting excited about. With paints specifically crafted for metallic finishes, al fresco decoration, wall trims and unique artisanal looks, it’s impossible not to get inspired when browsing their selection!
Community RePaint Bristol (Various Locations)
As the world wakes up to the pressing need for more sustainable practices across all industries, all households and all areas of life, it’s initiatives like Community RePaint that show me all’s not lost. For the past 30 years, this nationwide collective has been slashing waste in the interior design and decorating scene, simply by collecting and redistributing leftover paint which otherwise would have been tossed away and ended up in landfill.
It’s not only a fabulous way of protecting our ecosystem - and not least our rivers, which are struggling due to the amount of toxic waste finding its way into our waterways - but also a great place to pick up low-cost paint for your next project. The initiative serves households, businesses and schools, as well as eco-conscious projects of all types, providing affordable pre-loved paints and helping the environment one pot at a time.
In Summary: A Greener Brushstroke for Bristol
Whether you're freshening up a front room or giving an old chair new life, there's never been a better time to choose eco-friendly paints, and Bristol’s bursting with brilliant local spots to help you do just that. From the chalky charm of Annie Sloan to Earthborn’s breathable beauty at Nola Interiors (hi Finnola! 👋), you’re spoiled for green choices. Support local, shop sustainably, and paint happy, your walls (and the planet) will thank you.
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