Fake It To Make It- When To Use Synthetic Substitutes In Your Home Decor

Adding natural materials and elements to our home can be comforting. The sight of these natural materials and elements can make us feel relaxed and make us feel more connected to the great outdoors.

However, such materials and elements have their downsides such as being expensive and sometimes difficult to maintain. This has led to the creation of synthetic versions, which are cheaper and more convenient, while mimicking the rustic appearance of the real thing.

But are these artificial materials and elements always the best solution? Unfortunately, these plastics and digitized versions of nature can have their own issues that, in some instances, can make them inferior to the real thing. This post explores the pros and cons of real vs synthetic versions of natural materials/elements in the home.

Natural leather

Natural leather has long been a popular material for couches and armchairs. Made from animal hides, natural leather is known for its durability, lasting for years while developing a charming patina as it ages. Real leather furniture can often be a better investment than fake leather furniture providing it is well maintained. Due to its superior breathability, natural leather is also a good choice for those who live in hot climates who don’t like the stickiness of synthetic leather.

Synthetic leather

Engineered using PVC or polyurethane, synthetic leather is designed to imitate real leather and is often better suited to those on a tight budget. Unlike the real thing, it is also resistant to moisture and does not need conditioning making it a good low maintenance option (although synthetic leather does wear out more quickly than real leather). Because synthetic leather does not contain animal products, it is often popular among vegans. The use of plastic in synthetic leather can however create an ethical dilemma for some environmentalist vegans.

Natural stone

Sourced directly from the earth, natural stones like granite and limestone have long been used in the construction of homes for their durability and aesthetics. A natural stone countertop or floor can last for decades, and no two slabs of stone look the same. As a result, natural stone can add to the character of a home and greatly boost a property’s value (even if it can be expensive to install).

Synthetic stone

Synthetic stone is typically manufactured using stone fragments mixed with synthetic materials like cement and resins. Its manufacture comes with a high carbon footprint, making it unsuitable for environmentalists. Those looking for a cheap and low maintenance alternative to real stone however should consider synthetic stone. You can buy synthetic stone countertops and shower panels in a variety of colors and vein patterns and they can be very convincing. They’re also lighter, making them easier to work with. Just be wary that synthetic stone typically won’t add value to your home.

Natural wood

Natural wood reminds us of trees and the great outdoors. We are hardwired to find this material calming. And it’s such a versatile material - it can be used for everything from furniture to flooring to roofing. Due to being sustainable, natural wood is a good choice for environmentalists. Natural wood items also hold their value better than synthetic versions if well-maintained. Just remember that natural wood is very prone to moisture damage and should not be used in a bathroom or outdoors unless treated against moisture.

Synthetic wood

Synthetic wood can come in various levels of artificiality. The likes of MDF is still mostly natural wood fibers with some resin or wax mixed in. There are options like faux-wood vinyl that are completely plastic. Synthetic wood is often much more appropriate for those on a budget. It’s also much easier to maintain - laminate floors are typically much more popular than hardwood floors because they don’t scratch or stain as easily. Fully synthetic wood can also be a great option in environments like bathrooms or backyards - it’s waterproof while still mimicking the natural warmth of timber.

Natural plants

Houseplants are a way of literally breathing life into your home decor - they are living organisms that produce oxygen and help purify the air. Using natural plants outdoors can meanwhile improve local air quality while supporting all kinds of wildlife. If you’re serious about your health or you’re an environmentalist, real plants may be the only way to go. Looking after natural plants can also be a rewarding project.

Synthetic plants

Not everyone has the time or patience to look after real plants. The likes of fake flowers and artificial grass can help mimic the comforting appearance of natural plants without having to worry about the upkeep. These synthetic versions also last longer and you have more flexibility as to where you place them. A synthetic houseplant can be used to spruce up an interior room without having to be near a window, while artificial lawns can be great for shady backyards where real grass might struggle to grow.

Natural fire

Traditionally, all homes used to have a fireplace that would be used to provide warmth. Nowadays, natural fireplaces still have a rustic charm to them, and having a working one in your home can boost its value. Of course, few homes do have working natural fireplaces nowadays. A modern equivalent is the wood burner - which is generally more efficient and safe than an open fire. Fire pits and chimineas are also common outdoors, offering a cosy campfire feel and even allowing you the option to cook on them.

Synthetic fire

There are different levels of synthetic fireplaces: you have gas fireplaces that don’t burn wood but still use real fire, and then you have electric fireplaces with faux flames. Both solutions are much more popular than the real thing due to being lower maintenance, more cost-effective and safer. Electric fires are the safest and most economical option. They can provide warmth like a real fireplace, and are relatively easy to install. Artificial fire is less popular outdoors - while you can use electric patio heaters as an alternative to a fire pit, these heaters make no efforts to replicate real fire.

A mix of natural materials and synthetic materials is typically the best solution for a harmonious and practical home. Natural materials are often better for the environment, have superior health benefits and can add value to your home. Synthetic substitutes are more affordable, low maintenance and often more versatile in where you can put them - while still mimicking the attractive look of natural materials.