This review explores recent advancements in bio-based wood protective systems, emphasizing the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives and circular economy principles. The study investigates the use of natural compounds and biopolymers to enhance wood coatings, focusing on their protective and aesthetic qualities. Essential oils, vegetable oils, and bio-based polymers are evaluated for their potential in creating sustainable coating matrices. The review also examines efforts to counter weathering and biological decay using natural compounds and extracts, highlighting the effectiveness of bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical preservatives. Sustainable pigments and dyes are incorporated to improve both protective and aesthetic properties of wood coatings. The review discusses the integration of bio-based fillers and natural-pigment dyes into wood coatings, emphasizing their role in enhancing durability and sustainability. The study highlights the continuous efforts of academia and industry to improve wood coatings' effectiveness, durability, and sustainability while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Key findings include the use of vegetable oils, natural biopolymers, and bio-based preservatives to enhance wood protection. The review also discusses the potential of bio-based fillers and additives in improving weathering resistance, mechanical properties, and environmental sustainability of wood coatings. The study underscores the importance of further research to optimize the performance of bio-based materials in wood coatings.This review explores recent advancements in bio-based wood protective systems, emphasizing the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives and circular economy principles. The study investigates the use of natural compounds and biopolymers to enhance wood coatings, focusing on their protective and aesthetic qualities. Essential oils, vegetable oils, and bio-based polymers are evaluated for their potential in creating sustainable coating matrices. The review also examines efforts to counter weathering and biological decay using natural compounds and extracts, highlighting the effectiveness of bio-based alternatives to traditional chemical preservatives. Sustainable pigments and dyes are incorporated to improve both protective and aesthetic properties of wood coatings. The review discusses the integration of bio-based fillers and natural-pigment dyes into wood coatings, emphasizing their role in enhancing durability and sustainability. The study highlights the continuous efforts of academia and industry to improve wood coatings' effectiveness, durability, and sustainability while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Key findings include the use of vegetable oils, natural biopolymers, and bio-based preservatives to enhance wood protection. The review also discusses the potential of bio-based fillers and additives in improving weathering resistance, mechanical properties, and environmental sustainability of wood coatings. The study underscores the importance of further research to optimize the performance of bio-based materials in wood coatings.