Many overlook the importance of sustainable, natural decor when styling their interiors. However, what you put in your household could greatly implicate your health and well-being. Before buying new furniture and decorative items to fill your space, you should learn about the safest materials for better indoor air quality and comfort.
Why Do Materials Matter in a Healthy Home?
It’s crucial to consider whether home decor is made from healthy, sustainable materials to create cleaner living spaces for all household members. Some products are comprised of acrylic and polyester, while others release harmful gases like volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and phthalates. These lower your home’s air quality and cause numerous respiratory issues and allergies.
Thoughtful design choices ensure each room is as clean and healthy as possible. This means looking for more natural materials with low environmental impacts and a greater potential for indoor comfort. With health- and eco-conscious decorative items, you can create the ultimate space for your physical and mental well-being.
Decor Choices for Healthy Home Design
It is best to look for products made from linen, wool and organic cotton — which are breathable and versatile. Wood, cork and bamboo are also sustainable and add warmth to home designs. As a renewable resource, bamboo is especially attractive for flooring or wall paneling.
Likewise, paint, stains, composite wood, carpets and some pressed furniture commonly contain VOCs. Always practice your due diligence by checking for harmful chemicals on labels. For example, the internationally recognized and independent certification program Greenguard ensures goods meet the requirements for low VOCs. The certification analyzes products for 10,000 chemicals, limiting 365 toxic compounds.
Adequate ventilation is equally essential when decorating a healthy home and can be worked into the design. For example, when placed strategically, replacing windows with newer energy-efficient models and installing skylights allow more natural light into the house and improve airflow.
Adding greenery is another thoughtful decorative choice, as some plants even purify indoor air. Spider plants, aloe vera, golden pothos and snake plants are low-maintenance options with aesthetic appeal.
Tips and Tricks for Sourcing Healthy Home Decor
Sourcing sustainable decor for healthier living may seem challenging for a beginner. However, there are easy ways to determine whether a decorative piece suits your eco-friendly, healthy home.
1. Check Labels and Certifications
In addition to Greenguard, you should look at product labels for Oeko-Tex and Global Organic Textile Standard certifications to determine if the textiles are safe for your home. Household products undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by third-party issuers to receive approval. As long as goods carry a certification label, you can ensure the product is safe and sustainable.
2. Do Your Research Before Buying
Always research in advance before shopping for health- and eco-conscious decor. Having a plan makes purchasing furniture, fabrics and other items more manageable than entering a store and having to guess.
To further guarantee a brand or product is all it claims to be, read reviews and check ratings to determine its safety.
3. Include Upcycle and Do-It-Yourself Items
Upcycling natural furnishings gives beautiful decor a second life in your home. Antique furniture is often made of nontoxic materials and is of better quality anyway. Likewise, you can create your own decor to have better control over what goes into each item.
For instance, you might make soy candles with essential oils to reduce the particulate matter they emit when lit. Other DIY projects might include macramé wall art, painted flower pots using low-VOC paint, knit throw blankets and hand-sewn pillows and upholstery.
Another way to keep a healthy home is to clean your thoughtful decor with homemade cleaning solutions using everyday ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and olive oil.
A Sustainable Home Is a Healthy Home
Sustainability and health go hand in hand when decorating your house. By making thoughtful decor choices to achieve your preferred style, you can create a healthier and safer living space for everyone.