Eco-Friendly Ideas
Healthy Living

Seven Decorating Tips to Make Your Home Healthier

Eco-Friendly Ideas
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Decorating your home certainly gives it character, but did you know it can also make your home healthier if done correctly? The truth is there are many different things you can do to make your home a healthier place to live and raise a family. If you would like to know how to achieve a healthier home by decorating appropriately, the following tips can help.

1. Choose Fabrics and Linens that are Eco-Friendly

While you are shopping for bedding, towels, and other linens for your home, be sure to look for items that are eco-friendly, meaning they are made from organic materials and natural dyes. Since organic materials are grown without added chemicals and pesticides, these often harmful substances will not make it into your home via fabrics and linens. Chemical dyes can also pose a risk to your family’s health. Look for items that have been colored with natural dyes to prevent any adverse health problems. Not only are these items better for your family, but they are much better for the environment as well.

2. Use Paint that is Low in VOCs

While painting is a relatively inexpensive way to transform the look of your home, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in paint can cause problems for both your family and the environment. These days paint manufacturers are taking steps to remove these chemicals, and there are now paints on the market with little to no VOCs. Be sure to use these healthier paints if you plan on painting any part of your home.

3. Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

Nowadays the majority of new appliances are considered energy efficient, but what does that really mean? Well, it means that these appliances use less energy, consume less water, and emit fewer harmful chemicals during operation, which in turn makes your home a healthier place. If you are in the market for new appliances, be sure to choose items that fall under this category.

4. Place Non-Toxic Plants Throughout Your Home

Plants can do great things for the air quality of your home, as they act as natural air filters. Plants are also wonderful decorations that look beautiful. Before purchasing any plants, take the time to research which plants are non-toxic and suitable for households with small children or pets, if you have them. Place several of these potted plants around your home to boost the quality of the air your family breathes.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Flooring

The flooring in your home can often pose threats to your family’s health and the environment. Luckily, there are many eco-friendly flooring options to choose from these days. If wood floors are what you want, be sure to look for flooring that is made from wood that is grown in sustainable forests. There are also flooring options available that have been created from recycled materials. If you are in the market for carpet, be sure to look for types that are free of harsh chemical dyes and stain-proofing materials, as these can be unhealthy for your family and pets. Consider area rugs that have been made with natural or organic materials such as cotton and jute, as they will be much healthier for your home.

6. Recycle Items in Your Home

Before you go out and purchase new furniture or decorations for your home, think about recycling the items that you already have. You may have to use some creativity, but most items can be transformed and recycled with just a little effort. For example, you can refinish chairs and other wooden furniture with eco-friendly stains and paints, which will change their look, save you from buying new ones, and make your home a healthier place.

7. Install Skylights and More Windows

Windows and skylights let in sunlight, which is great for the overall health of a home. Not only does sunlight warm a home naturally and cut down on furnace use, but it can also prevent damp areas and molds from forming. Windows also boost the air flow in a home, which is essential for the respiratory health of your family. If you are wondering how to make your home healthier, installing skylights and additional windows is definitely a step in the right direction.

All of these decorating tips can make your home healthier. These things, along with keeping your home clean using eco-friendly cleaners, will ensure you have a healthy, beautiful home that brings you many years of enjoyment.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for Area Rugs Online, a site that sells brand name area rugs and related supplies.

Karla Urwitz
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