What home furnishings are best for people with allergies?
In planning for allergy-free spaces, one should consider the entire home.
Included in this environment are window coverings, wall finishes, floor products and finishes, floor coverings, hard surfaces such as countertops and cabinetry, and upholstered furniture coverings.
Therefore, home furnishings include more than the furniture in the house.
Be sure to minimize products and finishes that trap dust, such as heavy draperies, wall-to-wall carpeting (unless the pile is very short), and furniture coverings made of 100 percent man-made fibers.
Good indoor air quality is also a consideration. Try to avoid the following products as they may contain vapors that are toxic in the indoor environment: plastic window shades, wallpaper pastes and glues, and petrochemical- based products for floors, countertops and furniture.
Now, here is the good news:
Selecting products and finishes that promote health is easier and more fun than you may think. There are many eco-friendly products that do not generate house dust or noxious vapors.
In the decorating department, consider creating a top window treatment with painted wood or tile valances.
Add interest with a rich paint color or decorative treatment, such as a tile design that covers an entire wall in a kitchen or bath.
A hard-surfaced flooring such as hardwood, slate or other natural stone, or nonporous ceramic tile, is a beautiful canvas for area rugs. Floors should be made of products that do not require waxing and that are easily cleaned of dust.
Natural-fiber fabrics are the best selections for furniture upholstery. There are several fabric blends that are acceptable.
The reward for careful sourcing will be an environmentally balanced interior that’s also comfortable and beautiful.
Denver interior designer Shelley Black of the Fleming Black Group, 303-715-9030 or shelley_black@att.biz
To “Ask the Experts” design and remodeling questions, send e-mail to marina@denverdesign.com. Responses are compiled for Room by the Denver Design District, or 303-282-3226.
