There are countless home decor ideas and tips out there. Whether in catalogs, on blogs, or on Pinterest, we find inspiration everywhere. Unfortunately, however, the focus is usually on the products’ appearance rather than the materials used. As a result, synthetic materials are the most common choice in most households. To help you make your home as healthy as possible, this article introduces the best natural materials—ones that are not only good for the environment and your health but also look great!
A Healthy Coat of Paint Thanks to Natural Materials
Even when choosing wall paint, you should make sure to use natural paints. Natural paints—also known as eco-friendly or organic paints—are paints made from natural raw materials. These are primarily of plant or mineral origin. With natural paints, manufacturers avoid using chemical solvents, which can significantly impact the indoor air quality in your bedroom and also pose health risks. Natural wall paints include, among others, clay paints, lime paints, distemper, and natural resin-based emulsion paints.
Conventional wall paint contains chemical solvents, which are very harmful to the indoor environment and your health. These solvents remain in your bedroom for years after painting and can have a negative impact on your health. A healthy indoor environment is especially important in the bedroom, since we are particularly exposed to household toxins while we sleep. Natural paints do not contain such chemical solvents, and water often serves as the base for this type of paint.
Solid Wood Furniture
Solid wood pieces are a good choice for your furniture. Furniture may only be labeled as “solid wood” if it is made from solid wood that is not veneered and consists of a single type of wood. The wood used is often oak, beech, or pine. Only the back panels and drawer bottoms do not necessarily have to be made of solid wood. With solid wood, adhesives and varnishes are used to join the pieces of wood together and seal them. Make sure that these adhesives are free of volatile organic compounds. Solid Wood Furniture are real eye-catchers and are considered sturdy, stable, and durable. Here you'll learn what the difference is between solid wood and real wood.
Solid Wood Furniture
Solid wood furniture is also a sustainable option for enhancing the health and quality of your home. Solid wood is quite challenging to work with and is therefore slightly more expensive than other types of wood. Solid wood is sourced directly from a tree trunk, which is then sawn into planks. This type of furniture looks truly great and high-quality. Even if you have to spend a little more, it’s worth the investment.
Choosing a Bed
Since you spend most of your time in your bedroom, in your bed, it’s especially important that your bed be made from healthy, natural materials. Of course, there are other types of beds that aren’t made of solid wood but are still sustainable. Box-spring beds and upholstered beds can also be made from natural materials.
When purchasing a bed—or furniture in general—it’s essential to pay close attention to the certifications of the manufacturers and their products. Natural upholstered beds, for example, may be made of flax fiber and feature a linen cover. Linen is a very eco-friendly and lightweight material, perfect for an upholstered bed. The wood used for beds and other furniture should come from PEFC-certified forests. This label certifies that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Home Textiles
When choosing your bedding—including pillowcases and other items—materials such as hemp, linen, organic cotton, or Tencel are good options. Compared to conventional cotton, organic cotton is more resource-efficient in terms of water consumption. It is also free of toxins and chemicals, and natural fertilizers are used instead. Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is a man-made natural fiber. Tencel is a cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp and is known for its excellent thermal properties and exceptional softness. Some comforters, towels, and other items are made from this material.
When it comes to pillows, you should also opt for natural materials. If you like, you can choose feather or down pillows. However, these types of pillows are not vegan and involve animal suffering. Another type of pillow is the foam pillow. Since foam is synthetic, many people opt for the natural alternative to foam: natural latex. Pillows made from natural materials, such as natural latex, offer numerous benefits that are not found in synthetic or animal-based products.
For example, natural latex pillows are naturally breathable, durable, mite-resistant, and hypoallergenic. In addition, natural latex pillows provide excellent support and can help prevent neck pain.
Here you can learn more about the different types of pillows.
Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
Natural latex is also very popular in mattress manufacturing. It is a renewable raw material that can be harvested sustainably.
100%natural latex mattresses, such as those from Kipli, are made from 100% natural rubber and are not mixed with synthetic latex. Natural latex comes from a rubber tree called “Hevea brasiliensis.”
Like the pillow, the mattress is made of natural latex and offers excellent ergonomic properties and ideal breathability.Readmore here about the pros and cons of natural latex mattresses.
Mattresses made from coconut fibers or horsehair are also a natural alternative to less sustainable options, such as those made from foam or innersprings. In addition to a natural mattress core, the cover should also be made from natural materials, such as organic cotton.
In addition, this versatile natural material can also be used to manufacture upholstered furniture such as sofas or armchairs. Be sure to check for certifications, however. For natural latex, one of the best-known certifications is the euroLATEX certificate. This certifies the purity of the product and the absence of toxic substances. The eco-INSTITUT also tests for the absence of substances and emissions harmful to health. For organic cotton, certifications such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 are trusted marks of quality.
Decorations Made from Natural Materials
Decorative elements in your bedroom that are sustainable and natural include, for example, rattan items. This material is currently very popular and can be found in mirrors, lamps, chairs, or baskets. Unlike
poly rattan, this natural material comes from rattan palms and is the sustainable alternative to poly rattan. These decorative items or pieces of furniture give your bedroom a boho look. The natural material rattan creates the perfect blend of modern design and a natural aesthetic.
Conclusion
Furnishing your home with natural materials not only gives your home a unique, natural look, but is also good for the environment and for you. Before and during your purchase, look for certifications and countries of origin that confirm the products' sustainability and the absence of harmful substances.
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