We don’t think about it enough, but indoor pollution and the air quality in our homes are growing concerns. In fact, construction work, furniture, and decor also have an impact on our health. Well-hidden and little-known, processed materials are not without risk. These pollutants with strange-sounding names—such as formaldehyde or polyurethane, to name just a few—are part of our daily lives. While it’s difficult to avoid them entirely, it is possible to minimize their presence. To do so, we need to turn to companies that have made natural materials the core of their business. Since the bedroom is THE room where we spend the most time, here are 5 steps to make it more natural:
Choose a natural mattress
We spend an average of 7 to 8 hours a day on it, and over the years, the mattress is the most important factor for healthy, natural sleep. There are mattresses made from all kinds of materials on the market, and it can be hard to know which one to choose. We recommendavoiding synthetic foam mattresses, which are, incidentally, the most common type. They emit VOCs and have a fairly limited lifespan. The healthiest alternative is the natural latex mattress. Derived from the rubber tree, natural latex is a material that’s becoming increasingly common on the market. While it’s certainly more expensive than synthetic mattresses, it lasts much longer
If you were to invest in just one healthy product for your bedroom, it would definitely be the mattress. We spend a lot of time in close contact with it for many years. You also need to consider the waste they generate once they are worn out. Natural latex also has the advantage of being able to be is recycled and is otherwise biodegradable.Choose a bed frame that is free of glue and chemical treatments
The bed frame should also be chosen with care. Even though we come into less direct contact with it than with the mattress, it is nonetheless a source of VOCs in our homes. Often made of wood, the bed frame may seem harmless, but the type of wood used, as well as the adhesives used to join its various parts, are not harmless. Wood is also subjected to various treatments or even varnished with products whose compositions are often questionable. The safest bet is solid wood crafted by French carpenters or, ideally, from neighboring countries. This makes it easier to trace the origin of the materials used and to obtain details about the manufacturing process.
Solid wood is the finest form of wood. It is not processed; it is simply shaped and varnished if necessary. It is the best option among all the types of wood available on the market. You can also opt for plywood, which is more affordable. But be mindful of where it comes from and the products used in its manufacture. We recommend choosing companies that use locally sourced, certified wood.
Replace your comforters and pillows with natural products
Other sleep aids include pillows and comforters. Like mattresses, pillows are often chosen for their comfort. They come in all shapes and materials. We tend to mistreat them by folding them or using them as backrests or for other purposes. It’s advisable to choose them for their durability as well as their comfort. To ensure this, handcrafted pillows made with natural, healthy materials are the best choice. French-made feather pillows are of very high quality. Even though they may remind us of our grandparents’ pillows, they remain a reliable choice. If you have allergies or are looking for vegan products, you can opt for natural latex pillows.
Hypoallergenic, dust-mite-resistant, and very durable, they are a good alternative.
When it comes to comforters, there are also models with natural fillings such as down or Lyocell ( wood pulp). The advantage of natural materials here is that the filling is more breathable. And Lyocell naturally has antibacterial and anti-dust mite properties. A down comforter provides excellent loft. Another advantage of the Lyocell comforter is that it can be machine-washed just like synthetic comforters without being damaged. The duvets most commonly found on the market have polyester fill. While they are certainly inexpensive, the fill is not stable and will tend to lose its shape quickly (much like polyurethane mattresses, which develop indentations prematurely). Furthermore, their lifespan is shorter compared to natural duvets.
Switch to organic cotton bedding
To give the bed a natural look, nothing beats organic cotton sheets to stay on topic and enjoy its benefits. In fact, the main advantage of organic cotton bedding is that it helps regulate body temperature. They are free of pesticides and insecticides or other harmful treatments. There is also organic cotton percale, which is a high-quality cotton. This corresponds to a a finer weave of 80 threads per square centimeter which makes it softer and stronger.Choose eco-friendly storage solutions: dressers and walk-in closets
Just as we tend to choose a bed made primarily of wood, bedroom furniture can be selected based on the quality of the wood and its origin. The home furnishings market consists mainly of melamine-coated wood products that may contain harmful substances. These are found primarily in specialized retail chains. Once again, you can opt for higher-quality materials such as untreated solid wood. Furniture made of solid wood adds an aesthetic touch to your home. Each piece is unique, as the wood has different textures from one piece to the next. That’s what makes it authentic.
In France, the most commonly used woods are oak, beech, and pine. They are sturdy and durable. Solid wood is timeless. When crafted by passionate artisans using local wood, you’ll have a high-quality, eco-friendly product that will last a lifetime.
We hope you enjoyed this article.Of course,
The Kipli Team