According to the EPA, the air inside your home may actually be dirtier than the air outside. You may be surprised to find out that you can take some steps to purify your indoor air by making smart choices with your home décor. Keep reading to learn more about how to incorporate air purification into your interior design.
Using Plants for Purification
Indoor plants are a wildly popular choice for many different styles of interior design. However, choosing the right plants can also have a positive impact on your indoor air quality. Certain species of houseplants can naturally filter out airborne toxins while adding a burst of color to your space.
Some of the best houseplant options include:
- Peace Lily: Great at filtering out pollutants, but can be toxic to animals
- Snake Plant: Low-maintenance plants that are ideal for bedrooms
- Spider Plants: Have great filtration traits and are non-toxic for pets
- Pothos and philodendron: Provide attractive trailing options that can filter out pollutants
Choose Natural, Low-VOC Materials
The paint, flooring, furniture, and rugs you choose for your home can give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gases that linger in the air long after installation. Before you commit to any materials for your design, spend some time researching what’s in them.
When you’re buying paint, rugs, or other design materials, look for those that have a GREENGUARD label on them. These products have been tested and emit little to no VOCs. You can also focus more on natural materials like cotton, wood, bamboo, and wool instead of synthetic options.
Use Curtains and Rugs as Filters
Curtains, rugs, and fabric wall hangings do more than provide an artistic touch to your home. These pieces of home décor can also function as passive air filters, trapping allergens before they can circulate throughout your home.
However, to make these pieces of home décor work for you, you’ll need to be mindful of what they’re made of. In addition to choosing pieces that emit fewer VOCs, opt for washable curtains and area rugs that you can safely vacuum.
Boost Ventilation Through Layout
Finally, what you put in your home is only part of the equation, as you’ll also need to be mindful of where you put it. Be sure that you don’t place any pieces of furniture directly over your supply vents.
If privacy allows, choose sheer curtains and lighter shades that allow for better ventilation. When air can circulate in your home, you won’t have to deal with stagnant air that’s potentially filled with allergens and pollutants.
Breathing healthy indoor air not only promotes comfort, but it also keeps you and your household members healthier. For more help improving the IAQ in your Charlotte, NC home, call Dilling Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical.
