Eco-friendly designs for children’s rooms

An ecologically sustainable approach is becoming more and more popular in many walks of life, and with many individuals it is an extremely important part of their lifestyle.  In addition to consuming organic food, many people are looking for further ways in which to make their daily lives, and those of their families, greener and healthier.

Why parents want eco-friendly nurseries and children’s bedrooms

For some people, the thought of being closer to nature is sufficient for them to try out some products that may, just a few years ago, have previously been thought of as alternative in nature, or of minority interest; however, a growing number of parents are considering eco-friendly approaches to design and decoration for very practical reasons.  Primarily, this is because ecologically friendly products are generally considered to be less harmful, not just to the environment but also potentially to the children. A reduction in the use of potentially harmful toxic materials can only be seen as a good thing.  Such materials include a number of chemicals that are still widely used in manufacturing, and that are never completely removed from furnishings and other items before the children are exposed to them.

Ideas for eco-friendly designs and products

While ecologically friendly products can be found for many types of furnishings and furniture, there are a number of particular products that have increasingly caught the public imagination.  For example, solid wooden furniture using wood from environmentally sustainable sources is a classic style that is also fashionable in contemporary design.  Natural wood uses fewer chemicals and needs fewer manufacturing processes than many other materials.  If it is finished with a toxin-free paint or varnish, then the look can also be varied.

Similarly, toys and games that are made out of wood, rather than plastic, are also enjoying a new lease of life among environmentally conscious families.  Plastic toys that contain PVC have been linked to a number of health problems, and using wood avoids many of these.

In addition, energy-efficient lighting and heating solutions are also becoming more readily available for parents.

Suitable paints, fabrics, and flooring

The best paints, fabrics, and flooring for a nursery or children’s room contain very low levels of toxins, are hard wearing, and do not easily retain dust.  Paint products, such as many gloss paints that contain volatile compounds can contain particularly high levels of potentially toxic substances, and using natural paints instead can be a way to reduce the risks associated with these. Some bed mattresses of organic fiber are more resistant to dust and have been treated with fewer chemicals. Meanwhile, one other important part of the interior décor to consider is carpet.

The carpet that is eventually fitted can serve a number of useful purposes, both for decoration and comfort, but the wrong carpet can also be a potential source of toxins and a likely dust trap, increasing the risk of germs and bacteria accumulating. Natural materials, such as wool, can be flexible in terms of design and also benefit from not having been artificially manufactured.  In addition, other flooring solutions that are made of natural materials, and that are easy to clean, are top of the list for many parents when decorating their child’s bedroom or nursery.