Interior Design Techniques for Better Air Quality and Comfort
You don’t have to be in the middle of building a home to take advantage of interior design tips that improve indoor air quality. In fact, some of the most useful suggestions don’t require many major structural changes at all. Keep reading to learn what an interior designer would recommend when the goal is to make the home’s air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
Be Mindful With Your Furniture Placement in Every Room
Don’t ever put large furniture directly against the wall. If you do, it will trap stagnant air. The lack of airflow behind bookshelves, armoires and deep sofas can also result in moisture problems that increase the risk of mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Placing the furniture just a few inches from the wall eliminates these issues. You’ll also want to put them in spots where they don’t block the flow of air coming from your HVAC vents. This not only results in better comfort but also helps the HVAC run more efficiently.
Use Snake Plants and Peace Lilies to Naturally Freshen the Air
Flowerpots are available in just about any size, color and design you can imagine, making it easy to pick out a few that match the decor in your kitchen, living room and bedrooms. If you add snake plants and peace lilies to them, these plants act as a natural, biological purification system for your living spaces. Their leaves do an excellent job at absorbing airborne pollutants and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Be Careful With Material Selection for Bedding and Area Rugs
Placing a plush area rug in your living room or a long runner with a decorative design going down the hallway can bring a ton of character and charm to your home’s interior design. But you must be careful with the materials you choose. The same goes for your bedding. Certain materials, like polyester and nylon, are well known for releasing microplastics into the air. Some types even emit VOCs, which can make it harder for you to breathe. The best materials for bedding and area rugs are cotton and wool; both of these contain natural fibers rather than synthetic materials.
Upgrade the Home With a Whole-Home Air Purifier
No matter how beautiful your home looks on the inside, poor air quality can quickly ruin your comfort and enjoyment of the space. Rather than trying to add portable air purifiers in each room where air quality is a concern, most interior designers will suggest whole-home air purifiers. There are many different types available, with several options that seamlessly integrate with existing HVAC systems, meaning they don’t present any aesthetic obstacles.
If you’ve decided a whole-home air purifier is right for your home, contact a licensed HVAC technician. This professional can tell you all about your filtration options and provide other helpful tips for maintaining healthy air quality year-round. When you need indoor air quality services in Santa Barbara, CA, contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air.
