This post is in partnership with Blinded By Delight. As always, all opinions are my own, and it’s a true joy to partner with a local company who shares my values and provides non-toxic options for their clients.
Non-toxic window coverings that will last the test of time, while being stylish, sustainable and safe, can be hard to come by. This article walks you through what to look for, why it’s important and how to choose non-toxic window coverings!
Window coverings are the backdrop to daily life. Look at photos of your kids and you’ll see them in the background. You’ll notice how over the years your kids are taller and taller next to those curtains, drapes or blinds. So when choosing window coverings, you want something that fits your style and will last until your kids are grown but what about things like sustainability, safety and how they’ll impact air quality?
What Is the Importance of Air Quality in Your Home?
Indoor air quality can actually be up to 100X more polluted than outdoor air and having poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including increased risk of allergies, asthma, respiratory problems, and more. To maintain good air quality in your home, it’s essential to consider the materials and products you introduce into your living space, including window coverings.
Additionally, when we are discussing indoor air quality, we’re almost always talking about VOCs- or organic volatile compounds. These are gasses that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Even that new car or new home smell- that technically comes from VOCs. Ideally, we want as little VOCs as possible and/or speed along what we could call the ‘offgassing process” if there aren’t non-toxic materials available.
What Materials Are Best for Low-Toxic Window Coverings?
- Opt for natural materials like cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp. These materials are generally low in toxins and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Avoid synthetic materials such as vinyl and polyester, which can release harmful chemicals into the air, including phthalates and formaldehyde.
- Custom window coverings allow you to have more control over the materials used. Discuss your preference for low-toxic options with the manufacturer.
One of the reasons I love Blinded By Delight, is we have a lot to work with when it comes to non-toxic window coverings! By carrying Hunter Douglas shades, blinds and shutters, there are a variety of options that check all my boxes for safety, including being Greenguard Gold Certified.
If you’re more of an audio and visual learner, here’s a behind the scenes look at my visit to Blinded by Delight. Carrie and McCandless and I discuss a multitude of non-toxic window covering options, how to choose and why it’s important for your home and family.
Are There Certifications to Look for When Choosing Window Coverings?
Look for window coverings with Greenguard or ideally, Greenguard Gold certification. This means there are standards for low chemical emissions and provides the assurance that the materials contribute to healthier indoor air quality in your home.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is another certification but I would personally consider this the bare minimum when considering harmful emissions and chemicals.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Curtains and Drapes for Air Quality?
Wash new curtains and drapes before hanging them to remove any residual chemicals from the manufacturing process.
If there is any obvious odor (VOC), I would recommend offgassing in the sun for several days.
Regardless of what materials you choose for window coverings, I always recommend having high quality air cleaners (in all rooms, if possible) with UltraHepa filters and carbon filters that target VOCs.
What Should You Know About Roman Shades for Maintaining Air Quality?
All the same recommendations shared above still apply. Primarily, you want to choose shades made from natural or organic fabrics and avoid synthetic blends. All of the Hunter Douglas products offered at Blinded by Delight have the Greenguard Gold Certification.
I personally love and recommend Provenance Woven Wood Shades. These are gorgeous and timeless, roman shades made from natural materials—wood, reeds, grasses and bamboo.
In addition to being made with safe ingredients, they are also sustainable. Designed for lifetime use, they’re an investment in your home and not a disposable, fast-fashion type product that you buy and then replace every few years, adding to the landfills.
Are Roller Blinds a Viable Low-Toxic Option, and How Can You Identify Them?
Yes! Look for roller blinds made from low-toxic materials and with certifications for low emissions like the Greenguard Gold Certification previously mentioned.
There are also some impressive eco-friendly and energy conservation benefits with some of the Hunter Douglas offerings. Hunter Douglas Duettes cellular shades with the unique Architella design offer the highest energy efficiency level in the industry. This means less air-conditioning or heating having to be used in the home, and obviously that is better for the environment.
- The AERC (Attachments Energy Ratings Council) have given room-darkening Duettes a rating of 46-47 out of 50 for warm climates.
- The Alexa and Thea fabrics, both beautiful options, are also made with more than 50% recycled content.
- These shades are even eligible for a federal tax rebate because of their high energy efficiency.
Are Wooden Shutters a Low-Toxic Option, and How Should They Be Finished?
Wooden shutters can be a good choice, but ensure they are finished with low-VOC or VOC-free paint or stains.
In summary, choosing low-toxic window coverings is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality. The materials and certifications you select play a crucial role in ensuring that your home remains a healthy and comfortable environment. By paying attention to these factors, you can enjoy both beautiful window coverings and clean, fresh air in your living space.
If you’re local to the greater San Antonio and Boerne areas, I highly recommend Blinded By Delight for all your non-toxic window covering needs. They check all my boxes for safety in addition to providing a wonderful personalized customer service experience start to finish.
