A Bedroom Makeover

made simple, easy and most of all healthy!

First, create a healthier, cleaner environment by removing any items in the room that you truly do not need, or can be placed elsewhere. This will also cut down on chemical exposures and dust collection.

Some of the most important things to replace or add to the room as part of a bedroom makeover are the easiest to do such as changing to organic bedding, or adding an air purifier, or living plants.

BEDDING:

When doing a bedroom makeover, the sheets and pillowcases are the most important things to replace first as they are right next to you all night long. Certified organic sheets and pillowcases are a must if you want to make your room healthy.

Your comforter or blankets should also be completely organic and free of toxic finishing chemicals and dyes. For reasons why, take a look at the organic cotton sheets page.

Organic sheets are usually not significantly more costly than other good quality sheets. There is however a lot of difference in the quality of organic sheets-many are not free of all harmful chemicals. So spend a little extra if you can, knowing that it’s for your health. If cost is an issue, just buy one item at a time, and buy the next item when you can afford it.

Other bedding items to consider as part of your makeover, are dust mite protectors over the mattress and pillows. Good quality protectors provide excellent protection from these critters which can cause many allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Skin rashes, itchiness, respiratory problems, asthma, congestion, runny noses, and coughing are just some of the symptoms dust mites can cause.

Keep in mind that about 20-30% of the weight in a 2 year old bed pillow is from dust mite accumulation! So protect your pillow or replace it often. Or consider a buckwheat pillow.

CARPETING/FLOORING:

If you're able to remove carpeting, as part of your bedroom makeover, do so. Replace it with either healthy carpeting made of natural, non-toxic materials, or consider other types of flooring. Bedroom rugs can be a good and healthier choice for the room also.

When planning your bedroom makeover, if you’re in need of a new mattress, consider purchasing an all-cotton, wool or latex organic mattress.

If you cannot buy an organic mattress, consider covering your mattress with either a dust-mite protector, or cover with 3 layers of heavy duty aluminum foil to prevent chemical outgassing from the mattress.

Older mattresses are even more toxic as time goes by, according to biochemists. This is due to the chemical changes which occur from individual's perspiration and the fungi that is produced when it comes in contact with the chemicals in the mattress.

A wool mattress pad is also an option as it absorbs some chemicals and bacteria and keeps dust mites out (the lanolin in wool repels them.) They also keep you comfortable because of their great ability to adapt to your body heat and moisture.

FURNITURE:

For furniture, consider all natural wood with minimal non-toxic finishes as part of your bedroom makeover. Try not to use furniture with particle board. This is sometimes found even on the backing of dressers or inside drawers, etc. of otherwise solid wood furniture. Particle board has high amounts of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals in it, which can outgas for years.

Older, used furniture , or antique furniture can be a good option as it’s usually made of better quality solid wood without particle board, and it has had many years to outgas most of the harmful chemicals, if any were used.

DÉCOR:

Use organic cotton or other completely organic fabric also for your bedroom décor, such as drapes, accent pillows, upholstered chairs, throw rugs or other items. Keep in mind fabrics contain large amounts of chemicals which outgas, or penetrate through your skin, unless they are certified organic cotton, linen, flax or wool.

You might want to choose as many items as possible for your bedroom makeover that are washable so that you can clean them frequently. This will help in keeping the room cleaner and freer of potential allergens.

Consider putting living plants in the bedroom, as there are several which are helpful in removing specific gases or chemicals. Some of these include spider plants, philodendron, English ivy, bamboo palm, ficus, mum plants, and ferns. If you are an allergic individual carefully choose organic potting soil and replace often to prevent the growth of molds or fungi which may create or add to problems you already have.

You might also want to consider placing an air purifier in your room. There are many that have varying degrees of effectiveness, depending on what your needs may be.

Plants, as part of your bedroom makeover, not only add to the health of your room, but create a fresh, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere as well. And of course it goes without saying not to use synthetic plants in the room! Again too many chemicals!