We spend a third of our lives asleep. We need to sleep to make sure our bodies work properly, and that’s why a healthy environment is especially important in the bedroom. One way to achieve this is by choosing the right materials. The question is, which ones?
Whether you’re choosing a new bed or just bedroom accessories, always go for natural materials and eco-friendly finishes. These materials and technologies might be more expensive, but the products they result in usually age gracefully and have a significantly longer lifespan. Another advantage is that your bedroom is not burdened by any harmful fumes, like those that come from chipboard glued with synthetic adhesives or cheap vinyl. Whether you plan to transform your bedroom from top to bottom, or you’re just looking for a few extras to make it cosy, FAVI has everything you might need for a cosy, health-conscious bedroom all in one place.
A harmonious bedroom begins with the floor
While it is a good idea to go with harder woods such as oak for your floor, soft coniferous woods are good for beds and other furniture. Swiss pine, for example, is simply made for the bedroom, containing essential oils that relax the airways and have antibacterial effects. What is more, their fragrance soothes and reduces tension and stress. If the solid wood furniture you have chosen is treated with a surface finish, make sure that it is a water-based, environmentally-friendly lacquer or natural oil.
A mattress made of natural materials
Modern synthetic foam is seen as being an advanced material in mattress construction, and it certainly does have its advantages, particularly for people with orthopaedic problems. However, if you don’t have a sore back or joints and favour the natural, then look for mattresses that contain materials such as cotton, wool, natural latex, coconut fibre, or linseed. Although they usually cost a little more, they do have a longer lifespan.
Choose wool for duvets and pillows
Down has always been the traditional filler for pillows and duvets. It insulates very well and is therefore the best solution for winter. The problem is that many people are allergic to this type of filler. The natural alternative to down duvets and pillows is wool. It has great thermoregulatory properties, so while in winter it warms you nicely, in summer it cools you down again. What is more, it is hypoallergenic, so is suitable for both allergy sufferers and asthmatics. With the right care, wool blankets and pillows will last you many years.
Snuggle up with some linen bedding
The classic method of cotton-growing is a huge burden on the environment, both in terms of pesticides and water consumption. Recent years have therefore seen the return of the oft-forgotten flax, which is perfect for making bedding. It has excellent antibacterial properties and is exceptionally resistant to moulds, pollen, and dust. Linen bedding is also popular for its cooling effect in the summer, it absorbs odours to perfection, and lasts for years. Linen fabrics are not worn down by washing – on the contrary, they are softer and more pleasant to the touch. Another natural alternative to cotton is lyocell, a cellulose fibre whose appearance and properties are reminiscent of viscose. Lyocell gently cools in summer and warms in winter thanks to its absorption of moisture.
