Top 5 Tips: Furnishing for an Allergy Sufferer

We all want a nice home but what works for some might not work for others in the decorating department due to allergies. It’s only natural you want to be completely comfortable in your home, but it can be hard to know what to do. 

Allergens, an Unseen Enemy

Allergens can be found anywhere— hiding deep within the furniture and carpets, on the floors and ceilings, and everywhere in between. Generally, allergens come in the form of mold, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, which for some people, can trigger symptoms ranging anywhere from mild to life-threatening. Unfortunately, most of these things aren’t visible to the naked eye, making them impossible to fully get rid of. Fortunately, they can be minimized to mitigate the sufferings of those who are allergic to them.

So what exactly can you do to furnish a home without making it an allergen magnet? Here are five tips that might help you minimize the allergens in your home, which will, in essence, make you much more comfortable.

1. Focus on your flooring

While wall-to-wall carpet looks lush and feels great on the feet, it can trap allergens that will make you feel miserable. Yes, it can be cleaned, but to keep allergens minimal, you’d have to be very diligent at getting the carpet steam cleaned regularly. It can be done, but it might not fit your schedule or your budget. Instead, opt for tile, vinyl, wood, or linoleum. 

If you want something soft to step on, add a rug as it is much easier to clean regularly than carpet. When choosing a rug, opt for one of a low pile. Pile refers to the tiny lops of fibers that are woven into a rug’s backing. Pile height is the distance from the top surface of the loops to the backing of the rug. And, because a low-pile rug can easily blend in with the rest of the flooring, go for one that has an interesting pattern. 

2. Avoid heavy curtains or drapes

Rich fabrics are nice, but they can be a nightmare for an allergy sufferer. If you just love having your windows decked out, go for fabric like plain cotton or something synthetic. Materials such as this are easy to clean and less likely to trap a lot of dust and other allergens. 

There are also specific types of window treatments that are best for those who suffer from allergies. These include Roman shades, cellular honeycomb shades, vertical window blinds, window wood shutters, and aluminum mini blinds. Roman shades may require a bit more attention (unless you go with a vinyl option), but they can easily be cleaned with a light dusting or vacuuming. The rest can easily be wiped down with a cloth. 

3. Replace or reupholster your furniture

What is your furniture upholstered in? You’d do best altogether by using furniture made of wood, metal, or plastic, but there are fabrics that are more allergy-friendly. Stick with leather, cotton, microfiber, or something else that comes in a very tight weave. A tight weave has a much better chance of keeping particles out.

4. Make your bed a comfortable place

As a general rule, bedding made of synthetic fabrics is going to make you the most comfortable in regard to your allergies. It’s also important to encase your pillows and mattress in mite-proof covers. If you don’t have hypoallergenic mattresses and pillows, you might want to consider making some new purchases. And, of course, the obvious is to wash your bed linens in hot water at least once a week.

5. Minimize the clutter

Clutter can be your worst enemy when you’re trying to minimize the allergens in your home. The more things you have on display, the more allergens you have floating around. Remove as many unnecessary knick-knacks from the room or place them behind glass door cabinets.

Improve Your Decor, Improve Your Health 

Remember, your home should be your sanctuary, not a place that makes you feel unhealthy. The best thing you can do for yourself and any other allergy sufferers who may live with you is to take the proper steps toward creating a comfortable atmosphere. You will never be able to completely rid your home of allergens, but you can certainly come close! 

When the time comes to shop allergy-friendly fabrics, rugs, and accessories, be sure to stop by INTERIOR FABRICS near Katy, TX to see us. We have a wide variety of items that can help ease your allergy issues while making your home look beautiful!