The first time I noticed that a house had a “smell of its own” was in a tiny apartment in Lisbon. Sunlight slid across the tiled floor, a tram rattled past, and yet what struck me most was the faint, chemical sweetness in the air. Fresh paint. New furniture. A promise of new beginnings… wrapped in an invisible fog of solvents.
Most of us know that city air can be polluted. Fewer of us think the same about our living rooms. Yet, for many people, indoor air is far more polluted than the street outside. If home is our refuge, it makes sense to ask: what exactly are we breathing in when we sit on our sofa, paint a nursery, or unroll a “new home” rug?
This guide is an invitation to create a low-toxicity home: one where paints, finishes, and furnishings are chosen with care, so the air around you feels as clear as an open window on a spring morning.
Why indoor air can be worse than you think
When we talk about “toxic” homes, we’re mostly talking about a family of chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are “volatile” because they evaporate easily at room temperature, quietly slipping from solid or liquid into the air you breathe.
They come from:
- Conventional paints and varnishes
- Engineered wood (MDF, particleboard, plywood)
- Adhesives, sealants, caulks
- Carpets and underlays
- Foam-filled sofas and mattresses
- Synthetic fabrics and stain-resistant coatings
Common culprits include formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, benzene, and plasticisers like phthalates. Over time, exposure can contribute to headaches, fatigue, respiratory irritation, asthma, sleep problems and, for some people, a persistent sense of feeling “off” at home without knowing why.
The good news: each choice you make—one lower-VOC paint here, a solid-wood table there—nudges your home’s air in a healthier direction. You don’t have to gut-renovate. You just have to become a little more curious about what things are made of.
Paints: what to avoid on your walls
Paint is one of the most impactful—and often most toxic—changes we can make indoors. That freshly painted “new home” smell? It’s mostly VOCs.
When choosing paints, here are the types and ingredients to think twice about.
- High-VOC acrylic/latex paints These are the standard wall paints in many DIY aisles. The label will sometimes boast “low odour” but still contain significant VOCs, plastic binders, and a cocktail of solvents and preservatives.
- Oil-based (alkyd) paints Fantastic for durability and gloss, but usually loaded with solvents like mineral spirits, which off-gas heavily. They’re especially harsh in unventilated spaces or for children’s rooms.
- Antimicrobial or “mould-resistant” paints Often contain extra biocides and fungicides. In genuinely damp homes, the root issue is ventilation and moisture, not more chemicals on the wall.
- “Fragranced” or scented paints Those pleasant citrus or floral notes can be added synthetic fragrances—just more VOCs with a nicer costume.
Labels to be cautious with:
- Any product without a disclosed VOC content (in g/L)
- Paints touting extreme durability or stain-blocking with no health or emissions certifications
Lower-toxicity paint options
The ideal paint is one that behaves well on the wall and badly in the air—little to no off-gassing, minimal solvents, and preferably sustainable ingredients.
- Zero-VOC or ultra-low-VOC water-based paints Look for verified certifications (like EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, or equivalent) and VOC content clearly listed (often <5 g/L for “zero VOC”). Be aware that added tint can raise VOC levels, so ask for low-VOC pigments too.
- Natural and mineral paints Limewash, clay, and silicate paints use mineral binders instead of synthetic resins. They are vapour-permeable, beautiful in texture, and often excellent for older, breathable walls. Some contain minimal preservatives but far less than standard paint.
- Casein/milk paints for furniture Made from milk protein, lime, and pigments, these traditional paints are almost comically simple in composition. Ideal for furniture, not always for high-wear walls, but lovely where they fit.
If you’re repainting a room already coated in conventional paint, remember: even a low-VOC topcoat can trap moisture. Ensure walls are dry, ventilate well while working, and, if sanding, use a proper mask or vacuum sander with HEPA filtration.
Finishes and sealants: the invisible layers that matter
Once the paint dries, many other “invisible” layers in a home continue to off-gas: floor finishes, varnishes on furniture, sealants in kitchens and bathrooms. These are often overlooked, yet they can be potent VOC sources.
Finishes and products to avoid or minimise:
- Conventional polyurethane varnishes Durable but typically high in solvents, especially oil-modified versions used on floors and furniture.
- Solvent-heavy stains and wood preservatives Exterior-grade products used indoors can be overkill; many contain strong biocides and fungicides.
- Standard silicone sealants and construction adhesives These can release VOCs for weeks. Not all are equal; some are more benign than others, but most are far from “clean air” products.
Instead, look for:
- Water-based polyurethanes and varnishes Not perfect, but significantly lower in VOCs than old-school solvent-based products. Again, check for independent certifications.
- Natural oil finishes Options like hardwax oils, linseed oil, tung oil, and shellac can be excellent for wood, especially when sourced from reputable brands that disclose ingredients. Some still use mild solvents to help penetration, so choose low-odour, plant-based versions where possible.
- Low-VOC, low-odour sealants and adhesives Seek products explicitly marketed as low-VOC or solvent-free, with emissions tested. Hybrid polymer sealants or water-based construction adhesives are often gentler options.
A practical ritual: any time you introduce a finish or sealant, plan a “ventilation window” of a few days. Open windows, cross-ventilate, and if possible, avoid sleeping in freshly finished rooms for several nights.
Flooring: under your feet, in your lungs
Floors are a huge surface area, and what’s beneath your feet quietly influences the air you breathe all day.
What to be wary of:
- Wall-to-wall synthetic carpet Often made from nylon or polyester with stain repellents, flame retardants, and foam underlays. New carpet’s “that smell” is literally off-gassing, and it can trap dust, allergens, and microplastics.
- Vinyl (PVC) flooring Soft, cheap, and tough—but PVC often contains phthalates and other plasticisers. It can emit VOCs and contributes to a problematic plastic lifecycle from manufacture to disposal.
- Engineered wood with high-formaldehyde glues Some laminates and lower-cost engineered boards rely on urea-formaldehyde resins that release formaldehyde for years.
Healthier flooring directions:
- Solid wood with natural or low-VOC finishes A classic Terra House favourite: sustainable timber, finished with natural oils or low-VOC varnish. Look for FSC or PEFC certification for responsible sourcing.
- High-quality engineered wood with low-emission cores If solid wood isn’t practical, choose products with E0/E1 formaldehyde ratings or equivalent low-emission certifications.
- Natural linoleum (not vinyl) Made from linseed oil, wood flour, cork dust, and jute. Tough, warm underfoot, and quietly virtuous.
- Rugs made from natural fibres Wool, jute, sisal, cotton or hemp, ideally undyed or coloured with low-impact dyes, and without synthetic backings or stain-repellent treatments.
Furnishings: sofas, mattresses and the soft toxins of comfort
Furnishings often sit closest to our skin and lungs. Think of how many hours of your life are spent lying on a mattress, the fabric just centimetres from your nose. That intimacy means their composition matters.
Furnishings and materials to avoid when possible:
- Foam-heavy sofas and mattresses with chemical flame retardants These can release VOCs and shed dust laden with flame retardants. Some regions now restrict the most harmful types, but legacy products still circulate.
- Cheap particleboard or MDF furniture without emissions ratings The bargain bookcase may off-gas formaldehyde for years. Drawers and wardrobes are particularly problematic because they concentrate fumes in small spaces.
- Synthetic textiles with “easy-care” or stain-resistant treatments These may contain PFAS (the notorious “forever chemicals”), which don’t just sit politely in the fabric.
More thoughtful choices:
- Solid wood furniture with simple finishes A dining table of oak oiled with linseed, a bed frame of beech or pine—both robust and breathable. Look for clear wood species and finish details on labels.
- Low-VOC engineered wood If budget requires MDF or particleboard, aim for products labelled as low-formaldehyde or CARB Phase 2 compliant (or your regional equivalent).
- Natural-fibre mattresses Wool, cotton, natural latex, and coir (coconut fibre) can replace or significantly reduce synthetic foam. They may feel a little different—firmer, more “alive”—but often sleep cooler and with fewer chemicals.
- Upholstery in natural fibres Linen, organic cotton, hemp, and wool, without added stain repellents where possible. Darker or patterned fabrics can be more forgiving of real life, removing the temptation for heavy-duty stain coatings.
If replacing a mattress or sofa isn’t realistic right now, small steps help: use tightly woven natural fibre covers, vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust-borne toxins, and keep rooms well-ventilated.
Cabinetry, kitchens and “built-ins”
Ironically, the most permanent items in a home are often the most synthetic. Kitchens, wardrobes, and built-in storage tend to be made from laminated boards, glues, and finishes that quietly off-gas into closed spaces.
When planning or upgrading, try to avoid:
- Unrated MDF and particleboard Especially when used in enclosed cabinets and wardrobes.
- Vinyl-wrapped doors and trim These may yellow, peel, and shed microplastics over time, while embedding PVC into your daily life.
- Cheap contact adhesives and interior sealants Often heavy VOC emitters during installation.
Leaning towards healthier built-ins:
- Plywood with low-formaldehyde glues Properly sealed edges and a low-VOC finish can make this both durable and less toxic than standard MDF.
- Solid wood fronts and trims Even if the carcasses are engineered wood, using solid wood where you see and touch it reduces synthetic surface area.
- Mechanical fixings instead of heavy adhesives Screws, brackets, and clips are, in a way, the most low-tox “adhesive” you can choose.
How to transition gently: practical steps, room by room
Transforming a home into a low-tox refuge rarely happens in a single weekend. It’s usually a quiet series of choices made over years, as items wear out or as you renovate.
A simple strategy:
- When something needs replacing, upgrade its toxicity profile Old peeling vinyl floor? Consider linoleum or wood. Sofa sagging? Explore natural fillings. Tackle what’s already on your list rather than creating new projects.
- Start with the rooms where you spend the most time Bedrooms and living rooms first, then workspaces and kids’ rooms.
- Prioritise soft items and large surfaces Mattresses, sofas, carpets, paints, and floors generally matter more than a single side table.
- Ventilate like it’s part of the design Especially after painting, installing new floors, or bringing in new furniture. Cross-ventilate when weather and security allow.
A favourite habit: whenever something new arrives—a mattress, a rug, a flat-pack cupboard—let it spend a day or two in a well-ventilated space before inviting it fully into your life. Think of it as a little “airing ceremony” for your belongings.
Reading labels without losing your mind
Modern labels can feel like a chemistry exam, but a few key phrases help you quickly sort the hopeful from the harmful.
- Look for VOC content Ideally stated in g/L. For paints, lower is better; many good options are <30 g/L, and some <5 g/L.
- Seek independent certifications Trust third-party marks over vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “natural”. In Europe, look for labels like EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, or similar, depending on the product category.
- Be wary of perfect-sounding marketing Terms like “green”, “pure”, or “organic” are largely unregulated in many building and furnishing products. Ingredients and certifications tell the real story.
- Ask for safety data sheets (SDS) For paints, finishes, and adhesives, professionals routinely consult these. There’s no reason you can’t, too.
The subtle art of a home that breathes
Spend a little time in a genuinely low-tox home and you notice something hard to put into words. The air feels calmer. Fabrics age gracefully instead of fraying into plastic dust. Wood acquires a soft sheen rather than a crackled crust of varnish. Even the quiet creaks and sighs of the building seem more organic, less digitally sharp.
Creating such a space isn’t about perfection. It’s about changing the default from “whatever is cheapest and most convenient” to “what will I share my air with every day?” Sometimes the answer is a carefully chosen low-VOC paint. Sometimes it’s a second-hand solid-wood wardrobe instead of a flat-pack full of glue. Sometimes it’s simply opening a window while you sand, paint, or assemble, allowing the old air to drift out and the new to take its place.
In the end, a low-toxicity home is less about strict rules and more about alignment: between your values and your surroundings, between the materials you touch and the air you breathe. When those begin to match, home becomes not just a place you inhabit, but a quiet ally in your health—one more steady companion on the long, wandering journey of your days.