Air Quality: 3 Steps to Help You Breathe Easier at Home
We spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors — and according to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Let that sink in. While we curate our spaces with care — the right paint color, the perfect throw, a candle for mood — we may unknowingly be layering in toxins that compromise our health.
From synthetic finishes to artificially scented products, everyday items can silently release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and endocrine disruptors into the air we breathe. The good news? A few mindful shifts can have a profound impact on your home’s air quality — and your wellbeing.
Here are 3 easy steps to help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and live a little lighter.
1. Say No to VOCs: Choose Materials That Let You Breathe
That “new paint smell” or glossy seal on a coffee table might seem harmless — even pleasant — but it's often the result of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which off-gas into the air for months or even years. These compounds have been linked to headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and even long-term health issues.
Try this instead:
Opt for low or zero-VOC paints, like mineral-based or milk paints.
When sourcing furniture, seek out solid wood with natural finishes — or pieces that proudly list their low-emission credentials.
Look for certifications like Greenguard Gold, EU Ecolabel, or FSC Certified wood, which prioritize safer indoor air standards.
At House of Thayer, we work with furniture makers and vintage sources who share our “health first, home second” philosophy. Your table shouldn't just look beautiful — it should feel that way too.
2. Ditch the Synthetic Fragrances: Purify, Don’t Pollute
We all want our homes to smell inviting — but most candles, plug-ins, and conventional air fresheners are loaded with phthalates, synthetic musks, and petroleum-based compounds. These not only linger in the air, but settle into dust and upholstery, making them hard to eliminate.
What to do instead:
Choose candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax.
Look for brands that use phthalate-free fragrance oils or pure essential oils.
Swap out commercial cleaners and room sprays for non-toxic or scent-free options that clean without coating your space in chemicals.
✨ House of Thayer Candles + Room Sprays
Our signature scents are made with natural waxes, cotton wicks, and clean-burning, phthalate-free oils. Inspired by slow living and material integrity, they bring mood and clarity — not mystery chemicals — into your home.
Whether you’re winding down with our White Sage & Lavender candle or refreshing your space with Verdant room spray, you’ll know exactly what’s in the air. (And what’s not.)
3. Ventilate + Clean with Intention
Even the cleanest homes collect dust, toxins, and off-gassing particles over time. But the way we clean and ventilate can either help us detox — or just stir everything back up.
Small shifts, big impact:
Cross-ventilate by opening windows on opposite sides of your home for 10–15 minutes daily — especially after cleaning or cooking.
Vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap small particulates.
Use damp cloths instead of dry dusters to collect particles instead of releasing them into the air.
Wash curtains, throws, and pillows regularly to reduce dust and dander.
This is especially important after burning candles (even clean ones) or using essential oils. Natural doesn’t mean passive — it’s still smart to clear the air every so often.
Why This Matters
Cleaner air means:
Deeper, more restorative sleep
Improved focus and mental clarity
Fewer headaches, skin reactions, or sinus issues
Greater peace of mind in the place you spend most of your life
And beyond health, there’s something deeply sacred about tending to your home in a way that honors both your body and your environment.
Final Thought: Wellness Starts at Home
We believe good design should never come at the expense of your health. Whether you're repainting a wall, lighting a candle, or just wiping the counter, every small decision adds up to a space that supports your energy — not drains it.
Let your home breathe, so you can too.