Image: www.thewovencompany.com
Indoor air pollution has been sited as three times more polluted then outdoor air and one of the main sources is from our window dressings. More and more people are opting for non-toxic fabrics, textiles and window coverings and a resurgence in organic materials is literally bringing nature indoors.
Simplicity of bamboo
For simple window coverings, bamboo blinds are a winning combination of good looks and eco-friendliness.
Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants and easiest to cultivate on earth, is actually a grass. It’s popular for its sustainable and environmentally-friendly quality but also for its wood tones that infuse interiors with natural warmth.
For some soft shades, look at Robert Allen's Islandia. This 100 per cent bamboo fabric comes in 25 colours and for perfect for creating earth friendly drapes.
The Home Depot sells a wonderful variety roll-up bamboo and blinds in a variety of earth tones and price range.
Art for your windows
You can find plenty of intriguing designs from The Woven Company created with roots, twigs and twines from exotic trees, reeds, bamboo, grass, and palm leaves. The Nguyen family has created window treatments with such a variety of patterns and textures that choosing one for a space is like choosing a work of art. They honour a strict environmental code using only quick-replenishing plants, and plants indigenous to the area where the factory is located.
All natural drapes
The Green Sage Classic Naturals Collection offers long, strong, luxurious, and mildew-resistant draperies created using natural hemp and flax plants blended with silk for a gorgeous, delicate and strong fabric. With no dyes, finishes or chemicals, these curtain panels are available with rod pockets or are suitable for drapery clips.
Classic comeback
Silk is also making a resurgence and although a pricier option for window treatments, the shine and luxury of the fabric instantly wakes up a not-so-glamorous room. Anna Sova’s eco-silk is a luxurious, lightweight fabric with a crisp feel and smooth texture. Organic nut soap finishing and eco-safe dyes, containing no herbicides, pesticides or carcinogens are used in the finishing.
High tech green
Technology meets natures with the use of Honeycomb shades. Made of a spun woven polyester that when combined with the shape of the bee honeycomb, creates a detour preventing the wind or cold from penetrating the window and entering the house, which ultimately saves money in heating costs. Anti-microbial, anti-fungal traits are available woven into the fabric or offered as a topical spray. Stain-resistant and mildew- and mold-resistant fabrics are also popular picks for allergy sufferers.
Hunter Douglas’ new Duette Architella Collection, a unique honeycomb within a honeycomb construction provides deep, luminous color, true opaque appearance, improved pleat retention.
Jennifer Sgro is the fashion editor for Green Living Magazine. She contributes regularly to Green Living Online.
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Remember also that windows let in light and contribute to heat gains or losses. Especially in Canada, window treatment choices should be made with this in mind. Look for insulating drapes or window quilts to help insulate your home and save energy.