A Healthier Home is Just A Coat (of Paint) Away!
via ecospaints.net
If you’re thinking about giving your home a refresh this year, here’s a little insider secret: paint is one of the fastest, simplest, and most affordable ways to completely transform a space. But before you grab a random can off the shelf… let's talk about what's actually in the paint.
Just like furniture, flooring, fabrics, and practically everything else in your home, paint quality varies a lot, and the cheap stuff usually comes with a side of chemicals you don’t want floating around your house for years. Yes, years!
So let’s break down why non-toxic paint is worth it, and the brands I recommend over and over.
Why What’s In Your Paint Matters
Traditional paint is kind of like fast fashion: looks fine at first glance, but once you realize what it’s made of… you can't quite shake it. Most conventional paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that off-gas long after the project is done. If you’ve ever painted a room and thought, “Wow, I definitely shouldn’t be breathing this,” you were probably right! Headaches, respiratory irritation, that lingering chemical smell… that's all thanks to VOCs.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Non-Toxic Paint?
Better for Your Indoor Air
Non-toxic, zero-VOC paints dramatically cut down on chemicals in your home. Your lungs, your kids, your pets- everyone wins!
No More Paint Hangover
Ever slept in a freshly painted room and woken up with a headache? That’s the chemicals. With non-toxic paints, the odor is minimal to non-existent.
Safer for Whoever’s Doing the Painting
DIY or professional- nobody needs to inhale solvents all day!
My Go-To Non-Toxic Paint Brands
Ecos Paints
If someone has sensitivities, is pregnant, or just wants the cleanest option out there, this is usually my first pick. Zero VOC, virtually no odor, and incredibly consistent. They also make an air purifying paint that actually removes harmful toxins like formaldehyde from your space!
AFM Safecoat
This one is beloved by people with chemical sensitivities (we used it in our home.) They’re pioneers in non-toxic building materials, and their primers are especially great if you’re trying to seal off old off-gassing materials like MDF.
Benjamin Moore (Natura, Eco Spec, Ultra Spec 500)
Not fully non-toxic across the entire brand, but their cleaner lines are excellent. It is also easy to find, which makes it a solid option for most homeowners. Ben Moore is my go to for the best color selection.
Sherwin-Williams (Harmony Line)
Again, not everything they make is “clean,” but Harmony is zero VOC and designed to help reduce odors in the home. Great coverage, great colors, and well priced.
Bioshield
For my natural, European-paint-loving clients: Bioshield is dreamy. Clay paints, natural finishes, soft earthy tones. It's a vibe. And a very healthy one.
Is Non-Toxic Paint More Expensive?
Sometimes! But think of it the same way you would think about a sofa or flooring: better materials cost more up front but pay off in longevity and peace of mind. Plus, you’re not repainting every year, hopefully.
Paint is something you interact with every single day. Choosing a healthier option is one of the easiest, most impactful upgrades you can make at home. A beautiful color, a safer formula, a space that feels fresher and cleaner? Yes, please!!