What Are Safe Decoration Materials for Health?

Designer Ruslan Prosvirin told us which finishing materials he uses in his projects and which ones he would never recommend buying.

Ruslan Prosvirin, Designer, Head of Prosvirin Design Studio

Ceiling: Which Ceilings Should You Avoid?

There are several advantages to suspended ceilings: fast installation and low cost. However, they are made from polyvinyl chloride, which results in high levels of toxicity. It's better to avoid suspended ceilings in living rooms and kitchens — this can negatively affect your health.

Which materials can you use?

Use Gypsum Board (GKL) ceilings for painting in living spaces. The ideal option is to paint the ceiling with water-dispersion paint of any shade, as it is the most eco-friendly among all options.

Walls: Wallpaper

The safest wallpapers are paper-based. Eco-safe wallpapers also include textile and plant-based ones — made from natural materials like jute.

When choosing wallpaper adhesive, check the composition: it should be based on starch or casein.

Gypsum 3D Panels for Painting

Gypsum is a clean natural material that is completely harmless to humans. It can only be compromised by low-quality paint. Do not use oil-based paints, as they contain lead and other heavy metals.

Prosvirin Design

Floors: Safe Flooring Options:

• natural parquet;
  
• parquet boards;
  
• sawn and planed lumber;
  
• ceramic tiles;
• laminate — the safety levels of laminate depend directly on its quality. When purchasing, pay attention to E1 and E0 safety labels on the packaging. These indicate that the laminate is ready for use and does not emit harmful formaldehyde vapors.

Prosvirin Design

Materials That May Harm Health:

• linoleum — made from petroleum products;
  
• carpet — the most dangerous material, which can cause allergies.

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Materials?

When selecting finishing materials, always ask for product quality certificates. Certified products are marked with the "GOST R" label.

Buy materials only from verified and proven manufacturers. Don't believe flashy claims on packaging promising 100% natural products. Look at eco-labels.