Expert Opinion: How to Choose Safe Materials for a Child's Room?

Recently, decorator and designer Jena Zhdanova released the book "Dream Children", where she gathered advice on decorating children's rooms for any age. We took a look at the section with tips for parents of the youngest children to learn how to choose safe and eco-friendly finishes.

Jena Zhdanova is an expert designer and decorator, author of the book "Dream Children" about creating the perfect room.

Walls

First of all, decide on a color palette — in my projects I always use neutral shades for walls and complement them with bright accents. This makes it easier to quickly change the decor when the child grows up.

For materials, I prefer paint and wallpapers — you can choose hypoallergenic options. I suggest setting aside an accent wall so that every few years you don't have to rehang wallpaper or repaint the wall.

Design: Jena Zhdanova

How to Choose Paint?

Alexei Nemchinov, lead designer at Artique wallpaper and paint salon, advises not to be afraid of chemistry in the composition — without it, paint cannot be made. Most modern paints are water-based with acrylic pigments that provide the desired color.

Scary names like "titanium dioxide" and "iron oxide" are just white pigment and chemical compounds that give red color.

Paints with acrylic pigments can be used in children's rooms. Moreover, almost all interior paints priced slightly above average are completely safe.

Design: Jena Zhdanova

All paints have four levels of shine

• Ultra-matte, or ceiling paints. Not suitable for walls that get dirty quickly. Light stains can be cleaned with the soft side of a sponge.
• Matte. Have a beautiful velvet texture and deep, saturated color. They are also cleaned with the soft side of a sponge.
• Eggshell paints. Have barely noticeable shine, used for painting skirting boards and walls in children's rooms and hallways. Impact-resistant — they can be bumped by a stroller and cleaned with the firm side of a sponge.
• Glossy. Shine more than other types. It is better not to apply such paints yourself — they can highlight wall flaws.

Important Point

After applying paint, 14 days must pass — only then will it become impact-resistant. Also, do not forget to keep leftover paint after renovation to restore damaged areas if needed. Use a sponge and apply paint in circular motions from the center to the edges, not a brush.

Floors

Parquet and parquet boards are ideal options for a child's room. They are environmentally safe, warm, and beautiful.

Ivan Melekhov, co-owner of Finex company, explains that parquet can be made from solid wood or several materials.

In my work, I use solid wood and special parquet plywood pressed with elastic glue. In this case, parquet can be laid directly on a screed. It is also not afraid of moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Design: Jena Zhdanova

Best options are engineered boards laid on a perfectly flat screed or solid wood laid on eco-clean plywood. Also pay attention to the composition of the adhesive, oil, and varnish — they too must be safe.

What to Replace Varnish and Oil With?

The ideal finish for a child's room floor is wood wax, made from natural ingredients. Wood wax does not form a film on the parquet surface and preserves its warmth. If parquet needs restoration, the finish makes this easy (unlike varnish).