Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Decorating With Allergies in Mind

Itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and sneezing are abundant this time of year.  People who suffer from allergies tend to hide indoors during the springtime in an effort to find some relief.  So the question becomes, how should you decorate to help reduce allergy symptoms?

Marc Williams Furniture has done the research for you!  We have scoured through articles written by allergy specialists, doctors from the Mayo Clinic, and more.  Here's what they say:
  • No knick knacks!  Ok, maybe a few, but limit them to a few favorites.  Knick knacks are wonderful dust collectors and they catch allergens such as dander and pollen too.
  •  Leather is the way to go.  Upholstered furniture will trap allergens.  If you have severe allergens, you may want to completely avoid upholstery, but for mild to moderate allergies frequent vacuuming should be sufficient.
  • Say no to carpets! Again, mild allergy sufferers may be fine with carpeting as long they vacuum frequently and change the vacuum bag after each use.
  • Hardwood floors have nowhere for allergens to hide and are easy to clean which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers.  Smooth stone such as highly polished marble or granite is another good choice. Porcelain and ceramic tile are also good, but be sure the grout between the tiles is kept in good repair to avoid trapping moisture and allergens.
  • Window treatments hold allergens as well so consider fabric, ruffles, and styles here as well.  Again, proper and frequent cleaning can help.
All of us at Marc Williams Furniture hope these tips help you have a comfortable and happy spring!

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