Low-Tox Life: 5 Tips for a low toxin home

The rooms where we sleep, refresh, and start or end our days should be our most restorative spaces. Yet these enclosed spaces can quietly harbour pollutants — from off- gassing finishes and synthetic fabrics to cleaning products that release irritants into the air.

Whether you’re embarking on a renovation or simply refreshing your interiors, creating a low-tox bedroom and bathroom begins with mindful choices.

With the right materials, ventilation, and styling, it is possible to design private living spaces that are as visually harmonious as they are healthy, supporting long-term wellbeing without sacrificing style.

What is Low-Tox Living?

In interior design, “low-tox” or low- toxicity refers to reducing exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, endocrine disruptors, and other synthetic irritants that may be present in building materials, furnishings, and everyday products.

Bedrooms and bathrooms deserve particular attention. These are enclosed areas where we spend long periods — sleeping, getting ready, or winding down — and where ventilation can be limited. Bathrooms, with their constant exposure to steam, also carry the additional risk of mould growth if not properly managed.

Common Home Toxins

A healthy-looking room can still be a source of indoor pollutants. Standard wall paints and sealants often release VOCs long after application. Synthetic bedding and foam mattresses can off-gas chemicals, particularly when new.

In bathrooms, PVC-based cabinetry and vinyl shower curtains contain phthalates, while poorly ventilated layouts encourage mould. Even seemingly innocuous items—like fragranced cleaning sprays or plug-in diffusers—can introduce carcinogens into the air.

Air Quality

Fresh air is a cornerstone of a healthy home. We love Daikin’s iSmile Eco+ air-conditioning system, which is equipped with Streamer Technology to break down allergens and odours, plus a mould-proof function that dries up condensation from the inside of the unit and prevents mould growth.

Pair it with the Daikin MCK70 air purifier, which has a high-performance filter that can capture and remove dust, allergens, bacteria, and viruses, all while adding gentle humidification — ideal for balancing air moisture levels, keeping skin hydrated, and maintaining a comfortable breathing environment.

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Designing with Health in Mind

The simplest path to a low-tox home begins with mindful materials

Choosing VOC-free or low-VOC paints helps maintain cleaner indoor air from the outset. Gush Paints offers non-toxic, anti-mould, and air- purifying formulations, while Nippon Paint Odour-less Medifresh adds antimicrobial protection in a low-VOC base. For a zero-VOC alternative, Benjamin Moore Natura is certified asthma- and allergy-friendly.

In soft furnishings, natural fibres bring everyday luxury without chemical finishes or microplastics. Local labels such as Sunday Bedding and SOJAO offer 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, while Weavve Home provides OEKO-TEX certified Tencel and cotton sateen sets.

Heveya combines organic cotton and linen bedding with plush GOTS-certified towels — and extends its low-tox ethos into the bedroom with natural organic latex mattresses, certified free from harmful substances.

For alternatives, Sofzsleep also offers pure latex mattresses that are non-toxic, allergen-free, and anti-bacterial.

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Pair these with FSC-certified timber bedframes from Originals Furniture or Mountain Living to complete an eco- conscious foundation.

Built-ins and cabinetry can either undermine or strengthen a low-tox design. Look for formaldehyde-free boards and low-emission sealants. Local studios such as The Merry Men and Kastel are known for sustainable carpentry, while laminates from Formica carry both GREENGUARD and Singapore Green label certifications.

For window treatments and upholstery, untreated natural fabrics provide warmth and tactility without added chemicals. Aratamete and The Curtain Boutique both offer organic cotton and linen options that pair eco-friendly durability with understated elegance.

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Low-Tox Bathroom

Natural finishes such as stone, ceramic, or recycled tiles resist mould and are easy to maintain — RiceLAB and Hafary carry eco-certified selections. Swap out vinyl shower curtains for tempered glass enclosures, or opt for washable linen panels from Vinkenn.

Keeping eco-friendly cleaning products within reach makes them easier to choose over harsh chemicals. Options from Ecover, Seventh Generation, and Singapore retailer The Green Collective are safe, effective, and family-friendly.

Accessories made from untreated or repurposed materials — think solid timber hooks, woven jute baskets, or rattan stools — add tactile warmth while keeping toxins at bay. In both rooms, restraint in styling can help prevent dust build-up and make cleaning simpler.

4 Low-Tox Certifications to Look Out For

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Certifies textiles are organic and sustainably produced
• GREENGUARD Gold: Verifies low chemical emissions for healthy indoor air quality.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Confirms wood products come from responsibly managed forests.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Guarantees textiles are tested for harmful substances.

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