Window Treatments & Wellness: VOCs, Microbial Fabrics & Certifications That Matter

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Wellness design is about more than just clean air and organic materials. It’s in the details, including the window treatments. As more homeowners and designers prioritize healthy home environments, material transparency and environmental safety have become essential parts of creating well-designed spaces.

At Savannah Window Fashions, we support interior designers and homeowners who prioritize sustainability and wellness by helping them source materials and products with intention. With years of experience working with textiles and trusted vendors, we focus on certifications and features that contribute to healthier interiors, without compromising on beauty or performance. Here are some of the most important considerations when specifying window treatments for wellness-driven spaces.

VOCs: The Invisible Design Risk

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can off-gas from certain fabrics, adhesives, and finishes. Over time, VOCs contribute to indoor air pollution, a serious concern in bedrooms, nurseries, and vacation homes that are closed up for long periods.

Window treatments, particularly those that are motorized, laminated, or treated for performance, can be an unexpected source of VOCs. That’s why we work with suppliers who offer low- or no-VOC products. It’s one of the ways we help our clients breathe a little easier.

Wellness Design Certifications That Matter

When considering fabrics, linings, or even shades, we look for certifications that support wellness design principles and guarantee low chemical emissions and the use of sustainably sourced or recycled materials:

GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold: These certifications focus on indoor air quality by ensuring products meet stringent limits for chemical emissions, including over 10,000 VOCs and formaldehyde. The Gold standard is especially beneficial for homes with children or individuals with sensitivities.

  • OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: This label certifies that every component of the finished textile product has been tested and is free from harmful substances. Products certified at Class I meet the strictest standards, including safety for babies and toddlers.

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): One of the most trusted certifications for organic textiles, GOTS ensures products contain high percentages of certified organic fibers, prohibits toxic chemicals, and mandates responsible manufacturing practices.

  • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): For wood and bamboo treatments, FSC certification guarantees the materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS) / Recycled Claim Standard (RCS): These standards verify that a product contains verified recycled content and meets environmental and social criteria in the supply chain.

  • Cradle to Cradle Certified™: This certification assesses products across the entire lifecycle, including material health, circularity, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness.

These certifications allow designers to confidently specify materials that align with wellness goals and meet client expectations.

Important Features for Wellness-Focused Window Treatments

Low-VOC Materials: Choose fabrics, finishes, and linings that naturally have low emissions or are processed to minimize off-gassing, helping to maintain indoor air quality.

  • Natural and Sustainable Fibers: Organic cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo are renewable and grow with minimal or no pesticides, making them smart wellness choices.

  • Avoid Harmful Additives: Look for products free from flame retardants, formaldehyde finishes, PFAS-based stain treatments, and PVC or vinyl coatings, all of which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

  • Energy Efficiency: Options like cellular or honeycomb shades can improve insulation and reduce HVAC use, while motorized systems can be integrated into smart homes for energy savings.

  • Durability: High-quality materials that last longer reduce replacement cycles and contribute to a lower environmental footprint over time.

Wellness Design in the Low Country Climate

In Savannah, Bluffton, and the surrounding coastal communities, high humidity, heat, and salt air add complexity to material selection. These conditions can affect air quality and fabric longevity.

We help clients and trade partners select materials and linings that support both wellness and durability, resisting mildew, offering UV protection, and holding up in coastal conditions.

Supporting Wellness Without Limiting Design Options

Designing for wellness doesn’t mean sacrificing style. We offer a wide range of certified natural fibers, antimicrobial linings, and low-VOC performance materials from trusted vendors that meet both the functional needs and visual goals of a space. Our curated fabric library includes selections that align with wellness design without limiting creative expression.

Let’s Create Healthier Homes Together

Whether you’re designing a new build, renovating a historic property, or furnishing a second home in the Low Country, Savannah Window Fashions can help you specify custom window treatments that support the health and well-being of your clients.

We’re here to guide you through the options, provide certified materials, and ensure every decision supports your vision and your values.