Painting the Future:
7 Sustainable and 100% Toxic-Free Paints for a Greener Home
At Grace and Holmes we believe that elegance meets sustainability! As a passionate advocate for creating beautiful, healthy fusion homes, I’m thrilled to share my top recommendations for sustainable, 100% toxic-free paints that will elevate your space while caring for our planet. Here are my favourite brands, each offering unique benefits and stunning colours to bring your interior dreams to life.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Paint?
Non-toxic paints are essential for maintaining a healthy home environment. Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can release harmful chemicals into the air for years after application.
These chemicals contribute to indoor air pollution, which, according to the World Health Organisation, can be up to five times higher than outdoor air pollution. This can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, and even long-term chronic diseases.
Choosing non-toxic, low-VOC paints helps reduce these risks, ensuring a safer living space for you and your loved ones.
So let's take a look at my faves, in no particualr order and feel free to comment below.
1. MYNT Paints: Eco-Friendly Elegance
Credit: MYNT
Partnering with MYNT has been an absolute joy! Their paints are crafted from natural ingredients, ensuring a healthy home environment free from harmful toxins. MYNT’s stunning palette offers something for every taste, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your space. They have a beautiful colour book which makes it a joy to choose your shade. Write me for more details and a VIP bonus.
Pro Tip: MYNT paints have a beautiful finish that can transform even the simplest room into a sophisticated sanctuary. Try their soft, neutral shades for a calming bedroom retreat or bold hues to make a statement in your living room.
2. Farrow & Ball: Rich Colours, Sustainable Practices
Credit: FB
Farrow & Ball’s water-based, low-VOC paints are known for their rich, deep colours that are hard wearing and add timeless elegance to any room. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that you can enjoy luxurious finishes without compromising on eco-friendliness.
Pro Tip: Farrow & Ball's paints are perfect for creating accent walls. Pair their bold hues with neutral tones for a balanced, sophisticated look that draws attention without overwhelming the space.
3. Earthborn Paints: Breathable and Organic
Credit: Earthborn Painta
Earthborn from the UK offers clay-based, breathable paints that are as kind to your walls as they are to the planet. Their formula ensures a flawless finish with no harmful emissions, making them an excellent choice for a healthy home.
Pro Tip: Earthborn’s paints are great for kitchens and bathrooms due to their breathability, which helps prevent mould and mildew. Their claypaint range is also fantastic for adding texture and depth to your walls.
4. Little Greene: Heritage Meets Sustainability 
Credit: Little Greene
Little Greene from my hometown of Manchester, combines historical charm with modern eco-friendliness. Their low-VOC paints not only look beautiful but also contribute to preserving the UK’s historic sites through their donations to the National Trust.
Pro Tip: Use Little Greene’s colour collections inspired by historical interiors to add a touch of classic elegance to your home. Their curated palettes make it easy to create a cohesive look that’s both timeless and trendy.
5. Eico Paints: Ethical and Non-Toxic 
Credit: EICO
Eico Paints prioritise ethical production and non-toxic ingredients. Their extensive range of colours and finishes makes them a versatile choice for any project, big or small.
Pro Tip: Eico’s paints are perfect for nurseries and children’s rooms due to their non-toxic, safe formulation. Opt for their playful, vibrant colours to create a fun and inspiring space for your little ones.
6. Lick Paints: Simplicity and Quality
Credit: Lick
Lick Paints also in the UK (sorry, I'm biased!) are all about simplicity and quality. Their low-VOC paints are safe for your family and the environment, with easy-to-use peel-and-stick samples that take the guesswork out of choosing the right colour.
Pro Tip: Lick’s peel-and-stick samples are a game-changer! Use them to test colours in different lighting conditions throughout the day before committing. This ensures you’ll love the shade in every light.
7. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint: Luxurious and Sustainable
Credit: EB
Edward Bulmer offers luxurious, natural paints made from sustainable ingredients. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and historic colour expertise makes them a unique choice for eco-conscious decorators. Only availabe in the UK unfortuntely, but I'm working on it!
Pro Tip: Edward Bulmer’s paints are ideal for period homes and restoration projects. Their historically accurate colours can help you maintain the character of your home while updating it with a fresh, eco-friendly touch.
Five Reasons Why Non-Toxic Paint and Interiors are Better for Your Health
Credit: EB
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Improved Indoor Air Quality: Non-toxic paints release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), significantly reducing indoor air pollution. Cleaner air leads to fewer respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies, and promotes overall well-being.
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Reduced Risk of Chronic Illnesses: Prolonged exposure to the chemicals in conventional paints can lead to chronic health problems, including liver and kidney damage, as well as certain cancers. Non-toxic paints help mitigate these risks by eliminating harmful substances.
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Safer for Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly sensitive to toxins. Using non-toxic paints ensures a safer environment for these vulnerable groups, promoting healthier development and living conditions.
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Prevention of Acute Symptoms: Traditional paints can cause immediate symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to the strong odours and chemicals they emit. Non-toxic paints, with their low odour and chemical-free composition, prevent these acute reactions.
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Enhanced Mental Well-being: A healthier environment contributes to better mental health. Breathing clean air and living in a toxin-free space can reduce stress and improve mood, leading to a more positive and peaceful home atmosphere.
G&H Tips for a Sustainable Painting Project
- Upcycle Old Paint: Instead of disposing of leftover paint, consider blending similar shades to create a unique, custom colour. This reduces waste and can add a bespoke touch to your décor.
- Natural Cleaning: Clean brushes and rollers using natural soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals which can pollute water systems.
- Eco-Friendly Tools: Invest in brushes and rollers made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo handles and recycled bristles.
- Digital Colour Planning: Use digital apps to visualise paint colours in your space before purchasing. This reduces the likelihood of waste and ensures you choose the perfect shade the first time.
Why Sustainable Paint Matters
Credit: EB
Using sustainable paints supports environmental conservation by reducing the carbon footprint associated with production and disposal. Non-toxic paints protect our health by minimising exposure to harmful chemicals, ensuring cleaner indoor air quality. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental risks to public health, and using low-VOC paints is a significant step towards mitigating this risk.
Additional Tips for a Sustainable Painting Project
- Prep with Purpose: Before you start painting, make sure to use eco-friendly prep materials like biodegradable drop cloths and non-toxic primers. Proper preparation ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.
- Maximise Natural Light: Choose lighter, reflective colours to enhance natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. This not only saves energy but also creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
- Ventilation is Key: Even with non-toxic paints, proper ventilation is crucial. Keep windows open during and after painting to ensure fresh air circulation.
- Reuse and Recycle: Leftover paint? Store it properly for touch-ups or donate it to community projects. Recycle empty paint cans according to local guidelines to minimise waste.
Creating a beautiful, healthy living space doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. By choosing sustainable, 100% toxic-free paints, you’re investing in your home’s future and the planet’s well-being as well as yours.
For more home décor tips and sustainable living ideas, visit Grace and Holmes.
Paint the Future was first published here at www.graceandholmes.com
Photos: PR