Why paint is more than a colour choice for your home and your health.

World Earth Day (22nd April) usually brings a flurry of promises of tree planting or eco-centric thinking. It’s encouraging on the surface—but much of it feels short-lived. In the world of decorating, I think the environmental impact of the industry is all too often glossed over (sorry), because paint can be pretty hard on the environment and for manufacturers, the least amount of publicity on that score, the better. As for consumers, it’s easier not to spend hours doing research. We trust that what’s in the tin can’t be that bad. Can it? What is healthy paint for your home?

Paint tends to be thought of as the finishing touch on a project, but we don’t always take time to consider that we live with, breathe in, and absorb it —physically. We prioritise choosing paint colour without considering that we are surrounding ourselves with these coatings on our walls and the reality is, we know precious little about them. Even having a little information on the materials we use and how they impact our wellbeing is surely a good thing.

Let’s look at why your wall paint might be one of the most important wellness decisions you make at home.

Low to No VOC Paints: What You Need to Know

You may have heard of VOCs (or Volatile Organic Compounds). If the term sounds a bit abstract, think about what happens when you fry an egg. That faint smoky haze is a kind of VOC—tiny airborne compounds released as the heat hits the fat. Now, your breakfast isn’t going to poison the air, but it does give you a sense of how easily things evaporate into our homes.

VOCs are known to affect indoor air quality and are linked to headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and even longer-term health risks with repeated exposure.  You’ll find VOCs in all sorts of everyday places – hairspray, scented candles, and the unmistakable tang of hair dye at the hairdressers.

I think we associate the universally familiar smell of fresh paint with positive associations like fresh starts and cleanliness – but those fumes are VOCs and hang around far longer than breakfast or a hair appointment. You might stop noticing the smell, but the off-gassing can carry on quietly for weeks, even months. Like an invisible house guest with questionable habits.

Paint with low or no VOCs can make a significant difference. Not just for the person doing the decorating, but for anyone spending time in that room afterwards—especially children, pets, and anyone with allergies or sensitivities. The language on the tins can get slippery though. ‘Low VOC’ doesn’t mean the same thing across every brand (or country for that matter). And ‘eco’ doesn’t always mean safe. It’s possible that some paints carry green credentials but still release harmful chemicals. Others cut VOCs but might compromise on breathability, trapping moisture in walls that themselves need to breathe—particularly important in older homes.

 How Long Do VOCs actually Linger?

One of the most common misconceptions is that once the smell disappears, the VOCs are gone too. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While the strongest off-gassing tends to occur in the first 24 to 72 hours after painting, VOCs can continue to be released—at lower levels—for several months, and in some cases up to a year.

The rate depends on several factors: the paint formulation, ventilation, humidity, temperature, and the number of coats applied. Water-based paints with low or zero VOCs off-gas far less and clear more quickly, especially if the space is well ventilated during and after application.

It’s one of the reasons I always encourage clients to time their decorating thoughtfully—especially in bedrooms, nurseries, or any room where people spend long stretches of time.

So what should you look for?

  • Clear labelling. Look for third-party certifications and check the VOC content in grams per litre (g/L).
  • Natural binders and pigments. Lime-based or clay paints often come with lower VOCs and excellent breathability.
  • Water-based paints. Not all water-based paints are VOC free, but water-based is on the whole better than oil-based for VOC levels. Other than very specialised issues there shouldn’t really be a need to use oil-based paints at all given the quality of modern alternatives.
  • Avoid synthetic ‘fragrance’. That clean paint smell is a sign of chemical additives, not freshness.

When I specify paints for a client’s home, I’m thinking beyond just colour. I look at breathability, coverage, composition, and yes—how it feels to live with. Some of the brands I come back to again and again are doing quiet, thoughtful work in this area. They’re not always the loudest voices in the sustainability space, but they’re making real progress.

Brands worth Knowing for Healthy Paint in your Home

Of course, once you start looking into healthier paints, the next question is where do I find them?   The information I’m providing is what I have found on paint tins & websites. Ultimately paint companies will choose which of their environmental credentials they promote – I know some of the information relating to ingredients and environmental impact can be hard to find. Here are some lesser known brands which are worth exploring – a mini supplier list is at the end of the article.

1 Auro Paints have been around since the 1980s. Their formulations are entirely plant- and mineral-based, free from synthetic chemicals and VOCs, and are even compostable — a level of integrity that’s rare in the industry. With breathable emulsions and finishes suited to both walls and woodwork, AURO are a go-to for those who value full ingredient transparency and a deep respect for the environment.

2 Graphenstone fuse heritage materials with pioneering technology. The paints are lime-based, naturally breathable and VOC-free, ideal for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. The addition of graphene — a lightweight, super-strong carbon material — boosts durability without compromising sustainability. Of note is their certification spanning Cradle to Cradle — this means their products are safe, sustainable, and fully reusable to green building guidelines, Graphenstone is a great choice for future-focused homes and sensitive renovations alike.

3 Earthborn are known for their gentle, clay-based paints that allow walls to breathe — helping to regulate humidity and support a more balanced indoor climate. Their VOC-free formulations are made without oils or acrylics, making them especially suited to older buildings. Known for their signature matt finish and classic muted palette, Earthborn combine softness with substance.

4 Edward Bulmer Natural Paint is led by interior designer and environmentalist Edward Bulmer, the range is made using natural pigments, plant-based binders, and without petrochemicals. The paint bases are in fact, made by Auro Paints, (see above) but the colour range is quite different with a strong grounding in historic palettes—ideal for older properties or homes with real character.

5 Victory Colours are another independent British brand with a real commitment to low-to-zero VOC formulas, Victory Colours make modern, high-performing paints. Their paints are labelled vegan, virtually odourless, and go on like a dream. If you’re looking for a more contemporary colour range and ethical backing, they will easily fit the bill.

6 Lakeland Paints the Lancashire-based manufacturer has been quietly leading the way in solvent-free, VOC-free paint since the 1980s—long before it was fashionable. Their range covers everything from emulsions to primers and specialist finishes, all rigorously tested for indoor air safety. It’s one of those rare companies where the ethics are baked in, not just tacked on. In a moment of showcasing just how safe their paints really are—co-founder Ian West once demonstrated by eating a spoonful of it. Yes, actual paint, off an actual spoon. I’m not recommending it as a snack, but it certainly makes a point. (It’s still there on You Tube somewhere if you look hard enough).

7 Little Knights offers a 100% VOC-free paint range, free from carcinogens, petrochemicals, and hazardous fumes. Designed with children’s health in mind, their paints are odour-free and safe for nurseries and bedrooms.

9 Atelier Ellis crafts deeply pigmented, bio-based paints that are fully breathable and virtually VOC-free — with levels as low as 0.07g/litre. Their formulations use natural binders like linseed and castor oil, and are free from harmful additives, making them a thoughtful choice for wellness-focused interiors. Every colour is tinted to order in their UK studio, ensuring minimal waste and maximum care.

9 Porter’s Paints provides a selection of low-VOC, water-based paints, including their Mineral Paint and Lime Wash, which are known for their natural finishes and reduced environmental impact.​

10 Graham & Brown manufacture a paint range that includes low-VOC, water-based options like their Resistance Ultra Matt, which boasts a French Indoor Air Class A+ rating.

There is currently no regulated definition of ‘organic’ in the paint world. So it’s not a wholly reliable benchmark on its own. What matters more is looking at the actual contents: the binders, pigments, solvents, and VOC levels. A paint can be marketed as organic and still contain ingredients that aren’t particularly healthy to live with—or environmentally sound.

So don’t be swayed by buzzwords. Ask questions, read the data sheets, and—when in doubt—choose brands that are transparent about what’s really inside the tin. The French have graded their VOCs from A+ to C for indoor air quality, with A+ being the cleanest. We don’t yet have a system like that in the UK, so it’s worth looking for third-party certifications or checking the VOC content directly on the label.

Your walls might not seem like the place to start when thinking about wellbeing and health. But they take up more space in your home than any other material. They surround you, day and night. It makes sense to give them thought.

Below you’ll find the finer details of all the above brands. I invite you to spend a little time researching before committing to your next project.  Thank you for your company as always, and until next time – happy, healthy decorating!

Supplier List
  1. Auro Paints
  1. Graphenstone UK
  1. Earthborn Paints
  1. Edward Bulmer Natural Paint
  1. Victory Colours
  1. Lakeland Paints
  1. Little Knights Paint
  1. Atelier Ellis
  1. Porter’s Paints (UK & Ireland Distributor)
  1. Graham & Brown

 Plus a couple of excellent, helpful specialist and general suppliers (UK)

The Organic & Natural Paint Company – Stockist of Auro, Graphenstone and Earthborn Paints. Owner Chris writes an excellent email once a month – worth subscribing in my opinion.

Brewers Decorator Centres – Nationwide supplier of paint and decorating equipment. I have been a customer of Brewers for years. Ever helpful, accommodating and knowledgable staff. Seasonal deals are available right now – April is a good month for discounts!