Indoor air quality in hotels: what role for wall coverings?

In a hotel, the quality of a stay depends not only on what is visible. It is also perceived in a room that is pleasant to breathe, without lingering odors of paint, glue or cleaning products.

As we approach National Air Quality Day on October 14, one question deserves special attention: what role do wall coverings play in the indoor air quality of a hotel?

The comfort of a room sometimes begins with what you don't notice.

Dans un hôtel, la qualité de l’air intérieur repose sur une approche globale : limiter les émissions à la source, renouveler l’air et choisir les matériaux avec attention. Illustration d’ambiance.

Indoor air quality in hotels depends on several factors

A hotel room is a unique environment. It accommodates different people in succession, sometimes remains closed for several hours, and is frequently cleaned. Textiles, furniture, cleaning products, air fresheners, and finishing materials all contribute to its interior environment.

Temperature, humidity, and air exchange also influence perceived comfort. Insufficient ventilation can promote the accumulation of pollutants or humidity. Conversely, good ventilation helps to remove some of the substances present in the air.

Indoor air quality therefore never depends on a single product. It must be considered as the result of a comprehensive approach combining design, choice of materials, ventilation, maintenance and daily use.

Wall coverings can also be a source of emissions.

Walls occupy a significant surface area in a bedroom, hallway, or reception area. Therefore, their finish should not be chosen solely based on color or decorative appearance.

Some paints, glues, resins, varnishes, or finishes can emit volatile organic compounds. These emissions are likely to be more pronounced after application, especially when a space is put back into service too quickly.

In a hotel establishment, the issue is particularly sensitive. A recently renovated room must be able to regain a welcoming atmosphere without imposing a strong new product smell on the guest.

Choosing low-emission wall coverings allows you to address the problem at its source. While it doesn't solve all air quality issues on its own, it's a coherent decision within a responsible renovation project.

How to choose a coating that promotes good indoor air quality?

The regulatory label relating to volatile pollutant emissions is a first indicator. The classification ranges from A+, corresponding to the lowest emission level, to C, which indicates a higher level.

This information facilitates comparison between products, but it should not be the only criterion considered. Composition, the possible presence of solvents, the products required for application, and the conditions of implementation must also be examined.

Particular attention can be paid to the following elements:

• the product's classification regarding emissions into indoor air;

• its composition and the clarity of the available technical information;

• the absence or limitation of solvents and highly emissive substances;

• the nature of the adhesives, undercoats or additional protective coatings;

• the recommended drying and ventilation time before putting back into service;

• the ease of surface maintenance;

• its compatibility with the usage constraints of the establishment.

A suitable finish is one whose performance truly matches the space in question. The needs are not the same in a bedroom, a bathroom, a restaurant, a busy hallway, or a reception area.

What role does ABSOLIN play in this process?

ABSOLIN is a bio-based decorative coating formulated primarily from micronized flax, lime, and marble powder. Its material allows for the creation of mineral and textured surfaces suitable for understated, warm, or more assertive interiors.

Its A+ rating for indoor air emissions and its positioning without volatile organic compounds address an important concern: limiting emissions associated with wall finishes.

However, this characteristic does not allow a coating to be presented as a standalone air purification solution. The air quality in a hotel always depends on the entire building, its ventilation system, the products used, the humidity, and maintenance practices.

In a hotel project, ABSOLIN can thus find its place as one of the components of a more global approach: choosing a decorative finish with an identified composition, limiting sources of emissions and creating an atmosphere consistent with the identity of the establishment.

Textures, shades, and material effects can be defined based on samples and preliminary tests. This step allows validation of the coating's appearance under real lighting conditions, as well as its suitability for the room's intended use.

Ventilation remains essential

Even when a facility chooses low-emission materials, air renewal remains essential.

After work is completed, a sufficient drying and ventilation period must be allowed before the rooms are put back into service. During operation, ventilation systems must be properly maintained and air inlets must not be obstructed.

Natural ventilation can complement this system when the building's configuration allows. It remains particularly useful after cleaning a room, using scented products, or after a prolonged period of occupancy.

The maintenance teams also play an important role. Choosing appropriate products, respecting dosages, and limiting overpowering air fresheners all contribute to maintaining a more neutral and comfortable atmosphere.

Integrate air quality from the start of the project

The issue of air quality should be addressed before the final choice of finishes. It can be included in the specifications provided to architects, decorators, companies, and suppliers.

For each material, it is then possible to request the available technical data, to check the application conditions and to anticipate the time needed before the spaces can be reopened.

This preparation avoids having to address the issue once the work is completed. It also allows for a more considered decision regarding aesthetics, operational constraints, durability, and interior comfort.

In the hotel industry, the quality of a place lies in the visible details, but also in the more subtle sensations. Choosing low-emission wall coverings doesn't replace ventilation. However, it contributes to a coherent approach: reducing emissions at the source and designing spaces where both guests and staff can feel comfortable.

Are you planning the renovation or transformation of a hotel space? ABSOLIN can assist you in studying the colors, textures, and samples best suited to your project. Contact: +33 5 46 99 04 51.

The wall contributes to the quality of a space, but it never replaces air renewal.