IQ? No, IAQ—Why Indoor Air Quality Matters More Than You Think
Did you know that up to 80% of the dirt, dust, and pollutants in your home come from the outside—mostly on the bottoms of your shoes?
If you’ve never thought about your entryway as a first line of defense for a healthier home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners focus on aesthetics but overlook indoor air quality (IAQ) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ)—two essential factors in creating a comfortable, healthy living space.
At Fulton Design & Construction, we believe in designing homes that are not only beautiful but also contribute to your well-being. A well-thought-out entryway can make a surprising difference in reducing allergens, pollutants, and cleaning time—while also adding to the overall design and functionality of your home.
The Impact of Entryway Systems on IAQ
Every time you step inside, you bring in microscopic particles from outside—dirt, pollen, bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, and even toxins from roadways and industrial areas. These contaminants don’t just stay on the floor; they become airborne, affecting the air you breathe and potentially leading to allergies, respiratory issues, and overall poor indoor air quality.
The good news? A simple, well-planned entryway system can significantly reduce these contaminants and improve your home's health.
During a recent trip to Switzerland with This Old House and Siga North America, we visited Holzbauschweiz, a trade school specializing in timber frame construction and carpentry. One feature that stood out was the entryway matting system, designed to capture dirt and debris before they spread indoors. Check out our Instagram page for photos of the entryway system they implemented. While this was in a school setting, the same principle applies to homes.
How to Design a Healthier Entryway
You don’t need to retrofit a permanent entryway system to improve your indoor air quality. Here are three easy ways to upgrade your entryway for a cleaner, healthier home:
✔ Use a High-Quality Outdoor Mat: A 100% natural coir doormat (made from coconut fibers) is excellent for scraping dirt and debris off shoes before entering.
✔ Layer with an Indoor Mat: A large decorative rug inside the entryway helps capture any remaining dust and moisture. For best results, choose a washable, low-VOC rug that complements your home’s design or a natural fiber rug, like jute to capture additional dirt and particles.
✔ Keep It Clean: Even the best mats won’t do their job if they’re loaded with dirt. Vacuum or shake out mats regularly and clean floors often to prevent buildup.
✔ Consider a Shoes-Off Approach (or Not!): While some households swear by a shoes-off policy to reduce indoor contaminants, it’s really a personal choice. If you prefer to keep shoes on, a well-placed mat system goes a long way in minimizing what gets tracked inside.
Every Effort Counts
Small, intentional design choices can have a lasting impact on indoor air quality, cleaning efforts, and overall comfort. At Fulton Design & Construction, we integrate these principles into every project—because a well-designed home should support both aesthetic beauty and healthy living.
Want expert guidance on designing a healthier, more functional entryway? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s create a home that’s as beautiful as it is healthy.
